Geese are pretty amazing birds. Every afternoon, just before dark, a large flock flies directly over our church in their typical “V” formation as they head to a nearby pond. I’ve always been amazed at the numerous reasons why they fly in such a formation. As each goose flaps its wings, it creates lift for the bird immediately behind it thus allowing the entire flock a much greater range of distance per flight verses them flying alone.

So why all of the information about geese? Simple, this logic applies to the church. See, when a goose falls out of formation, it immediately feels resistance because of the lack of lift and will quickly pull back in a spot. The real question is do we have as much sense as a goose? If so, we will stay in the community that helps lift us up.

Also, when the lead goose gets tired, it rotates to the very back of the formation and another goose takes its spot. This way, not one bird has to carry the entire load on its shoulders. They share the burden of leading so they can cover more ground. This principle speaks for itself.

As we look at geese we might be inclined to think that it seems like an easy life for geese, but that isn’t so. They, like us, encounter different trials. When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese will typically fall out of formation with the ill goose to protect it. They stay with the goose until it’s either able to fly again or dies. They will then strike out and find another flock to join until they can catch up with their flock. So I ask again, do we have as much sense as a goose?

Matthew 16:18 tells us, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Church, Jesus gave us a promise. It’s time for us to learn from the geese and create a community that knows it will ultimately be victorious.