The symbol of a pure white dove transcends all cultures and traditions. White doves are symbolic of new beginnings, peace, fidelity, love, comfort, and prosperity. For thousands of years, doves have been released at ceremonies and celebrations making the event more meaningful.
In Genesis chapter 8, we see a trustworthy bird. Noah used a dove to send out of the Ark to find out if there was dry land. He sent a dove because he knew the dove would return if the earth was still covered with water. The first time she found no rest, and returned to the Ark. After 7 days he sent her out again. This time she came back with an olive leaf signifying that the waters had receded. He waited another 7 days and released her, again. This time she did not return. Noah knew there must now be dry land.
Genesis 8:8-12 “Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.”
At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit took on the form of a dove. As Jesus came up out of the water, He flew down upon Him. Here we have the Trinity all together: Jesus, the Son in bodily form; the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove; and God the Father speaking. The dove is an emblem of purity, innocence, gentleness, humility, meekness, and comfort. Jesus is and was the embodiment of all these traits. Jesus is our example, and the spirit with which he was endowed is the same Spirit that dwells within those who believe in Him. This dove represented all that God wishes us to be as an ambassador for Him.
Luke 3:22 “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee, I am well pleased.”
Another attribute of the dove that we should embody, is to be used as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 1:14 it was the link between those that were poor and God. The dove was used as a sacrifice, at the temple, by those who could not afford animals. The dove symbolized God’s provision for everyone who would come. From the poorest to the richest God accepted them all. We should be willing to be a sacrifice for the cause of Christ. To be used for His glory is such an honor.
The dove also has a trait that is rare in our time period. They are monogamous, they mate for life. For some that is a long time. The oldest banded dove tracked in the United States was a little over 30 years old. That’s much, much, longer than most humans stay married to one mate! We can learn much from the dove.
In studies, doves have proven to be wonderful parents. Doves build their home together. They work together equally to raise their young. They do not leave them alone until they are fully capable of taking care of themselves. Most birds are done with their young as soon as they are able to fly out of the nest. As Parents, we are to train our children. We are not to release them into the world without the skills needed to be a successful Christian adult. The admonition is given to parents in Proverbs 22:6.
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Doves were chosen by God to be the creature used as a messenger. A creature that represented faithfulness, gentleness, meekness, humility, loyalty, purity, and was used sacrificially.
Oh, that we would learn to be a dove!
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