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Beasts, prophets and the Bible
Published Saturday, April 18, 2009
Watching nature shows on television is one of my favorite pastimes. The hunting methods of wild animals fascinate me.
For instance, wolves are among the most intelligent and violent of all hunters. While they often hunt alone, wolves sometimes hunt in pairs or in packs. Their favorite meal in North America consists of domestic sheep or cattle; nature’s version of “fast food.”
Wild prey such as deer, moose, and bison are much more elusive and require more effort to catch. Wolves seldom attack healthy adults, favoring young or weakened animals which lag behind in a chase.
Wolf packs have been known to use cooperative tactics to catch their supper, sometimes surrounding a herd while one wolf chases them into an ambush. Wolves will sneak into herds while they are asleep and steal a young lamb or calf. Mountain lions and bears kill quickly, but wolves tear their victims apart, leaving behind evidence of a violent and bloody attack.
I am intrigued at how the behaviors of wild animals are often used in the Bible to illustrate our experience as the people of God. We are warned that evil characters will sneak into the church like hungry carnivores.
In appearance they seem to be the real thing, wearing “sheep’s clothing,” but inwardly they are “ferocious wolves.” They are cunning in their attacks with the result that the faithful are scattered much as a flock of sheep is scattered when wolves attack. Weak and inept shepherds, or pastors, will run away when wolves attack and leave the church open to destruction (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-30; John 10:11-13).
The Bible tells us that the devil stalks around like a “roaring lion” looking for someone to devour. However, we are told to “stand firm” and not run (1 Peter 5:8-9). God delivers his faithful from the “lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:17).
David is given as an example of how a true shepherd fights to protect the flock and defeats the most ferocious beasts.
Even trash talking giants are powerless against a true defender of the people when they stand with God against the enemy (1 Samuel 17:32-37).
God Himself takes on the persona of wild beasts. The Old Testament records a time when Israel killed the prophets God sent and promoted prophets of their own who told them what they wanted to hear. These wolves in sheep’s clothing promised prosperity and peace to a nation destined for God’s judgment.
The prophet Hosea announced to the rebellious nation that God “will come upon them like a lion, like a leopard I will lurk by the path. Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and rip them open. Like a lion I will devour them; a wild animal will tear them apart” (Hosea 13:7-8). In the form of invading armies this literally happened.
I find it a marvel that the natural world so aptly illustrates spiritual realities. It’s a God thing, for sure. The Bible offers a treasure of understanding for the perceptive. It’s God’s word to the wise.
Del Loy is pastor of Crosspoint Church.
Comments
Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on April 18, 2009 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the current administration in Washington, D.C. Obomas speech the other day about building the economy on a solid rock. He doesn't read the BIBLE to close, If he did, he would see he is leading us into and economical disaster. He can preach all he wants, but still he is pushing a socialist agenda.
Oboma, Yesterday what about the hand shake with Hugo Chavez? Opening up trade with Cuba? Bowing to The head of state of Saudi Arabia?BTW is the head of Church there by law!!! BTW, is it true you and the Democrats have another 7 TRILLLLLLIOOOOOOON dollars bill getting ready to hit us that I have been hearing on FOX NEWS?
TALK about a WOLF IN SHEEP CLOTHING
PRAISE be to JESUS CHRIST who is getting ready to snatch quite a few people from this earth. When it all goes down, and the rise of the anti christ after the rapture, I know I will want to cry for those left behind!!!
GET Right or get LEFT!!!
Posted by unclered (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Spiritual realities?" That is a contradiction in terms. Tinman's post sadly reminds me how many people around here have mindsets warped by twisted mythology. I side with Thomas Jefferson who referred to the Christian Apocalypse as "The ravings of a lunatic."
Anyway Tinman, when the "rapture" comes, can I have your ATM code?
Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on April 18, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Uncleared, who knows if you can. By then it may not even be any good. Praise JESUS for your remark anyways. JESUS still loves you. Just trying to get HIS message out before it is to late.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tinman, would you please clarify for me - when you say "get right" or get left, do you mean "get right" spiritually or "get right" politically?
Thanks.
Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on April 18, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get right SPIRITUALLY. Also, the government leaders better get right on policy. It will be better for our nation. This radical left wing out of control Congress, Senate and Presidential offices, there policies are only going to bring about destruction for this nation!!!
I don't agree with Obamas remark about us not being a CHRISTIAN Nation. I do believe the fundamental principals are in many American Hearts. I do believe many will find this out after the rapture of the Church. Trust me, many will wished they had listen more on Sunday Mornings!!!
I do Believe in a HEAVEN and a hell. Trust me, hell is going to be a reality for many souls. I am just trying to do my part to take some of those souls from this eternal torment. Hell will be 1,000,000's of times worse then what many will think it will be. when many souls find this out, it will be to late. There will be no escape!!!!!
Suggest a search for even videos on various web sites for "23 Minutes in Hell" by Bill Weise . Also a song I found online " I am a citizen of hell" Very very creepy song.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
man, bible thumping and Obama bashing in the same breath. Scary.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Only scary to nonbelievers.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is hard for some people to believe that there is a true living God. They were not introduced to Him as a child. They were not sent or taken to Sunday School and church services as the believers were. More's the pity for them for they will never know the strong yet gentle caress of God's love. Anyone who misses out on the most wonderful feeling of all is to be pitied. We must pray for them and demand that Satan get away from them and allow them to turn to God.
Rev. Loy, Thank you. I enjoy your letters very much and look forward to reading them.
Posted by unclered (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobaloo: Such things are typical. Its affiliation with right-wing politics is the ultimate proof that Christianity is a farce.
Posted by southernwoman (anonymous) on April 18, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
unclered, I am a Christian - I hate right-wing politics. I do not mean to offend - just wanted you to know that all Christians are not right-wingers.
Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on April 18, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uncleared. I tend to lean right politically. But the BIBLE clearly dictates about love for one another. We are also dictated that we have to be strong also. Strong Love can be Spiritually enlightening. I know when I don't do the will of CHRIST, I do fall at times and always will!!!, I hate when the LORD lets me stand for myself. Just the feeling of him not standing with me really gets me down, but makes me understand where I need him more! I just get on my knees and pray, also when I can, Anoiting and also fast. MAN, you talk about getting next to GOD when you do these. I have seen grown men brake into tears when they do this and talk about how CHRIST changed there lives and also still working on them!!! TEARS of JOY and PEACE Unspeakable. Trust me I know, I have been known to get overwhelm when in the Spirit when I pray and brake down. It is a loving and caring feel that the Holy Ghost let's you know that JESUS CHRIST is real!!!! Still alive and always will be. The Battle is for the souls of men. The devil doesn't care one care what-so-ever about no-one hear on earth, end never will. He just wants as many souls to go down with him as he can get, so when he and his minions, when sentenced to the eternal abyss, this will be there judgment. Hell is only a playground for them!!! but should be feared for the Human SOUL!!! Hollywood has got some of the creatures and the lake of fire correct!!! The only problem we view it as entertainment. When these realities come true. This will be forever. There is nothing good in hell. NOTHING!!!!
A true CHRISTIAN will tell you, this life isn't to much when it comes to the whelm of Spirituality. The BIBLE does say we face a Spiritual war fair. When we worship CHRIST, we must worship HIM in "SPIRIT and TRUTH" The "Truth will set you FREE"
Posted by rhymeandreason (anonymous) on May 1, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is no devil. There is no satan. There is no God. There is no supernatural. It's all in your heads. There is no invisible friend coming to save your sorry butt. Get on with a good life because it's all you get. Ater that it's just the dirt nap.
Posted by amyrenene (anonymous) on June 14, 2009 at 1:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is very informative, Rev Loy.
When Revelations is fulfilled and we experience the Rapture, feel free to take my ATM card, my car, my house, all of my earthly possessions. I won't need them anymore:)
Posted by mistersippi (anonymous) on June 15, 2009 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jesus is irrelevent.
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