Читать книгу Admiring and Applauding God - R. Bruce Stevens - Страница 16

But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

—Jonah 4:10–11

• Jonah hated the people of Nineveh and everything about them, and he was peeved that God would show them any kindness. It seems Jonah had a heart two sizes too small. He cared for no living thing in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh.

• The psalmist said, “the earth is full of your creatures” (Ps 104:24) and “these all look to you to give them their food at the proper time” (Ps 104:27) and “The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God” (Ps 104:21).

• Too often in our world, we see animals only as “resources” to do with as we please, not as God’s creations intended to glorify him.

• God cares for cows as well as people. Although not created in his image as we are, animals still have worth and should be treated with respect, whether kept as pets, raised for food, or admired in the wild.

• Proverbs 12:10a says, “A righteous man cares for the need of his animal.”

• Praise God for his love and caring for animals.