"Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God" (Psalm 84:3).

It is a well-known fact that "small birds lived undisturbed within the precincts of the temple." Perhaps the Psalmist was thinking of this as he expressed his longing for the courts of the Lord. His fainting heart and flesh cried out for the living God. He saw the sparrow and swallow resting securely in these lovely tabernacles of God. Was not nature itself teaching him, by some of God's smallest creatures, where true safety, rest and joy were to be found?

The Lord Jesus speaks of sparrows in Matthew 10:29: "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your heavenly Father." On the one hand the apparent little worth of the bird is indicated; on the other its value by the Father is clearly seen. Blessed, indeed, is the person who realizes his true, ruined condition of utter weakness as that of the sparrow, and the value the Father has placed upon him by the provision He has made for him.

The swallow is known for its restlessness, yet it is endowed with a marvelous sense of direction as a migratory bird. In Jeremiah 8:7 we read, "The swallow observe the time of their coming." Blessed, indeed, is the person who realizes his restless wanderlust that carried him far from God; and now longing for rest, he finds a nest in the courts of the Lord.

The altars no doubt have reference to the brazen altar of sacrifice that stood in the court, and to the golden incense altar in the holy place where the incense of prayers and praises were offered to God. In each case, Christ—His person and work—is symbolized. The brazen altar typifies Christ who gave Himself an offering for our sins on the cross of Calvary. The golden altar of incense typifies Christ who now lives in glory. He is the One through whom all prayers and praises arise to the Father on behalf of those who have, as the sparrow and swallow, flown to Him for salvation, refuge, rest and comfort.

The person and work of Christ are the only nest of security and rest for the worthless, restless sinner. The Lord Jesus still declares in love to all: "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matt. 11:28,29).

HAVE YOU FOUND A NEST? If not, turn to HIM now, for you need HIM more than anything else. When you do, then you will be able to say with the Psalmist: "Blessed [happy] are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee" (Psalm 84:4).