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 Peccary or Javelina
Surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all Thy work,
and talk of Thy doings. Psalm 77:11-12
Peccaries, also called javelinas, are related to wild hogs and live in the deserts of the southwestern United States and South America. They are also called collared peccaries because of a white band around their chests. The rest of their bodies are dark gray. They look like pigs but are smaller, weighting only 30 to 60 pounds. Like pigs they grunt, have large heads, short necks, tough, round snouts, short canine teeth and stubby tails. Their feet are different from pig’s feet. The Creator gave peccaries feet suitable for fast running and clinging to rocks.
Unlike pigs, which have large litters, peccaries usually give birth to twins, which are about the size of rabbits. Within two days, the mother takes the babies to join the herd. Peccary herds stay close together, and the babies get lots of attention. When one of them is hungry, any sow will allow it to nurse. Adults also let the babies jump over them, push them aside, and even steal food from them.
The herd spends most of its time feeding on acorns, parts of cactus plants, seeds, insects and occasionally a lizard or rattlesnake. Each herd is identified by its own musky smell. If an outsider comes into their territory, it is quickly discovered and chased out. However, they prefer to live peaceably and will flee from danger. But if cornered, they will defend themselves viciously with their sharp teeth. Their most common natural enemy is the jaguar. Normally, they run away when a human gets close to them, as may happen because of their poor eyesight.
Peccaries live an unhurried life and in warm weather indulge in afternoon naps in beds prepared beforehand. They have these in areas of soft dirt which they dig up with their tough snouts, leaving hollows where they snuggle down for long naps. At night they have similar sleeping places, but in a different area.
These animals are another example of how the Lord God has populated the earth with living creatures of all kinds. He delights in His creation and cares for all of it. The Bible says, “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5).
However, the Lord Jesus did not die on the cross to provide everlasting life for animals. In His great love, He died on the cross for people who will place their trust in Him. If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you can say, “O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will praise Thy name; for Thou hast done wonderful things” (Isaiah 25:1).
Love you all - Grandpa
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