Jewel # 146 (Sept 10, 2013)

         

To my dear grandchildren    

The Long-Nosed Narwhal

"The Lord is a great God. . . . The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker."

(Psalm 95:3-6)

Only a few hundred Inuit people live in the snow-and ice-covered regions of Greenland.  They patiently wait through the cold winter for the return of the short June-through-August summer when they can fish and hunt again.  They catch many fish, seals and an occasional polar bear, but what they really look forward to each summer is the return of the gray and white narwhals.

Narwhals can weigh up to 4000 pounds and may measure 18 feet long, not including their tusks.  Some live for 50 years.  They are hunted, not only for their delicious vitamin-rich meat, but for the valuable oil in their bodies.  Of greatest value are the long, ivory tusks of the males.  These may measure 8 feet long and are spiraled all the way to the pointed tips.

A tusk is really the narwhal's only tooth.  It can weigh as much as 20 pounds and can be sold for a high price.  If it is in good condition, such a prize will sell for $1000 or more.  This means a great deal to the Inuit people, who, except for the fish they sell and a few furs, have little opportunity to earn money.

In the short summer there is a very rapid growth of aquatic life in the salt water on which many kinds of fish thrive.  In ways that only He could devise, the Lord God, the Creator, lets the narwhals know when this will take place.  They gather in pods of 10 to 100 at the edges of ice-bound bays and fjords, waiting for the ice to break up so they can get to this food.  At such times, the Inuit people make the most of their harpoon hunting skills in thrilling, dangerous hunts for the narwhals.

Like porpoises, narwhals are peaceful, lively and playful and are not know to harm anything with their pointed tusks.  However, they are also wary and swift and easily escape when alarmed.  As a result, absolute silence is needed when hunting them in kayaks - no outboard motors are allowed and no talking above a whisper.  But even so, most narwhals escape being caught by the hunters.

Did you know?  The noise a narwhal makes can make humans go deaf.

If these Inuit people read the Bible, they will find in its very first chapter that fish and narwhals are all part of God's creation.  If they read further, they will find that people are more important to Him than anything else.  In the New Testament they will come to this wonderful verse.  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). 

We hope that many of the Inuits have accepted this loving invitation.  What about you?

Love you all,

Grandpa

Jewel # 145 (Aug 29, 2013)

     

To my dear grandchildren,

The Capybara

"All things were made by Him: and without Him was not anything made that was made."

(John 1:3)

You may never have heard of the capybara since it lives in Central and South America, east of the Andes Mountains.  It is the largest rodent in the world and looks like a small pig or an overgrown guinea pig.  It may weigh 75 to 150 pounds.  Its thick body is covered in dark, coarse hair, and its hind legs are longer than its front legs.  Webbed toes help make it an excellent swimmer.  It is a sociable animal, usually living in a group of twenty or more on the shore of a river, swamp or lake, adjoining a grassy plain.  Its happiest occupation seems to be standing up to its stomach in muddy swamp water, busily eating the plants growing there.

It does not have many enemies, but if a capybara is in danger, its best means of escape is to plunge into the nearest water, leaving only its eyes, ears and nostrils exposed until the enemy goes away.  However, it is not so easy for them to get away from an angry farmer when they raid a melon patch or field of corn.  Perhaps it was first discovered that capybaras are good for food when one was shot and taken home.

A female raises four or five two-pound babies each year.  They are born with a fairly good coat of hair and immediately are able to open their eyes.  Their front teeth begin growing at birth and never stop.  If it were not for constantly biting and chewing plants and other foods, this could become a real problem, but the Creator has arranged that their eating habits and growth of teeth are in balance.

Strangely, young capybaras have no interest in venturing into water until the parents coax them in.  Then, like some children who are slow to take their parents' advice, they find that it s very pleasant.  From then on they spend more of their waking hours in water than out of it.

Having discovered how tasty the meat of the capybara is, many South American ranchers now raise them in fenced areas.  Possibly this animal once scarcely known even in its homeland, may become a well-known food supply even in faraway places.

These unusual animals have followed their pattern of life ever since the day they were created and God declared, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind" (Genesis 1:24).  It is good to remember that the Bible, God's Word, is always true, and and God's way is always perfect.  Believing in the Bible's account of creation is the truth and the only safe ground on which to stand.

"Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually.  

Remember His marvelous works that He hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth."

(1 Chronicles 16:11-12) 

Love you all,

Grandpa

Gospel Jewels April 2009 to March 2011

Previous Gospel Jewels (#31 April 2009 to #80 March 2011)
are available at http://www.blogigo.com/jewels

Jewel # 144 (July 31, 2013)

         

"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 Mockingbird

Have you ever heard a mockingbird sing?  This bird got its name because of its ability to "mock" or imitate the sounds of other birds it hears.  The mockingbird often changes from one song to another as it imitates different birds.  One was reported to have imitated as many as 32 different songs in ten minutes!  It seems there is almost no limit to the number of songs a mockingbird can imitate.  Many are able to learn at least 180 songs in a few months - some learn many more.  There are "mockers" who have been heard singing for an hour without repeating songs.  God has given His creatures amazing abilities!

The meaning of the word imitate is to copy something or someone.  Sometimes we are able to learn kind and helpful things by copying the good examples of others - imitating what they do.  But sadly, sometimes we copy things that aren't good.  The mockingbird is so good at copying sounds that it can imitate the not-so-pleasant sounds of scolding squirrels, croaking frogs, insects and even screeching, rusty gates.  And like the mockingbird, sometimes we copy things that are unpleasant.  Have you ever done something mean or hurtful because you saw somebody else doing it?  Maybe you have said a naughty word after you heard one of your friends say the word.  Those are not good things to copy.

It is always right to imitate good manners that we hear and see others using.  How pleasant it is to hear "please" and "thank you" being used and to see those who show care and kindness to their own family members, as well as to others.

If you love the Lord Jesus and have accepted Him as your very own Saviour, who do you imitate?  And do you try to be a good example for other boys and girls who might imitate you?  The Lord Jesus is the perfect example to copy - He never sinned, never spoke a wrong or unkind word and never fought back.  God's Word tells us how we can be good examples even when we are young:  "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). 

The Lord Jesus gives us examples to copy in other Christians.  We are to follow those who are living a life pleasing to Him in all ways.  The Apostle Paul wrote, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).  But the very best example to imitate is the Lord Jesus Himself.  "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" (Ephesians 5:1-2).    

Love you all,

Grandpa

Jewel # 143 (July 18, 2013)

          

"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 Scarce Snow Leopard

"Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou has made . . .

the earth, and all things that are therein."

(Nehemiah 9:6)

The snow leopard is a member of the leopard family and is one of the world's most beautiful animals.  When fully grown, this animal will be 30 inches tall at shoulder height and 6 to 6 1/2 and feet long, including its two-foot-long tail.  Its weight will be from 100 to 150 pounds.  

Since it often lives two miles or more high on the cold mountain ranges of central Asia, the Creator has given it a coat much heavier than that of the leopards of warmer climates.  Snow leopards' tails are furry, long and flexible.  This helps them to maintain their balance, which is very important in the rocky terrain where they live.

Its white fur is overlaid with pale gray and leopard like brown spots over most of its body, but the fur remains plain white on the chin, chest and  belly.  Each of its yellow eyes is circled with a ribbon of dark brown fur.  With its small ears and a face like that of a house cat, it is a very beautiful creature.  Just like when your pet cat is calm and relaxed, the snow leopard's sharp claws are not visible, but when its paw reaches out to strike, the claws become fierce weapons, ready for action.  

Snow leopards cannot roar, but they can make hisses, chuffing, mews, growls, and wailing sounds.

Since the snow leopard blends in so well with its surroundings, mountain climbers might pass near one sitting on its haunches and quietly watching them, and be entirely unaware of its presence.  This leopard's food is made up of antelope, deer, mountain goats, smaller animals, pheasants and other birds.  When these are not available, the snow leopard may raid a farmyard for sheep and calves, but it has never been known to attack people.

A mother trains her kittens to catch prey by lying on the ground and gently switching her tail from side to side.  The kittens try to pounce on it, but just as they pounce she gives it a quick flick and they are left empty-handed.  Eventually their reflexes become sharper, and they are able to use this needed skill when hunting for food. 

These lovely animals instinctively hide among the rocks and snow where the colouring of their fur conceals them so well.  But they are not hidden from their Creator; He is well aware of them at all times, as the Bible verse tells us: "He looks to the end of the earth, and sees under the whole heaven" (Job 28:24).  In other parts of the Bible, we also read that He is the provider and protector of all His creatures.

Perhaps you are familiar with another verse that tells us, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).  What do His eyes see in you?   

Love you all,

Grandpa

Jewel # 142 (July 9, 2013)

             

To my dear grandchildren,

The Deadly Scorpion

"Light is come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light,

 because their deeds were evil."

(John 3:19)

Those who live in tropical climates or in the deserts of the southern part of the U.S.A. avoid the scorpion as much as possible.  They know a scorpion sting is very painful and sometimes can be fatal.  This creature, which will strike anything threatening it, fits the description in the opening Bible verse.  Although sometimes seen in daylight, it prefers the dark and will scurry to a dark hiding place if light reaches it.

A scorpion looks rather scary.  Its body can be five to eight inches long and is covered with a dark shell that protects it from heat and injury.  The scary parts are the two sharp pincers extending from its head and the poisonous stinger at the end of its tail, which is usually curled over its back, ready for action.  When a large insect or spider comes close, the sharp pincers catch it, and the tail arches over the scorpion's back and plunges the poisonous stinger into its victim. 

Some scorpions have as many as twelve eyes, but most have only six or eight.  When a scorpion molts (sheds its shell), some of these eyes drop off, but they grow back in when the new outer shell is formed.  This happens four to eight times in its short life.  Its brain is very simple, but it has been given a keen sense of touch through the hairs that cover its body.  In addition, comb-like parts on its abdomen pick up ground vibrations.

Female scorpions produce their young alive. The little ones are exact miniatures of the parents and stay with their mother several days.  She lets them cling to her body with their tiny pincers.

We cannot help but wonder at the way God has equipped scorpions with features that allow them to fit so well into their harsh way of life.  He has even made them helpful to mankind in one way - they destroy many harmful insects and spiders.

Scorpions remind us of those people who are without God in their lives, of whom the Bible says that "denying the Lord that bought them . . . bring upon themselves swift destruction."  We are also told that these same people "speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption" (2 Peter 2:1,12).  What a sad contrast they are to those who through faith claim the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.  A promise is given to these believers to know "the peace of God, which passes all understanding, and shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus " (Philippians 4:7).

This is what God desires for every one, because He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).  Have you come to repentance?

Love you all,

Grandpa

Jewel # 141 (June 29, 2013)

    

To my dear Grandchildren,

The Ungainly Ostrich

"The ostrich . . . leaves her eggs in the earth, and warms them 

in the dust. . . .  She scorns the horse and his rider."

(Job 39:13-14,18)

Although it cannot fly, for size and strength, no bird can match the 300-pound, 8-foot-tall ostrich of Africa.  And a rider on a horse cannot match its 50-miles-per-hour speed across the desert.  The female is called a dun.  She lays half a dozen or more ivory coloured eggs (each one 24 times as large as a hen's egg) in a hole scrapped in the sand.  She sits on them during the day or, as the above verse says, leaves them exposed to the hot sun.  The male takes over incubating them at night.

The ostrich is a very hardy bird; some live for 70 years.  Those in the wild usually live in flocks of a 100 or more and peacefully share the open spaces with zebras, giraffes and other animals.  If necessary, they defend themselves with their strong legs - a well-directed kick either killing or discouraging any attacker.

Its appearance seems strange indeed.  Its long, bare legs with ankles like knees and its manner of walking give an almost mechanical appearance.  Short, heavily feathered wings give it a football-shaped body, and its bulky, feathered tail looks like it was just stuck on for balance.  Then it has a long, naked neck with a flat, hairy head, having bulgy eyes and a wide beak, making it look like a periscope.  In fact, this is one of the Creator's provisions for it, enabling it with its keen vision to see from a lofty height over miles of desert land.  

Visitors to ostrich farms are amused to watch one swallow an unpeeled orange.  Down its long neck goes the orange, spiraling around, the bulge visible through its skin, until its disappears at the bottom.  The birds are also sometimes tamed and ridden by people brave enough to try.  But as no saddle is provided, it takes an experienced person to be able to ride very far without sliding off over its tail.  

Why do you think the Lord God created such an unusual bird?  We might ask the same question about some unusual fish, or the platypus, or an opossum, or strange insects, or other unusual creatures.  Do you suppose that, as the Supreme Designer of the universe, it was His purpose to to make every animal, fish, bird, or even every person a little different?  The same is true of flowers, vegetables. trees, and other plant life.  How thankful we can be that He included such variety in all He has made - another example of His wisdom. 

And remember that He did not leave anything needing improvement, for after every part of creation was brought into being, the Bible tells us, "God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).  No improvements have been necessary.

Love you all

Grandpa