"Another analogy in the Scripture concerning the uniqueness of the Church is that of the prophet Jeremiah who quoted God as saying, ‘Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her...’ (Jer. 12:9). It is a generally common reaction of birds, animals, and, yes, sometimes humans, to react adversely to one among them which is different… In the Old Testament, Israel was God’s heritage and in the New Testament it is His Church. Just as natural birds reject the ‘speckled’ or unique one among them, so do other religious organizations resent the Church making itself known because it is unique— speckled—different… Like Jeremiah’s ‘speckled bird,’ the Church is resented, disliked, and persecuted because she will not deny her identity, nor relent on her mission. It would be apostasy to deny her heritage, designation and calling. ‘What a beautiful thought I am thinking concerning the Great Speckled Bird.’ O how beautiful are the words of that song, because it is so true. Nothing can change divine destiny. In God’s own way and in His own time He will bring the true sheep into the fold (the Church). He will see that she is perfectly ready to be received as His Bride—her and her alone. ‘And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.’"
(EL, June 1994, p. 2)
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