The Leopard and the Goat

Bible Reading: Isaiah 11:6-9; Hosea 2:18

Sara loved working with her dad on Saturdays and holidays. He was a large animal veterinarian who took care of several farms in the area. She helped him give vaccinations and bandage wounds. Once, Sara even watched a foal being born!

At Riverside Ranch, Sara handed her father a blood collection tube that he attached to the end of a syringe. Blood flowed from the large gray horse into the tube.

Just as he placed the tube into a plastic carrier, her father’s cell phone rang. “We have an emergency,” he told Sara after he hung up. He grabbed the carrier and headed for the truck.

Sara picked up some gauze, antiseptic, and discarded wrappers as she followed him out of the barn. “What happened?” she asked when she caught up to him.

“One of Mr. Samuels’ geldings was snake-bit on his nose. We need to make sure the swelling doesn’t interfere with his breathing.” Her father drove out the ranch gate and headed down the road.

Sara felt sad. She loved all animals and couldn’t stand the thought of one being in pain or unable to breathe.

When they arrived at the farm, Sara’s heart sank at the sight of the horse. His face was all swollen. He looked miserable. Fortunately, they had arrived in time to administer medication that soon helped.

“Keep an eye on him,” Sara’s dad told Mr. Samuels as they packed up their supplies. “But I’m sure he’ll do fine.”

On the way home, Sara couldn’t stop thinking about the horse. “Why do animals have to hurt each other?” she asked.

“The snake was just protecting itself from being stepped on,” said Dad. “In our world broken by sin, animals and people will hurt one another for many different reasons. But we have hope.”

“What do you mean?”

“When Jesus comes back, He will heal the earth and free it from the brokenness caused by sin,” replied Dad. “All who trust in Jesus will live with Him forever, and there will be peace among both animals and people. The leopard will lie down with the goat, and babies will be able to play with cobras!”

“Wow!” said Sara. She wished Jesus would come soon.

-Bonnie Carr

How About You?

Do you ever watch documentaries about animals in the wild? It’s hard to see alligators attacking otters or lions stalking gazelles for food. The news can also be distressing. There are so many stories about people doing terrible things to other people. But God has a plan. One day, Jesus will come back to rule the earth. He will change everything. Sin and death will be gone forever, and all people and animals will live in peace!

Today’s Key Verse:
Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus will bring peace