Day 4 – Four Calling Birds

The traditional interpretation of the “four calling birds” is that they represent the four Gospels that call out the good news of Jesus. Written by four different men through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, each book has a unique voice and theme. To represent them, I chose four song birds in modern Israel.

For Matthew, I chose the Great Tit. This bird is one of the most recognizable in Israel and lives there year around due to a special ability to warm its internal body temperature in response to cold weather. The bird loves people and clusters in populated areas where it sings its over 70 songs and vocalizations. Matthew the Evangelist was a Jew and one of the apostles. He knew well the land and history of the Hebrews; the theme of his writing was revealing Jesus as the King of the Jews and the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies.

For Mark, I chose the Arabian Babbler. This communal bird is seldom alone and found along dry riverbeds. Although visually plain, a special trait of the Arabian Babbler is its drive to help other babblers whether in nest building or feeding young. How fitting that the Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus as the Son of God who suffers to save others! Also, while the shortest of the gospels and in some ways the least ornamented writing, Mark is also the first gospel written and influenced the writing of Matthew and Luke.

For Luke, I chose the Eurasian Collared Dove. Native to Europe, this species has now spread across the world. The dove has a commonly recognized three-note song but will also screech to other birds who are in harm’s way. The comparisons here are easy. The Gospel of Luke was written by a Gentile, likely a Greek in Syria, and took as its theme that Jesus is Savior of the world. The good news born in Zion goes forth to heal all nations!

For John, I chose the Common Chaffinch. As its name indicates, these birds are ubiquitous in Israel. They especially congregate around bird feeders. They like people and grow tame over time; in fact, they will flutter closely around humans as they come outside to refill the feeders. The Common Chaffinch’s song is so very beautiful that groups of these birds are known as “Charm.” The Apostle John was deeply personable – beloved of Jesus and given charge to care for his mother, Mary – and also close to the other disciplines – recorded in such details as beating Peter in a foot race! The Gospel of John is my favorite for the beauty of its writing and the way it explores the mystical nature of Jesus as the Word and the Lamb of God who brings eternal life. Charm only begins to do this book justice.

Bethany Miller, watercolor, ink, and colored pencil, 2024