Photo ©2011 and Commentary ©2026 by Chuck Davis
Monday, June 22, 2026
My father grew up on the north end of Devils Lake on the outskirts of what is now Lincoln City, Oregon. I remember his stories about the swans the frequented the dock where he learned to swim. I recall him saying, “Beautiful creatures, but not when they are chasing you. They will bite you or beat you with their wings.” Today’s photo shows a swan in its best mood, gently moving across placid waters. The ripples the swan is creating form the basis for today’s Photo Parable.
The good news of the gospel centers on the Birth, the Life, the Ministry, the Death, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ripples flowed from the Wise Men and the Shepherds who witnessed His Birth. Additional ripples formed in those who met Him as a child in the temple. A host of disciples fed on the ripples of His teachings. Somber ripples formed as others saw him on the day He died. Powerful ripples formed at an empty tomb.
Over time, the ripples of the gospel have waxed and waned. At times, the ripples traveled slowly, gently. At other times, the fierce nature of the swan arose. Regardless, the ripples will continue until the whole surface of the pond is affected.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15 NIV). The mission continues: Add a pebble – let your ripples join mine to create waves.