Why a dove?

Another recycled post, but I feel new light on it today...

I grew up on a ten acre farm. It was a great place to grow up, with tons of fun animals crawling, waddling and flying around. When I was around ten years old, my mom found a baby turtle dove that had been abandoned. After trying unsuccessfully to put it back in the nest, we decided to raise the naked, ugly chick ourselves. It was time consuming, messy, sometimes too frustrating and tiring, but like raising any baby, it was definitely worth it. We named the little bird Abdul- (an eccentric old British lady suggested the name, and it stuck). Right away we began to see the most interesting little personality emerge. Anyone who says animals are not intelligent, has never spent any time getting to know one. He was so funny and cute, (yes, cute- pinfeathers and all!) We had Abdul for about ten years, and he spent endless hours flying around our house, riding on our shoulders, holidays exploring the Christmas tree, and sometimes irritating us, but always devoted and affectionate. I am extremely grateful for the time we spent with him, and even more now in recent years as the Lord has taught me about Himself through that wonderful bird. 

A while ago, I was pondering the story of Jesus baptism. I wondered out loud why the Holy Spirit came down to Jesus in the form of a dove. I've heard many theories on this, and none of them seemed to satisfy the question in my heart. (Not saying they're wrong, but I felt there was more to it.) The prophetic part of me was like: "Lord, why didn't you swoop down as a mighty eagle, with penetrating eyes, and a booming, thunderous voice declaring: 'THIS IS MY SON!!!!!'" I had heard such theories as how a dove is easily frightened, so Jesus was gentle and did not frighten the bird away. He was, but also cleared the temple with whips- an image that is frightening when you think about it. I've heard how a dove symbolizes peace, and Jesus is the Prince of Peace. True, but I felt there was more. The Lord reminded me about Abdul in answer to my question, so I spent some time thinking about this bird who was a family member, and whom I knew extremely well. 

When Abdul was grown, he decided that he would like to start courting. He chose many different objects, animals or people at different times. He would coo and do his courting dance for hours, and once he had chosen his 'true love', he had undivided focus on that one. He was a very persistent courter. If you were the object of his desire, he would pursue you tirelessly. no matter how far you would run, or where you would hide, he would find you and try his hardest to get through to you that you were what he desired most in his life. Along with that, he was extremely jealous for your attention. This became a nuisance when he would choose you for that day, and you would have to talk on the phone, or wash dishes, or any task where your attention would not be on him. He would pursue all the harder, even pecking at you if he had to, to get your attention! This is far from the easily frightened, peaceful bird theorized about at Jesus baptism. I'm sure there's a lot more profound reasons why God chose a dove to represent His Spirit that day, but I am extremely encouraged and excited about the things God showed me through our time with Abdul. 

I am extremely thankful that Holy Spirit pursues us persistently and tirelessly, no matter how we feel, how distracted we get, and where we try to hide. He is right there with us, trying to get through to us how much He desires intimacy with us. Wow, we are His heart's desire- no matter what. He is not easily frightened or pushed away, he keeps courting us. 

Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; 

If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

If I settle on the far side of the sea, 

Even there your hand will guide me, 

Your right hand will hold me fast. 

Psalm 139:7-10