The Dove of Peace

Ernest Rosa (580)271-8660

‘Though they stay among the sheepfolds-the wings of a dove covered with silver, its pinions with green gold.”

Psalm 68:13, R.S.V.

“The homes in Palestine are built with flat roofs. Mounting the outside stairs, the family often enjoys the cool evening air from the rooftop. In many homes the roof is also a place of storage. Broken pieces of earthenware, black with soot and dust, are piled against the wall. Inside these disorderly piles of broken pots are many spaces that make ideal roosting places for pigeons and doves. Though the broken pottery collects dirt, the doves inside remain clean and beautiful. The filthy environment doesn’t spoil their spotless beauty. When the doves fly from their unsightly roosts into the sun-shine, their wings reflect the light, shining like silver and yellow gold. Emerging from junk and filth, only their loveliness is seen.

When you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart, no matter how dirty you are before He enters, He’ll come in and transform you. Your character will be made beautiful by the same God who made the beautiful doves of Palestine.

Some young people worry that the Holy Spirit won’t find their soiled hearts. If they knew the habits of the dove they would realize their concern is needless. When the Spirit of God rested like a dove of burnished gold over the head of Christ at His baptism, it was a most fitting emblem. The dove, like all members of the pigeon family, has a strong homing instinct.

It will fly swiftly through all kinds of stormy weather, dark-ness, and mountain barriers directly to its roost. In like manner, nothing will prevent the Holy Spirit from reaching anyone who longs to have

Him make His home in his heart.

The dove that Noah sent from the ark after the Flood could find no safe place to rest. So it returned to the ark. Just so, the Spirit will not abide in a heart that is disturbed with passion and conflict. The heavenly Dove will only live where there is peace and quiet assurance, a heart stayed on Christ. If you want the Spirit to live in your heart you must let go of all the disturbing elements in your life. Prepared to accept Him, you can pray with the unknown poet, “Heavenly Dove, within my bosom

Make Thy home and find Thy rest.”” Stop, Look & Listen pg. 23