"And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.”
Malachi 3:17
To my dear grandchildren
The Tailless Chimpanzee
“The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.” Psalm 50:1
Chimpanzees (which are usually called chimps) are members of the ape family, which also includes gorillas and orangutans, all living in central Africa. Almost all zoos have some chimps, and sometimes they teach them clever tricks to amuse visitors.
In the rain forests they communicate by grunts, hoots and calls, sometimes so loud they can be heard more than a mile away. They usually band together in groups of 40 or more. Old males sleep alone at night, but join the groups in the daily search for fruit and other food. All like to groom one another, sometimes kissing and holding hands. When they are friendly, they grin with their teeth covered by their lips, but when the are angry, their lips are pressed tightly together.
Chimps have small, round heads topped with large ears. Faces, ears, hands and feet are a bare pink, but the rest of their body is covered with thick, dark-brown hair. Mature chimps are two to four feet tall and weigh from 50 to well over 100 pounds. Some live as long as 40 years.
They can stand upright for only a very short time. When they walk, they drop down on all fours, stooping over with their arms dropping to the ground with closed fists. This is in contrast to human beings with whom standing or walking in an erect, upright position was established when they were created by the Lord God. Chimps and gorillas may look somewhat like humans, but there is no relationship at all. Each was created in its own pattern. Mankind alone was given “a livings soul,” which goes on into eternity.
Mother chimps have just one baby at a time, and so are able to give it lots of attention. While she moves from place to place, the baby clings to her back or sometimes hangs underneath, grasping the hair on her stomach. The little ones play, climb trees and wrestle with one another while the mothers are busy.
When large amounts of food are available, a group may invite others to join them by loud barking. Groups often work together, and farmers find it difficult to keep them out of their orchards because chimps always post a sentry to warn when anyone approaches.
The loving care of the Creator for these and all creatures is so nicely stated in the Bible verses: “O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings” (Psalm 36:6-7).
As these verses indicate, although He cares for all creatures, it is only mankind that can know His love and His goodness which not only provide for daily needs, but have given us a Saviour. If we place our trust in Him, we are assured of an eternity in heaven. Have you placed your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Love you all - Grandpa
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