Reflections for my little love on July 4th – my Gabby, an American cocker spaniel, highly intelligent, always curious and forever loved.
And shall I not spare Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred twenty thousand
persons, that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand, and many animals – Jonah 4:11
Studying animals is important. Not just from an academic standpoint but think of the silliness of those advocating for the environment (a necessity) but failing to mention animals and their roles in it.
“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel” (Prov. 12:10).
The Bible highlights how animals exemplify diligence (Prov. 6:6–8), collaboration (Prov 30:27), and skillfulness (30:28). Animals also demonstrate the worth of individuals, God’s providence,(Ps. 36:6; Job 38:39–41) and aspects of our Savior’s character (Matt. 23:37; John 1:29; Rev. 5:5).
Augustine believed that the “knowledge of the ways and meaning of animal life was an intellectual necessity.”. The world’s wisest man would have agreed (1 Kings 4:33). Solomon – 33 He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.[e]
Animals played a significant role in God’s message to Jonah about showing compassion to Nineveh. A biblical perspective on animals is meant to align people’s hearts with God’s.
Proverbs 6:6–8 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 30:27 The locusts have no king, yet they all advance in ranks;
Proverbs 30:28 — King James Version (KJV 1900) 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands And is in kings’ palaces.
Matthew 6:26 — King James Version (KJV 1900) 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
God cares about animals.
He created them with great care and was satisfied with what he made (Gen. 1:20–25). They were also here first. Reflect on that. A nod to evolution or another meaning? They are blessed with exquisite diversity, intricacy, intelligence, and abilities and that alone should be a clue that God clearly made them to be more than servants or companions for humans. They are made as expressions of his beauty and goodness.
Animals praise their Maker: “Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures . . . beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!” (Ps. 148:7, 10). They are not mere commodities to be used and then discarded. While God’s image makes humans distinct, the truth that animals are created by God,
cared for by God and invited to praise God should make clear they are irrefutably endowed with great value.
God commissions us to steward and not dominate these beautiful creatures
God called humanity to exercise dominion over his creation (Ps. 50:10–11; Gen. 1:28) which many confuse with domination is an abomination. One of the first jobs God gave people was to know and name his creatures. Adam and Eve not only cultivated the land (Gen. 2:5), but they cultivated all creation and were responsible.
Early laws
The truth that animals are created by God cared for by God, and invited to praise God should make clear they are valuable.
God later gave Israel laws for how they must care for animals. According to the Scriptures, animals have the right to rest (Deut. 5:14; Lev. 25:6–7) and to eat their fair share of the harvest (Deut. 25:4). Godly people care for their own animals (Prov. 12:10), their neighbors’ animals (Deut. 22:4), and even their enemies’ animals (Ex. 23:4–5).
When we dishonor animals, we distort our God-ordained responsibility for stewardship. That is a sin.
More positively, after the flood God bound together animals and humans in a covenant; he promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood (Gen. 9:9–11). Still now, along with all creation, animals groan to enter the new heavens and earth (Rom. 8:22).
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;q
23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.r
24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees?s
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
26 In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
27 And the one who searches hearts knows what the intention of the Spirit is, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will. Romans, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB
Jesus instructs us to love one another just as he has loved us, with a sacrificial love akin to a mother’s love for all her children. While we may grapple with whom we are meant to love, Jesus does not question. In the Gospel of John, Jesus states, “I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself,” without any exceptions. Through the Eucharist, we meet the resurrected Christ, whose ongoing presence reshapes our worldview. As we gather around the bread and wine, we see symbols of unity that transcend our individual differences. In emulating Jesus’ selfless sacrifice, we learn to break down barriers and demonstrate true selflessness. Each shared meal, every act of hospitality, and every encounter with a stranger reminds us of God’s unifying grace that binds us together as one, despite our diverse backgrounds.
It says people and doesn’t say animals but I keep going back to that covenant after the flood. God’s speech to Noah and his descendants in Genesis 9:8-17 emphasizes God’s promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again. It’s important to note that this promise extends to not only Noah and his descendants but also to birds, domestic animals, wild animals, and every living creature. The covenant is reiterated multiple times within the verses: – Verse 12: The covenant is between God, humans, and every living creature. – Verse 13: It is between God and the earth. – Verse 15: It is between God, humans, and every living creature of all flesh. – Verse 16: It is between God and every living creature of all flesh on the earth. – Verse 17: It is between God and all flesh on the earth. Throughout these ten verses, there is a strong emphasis on including all living creatures on earth in the covenant. The covenant is not exclusive to humans; it is made with all creatures, as emphasized by the repetition of phrases like “all creatures” and “all flesh.” This connection between God and all life should not be overlooked, especially considering the warnings in the lectionary against misinterpretation. While Genesis 1:26-28 has been historically interpreted as granting humans dominion over the earth, this mindset has led to significant environmental degradation. Instead, God’s covenant with Noah and all life emphasizes care and healing for the earth. If God extends such a covenant, humans should also consider themselves partners in caring for creation. It is a call to action for churches and pastors to prioritize environmental stewardship. The passages this month highlight the theme of healing. Psalm 147 showcases God’s role in healing the brokenhearted and tending to the needs of all creatures. Mark’s Gospel begins with stories of healing, emphasizing Jesus’ role as a healer to those in need. These narratives underscore the interconnectedness of the earth’s health with that of its inhabitants, urging us to prioritize care and healing for both.
God bless and keep you, my Darling. I love you eternally.