Raccoon's Warning of Impending Danger
John Miller
06/14/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 6/14/21 ______________________________________________________________________ "If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand." - Ezek. 33:8 |
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I really like raccoons but I surely would not want to get in a fight with one. I saw this one searching for food on our property, so I decided to get my camera and get some pictures of him. I had my big lens on so I didn't have to get close and could remain relatively hidden. All went well until he heard the sound of my camera's shutter clicking away. Then his head shot up and he snarled as he bore his teeth. I don't think he knew what or where I was, but he wanted to send a warning to who or whatever was making the noise. I got the message. Many animals have various ways of warning others before they attack. A growl, a hiss, a raising of fur or ears, or even a bluff charge all mean the same thing - you don't want to mess with me. Scripture is replete with people who were called by God to warn others of impending danger. The Old Testament prophets often gave warnings that were either ignored or dismissed by some, but saved those who heeded their message. Even today, God has charged those who trust in Him to warn others of a coming time of God's wrath on unbelievers. No one today likes to talk of the wrath of God, but scripture is certainly not shy about it. It is an act of love to warn of coming danger for those who are unprepared. And what those of us who call ourselves Christians need to remember is that if we neglect to warn others, we ourselves will be held accountable by God. It is better to be ridiculed by some now than to be disciplined by God later. This raccoon sent me a clear message. Pray that God would give us the courage to do the same. - John
