Category: Animals

  • Otters

    and the Eden we long for

    Yesterday, Kathy and I made a day trip out to Steveson. We walked at Garry Point, enjoying the coastal views (Salish Sea, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and part of the Fraser River). It was fascinating watching the various marine craft come and go. The highlight, though, was the otters.

    We enjoyed a meal of fish and chips at #pajo’s on the boardwalk. Afterward, as we strolled near Fisherman’s Wharf, we spotted three otters. At first, they were simply swimming and playing, but they proceeded to climb up onto a far end of the dock within sight of us. They were hilarious to watch as they played and explored some of the watercraft. They kept us amused for 5-10 minutes before they disappeared from our sight. They were close enough to see well, but not close enough to photograph, clearly on my phone, so today’s image is courtesy of Kendra Young on Unsplash.

    I always enjoy watching animals at play, and when I do, I often think of the Garden of Eden. The Garden was deemed “very good” by God, and no sin had entered. I know many species of animals and birds can differentiate 

    between humans, becoming trusting and often very friendly with them. I’m certain the animals played freely, and that Adam and Eve were free to join in. 

    While Eden is, alas, no more. A heavenly paradise awaits those who belong to Christ. It’s a place that defies description, but I am certain it will be everything Eden was and more.

    John the Revelator attempted to describe what he saw in the Revelation; the Holy Spirit inspired him to write. Here’s a taste of what He said.

    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  Revelation 21:1-5 ESV

    Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-4 ESV

    I can’t begin to imagine it. To be honest, I can’t even really picture the fullness of what the Garden of Eden was like, and it foreshadowed what will come. Still, I can hardly wait to see it.

    I have my Holy Spirit-sealed ticket to Paradise. Do you have yours?

    If you haven’t trusted Jesus by faith yet, do it today.

    Kevin

    SUMMARY

    Watching three playful otters explore the docks in Steveston reminded me of Eden’s innocence, when animals and humans lived in unbroken harmony. The Garden of Eden is gone now, but through Christ, an even greater paradise awaits those who trust Him

    TAKEAWAY

    I watched three otters play and explore the docks at Steveston, and it reminded me of the untouched harmony of Eden

    I believe the animals in Eden trusted humans completely, free enough that Adam and Eve could have joined right in their play

    Revelation 21–22 shows me the paradise to come, greater than Eden ever was, where God dwells with His people forever and wipes away every tear

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  • Spoiled Springs

    Beaver damage reminds me of the dangers of false prophets

    A beaver dam - the wtar covered over what used to be a fresg cold spring of drinking water

    Years ago, I had been fishing at a nearby lake. Not far away was a spring I had visited many times. The walk into the spring was about a mile. The water was always cold, refreshing and safe to drink. was always worth the hike.

    This time, things were different. An enterprising beaver had built a dam, and the spring was now underwater behind the dam. So much for cold. So much for refreshing. So much for safe to drink. 

    Where there have been beavers around, the water is likely contaminated with Giardiasis (or beaver fever as it’s called in these parts). Giardiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. Beaver fever will leave you with a great deal of ugly abdominal distress for weeks and is highly contagious. It’s not the sort of thing that you want to take a chance with.

    The promise of the refreshing water couldn’t be delivered on.

    Something similar happens with false teachers. They bring false gospels and lies. They twist the truth to serve their own ends and agendas. They seek to please man, not God.

    Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15 ESV

    I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
    Galatians 1:6-9 ESV 

    They promise what they can’t deliver. They promise living water, but provide empty wells. They promise freedom, but deliver bondage. They promise salvation but deliver damnation.

    These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 2 Peter 2:17-19 ESV

    How do we know which teachings are false? By knowing what we believe and why we believe it. By diligent study of the Word. By making sure that we look at Bible passages in context and in comparison to the Word as a whole. By learning some solid Christian doctrine.

    If you don’t know what you believe and why you believe it, then you may find yourself standing at the foot of a dry spring. You could be seeking living water but end up perishing of thirst instead.

    Read the Word. Read the Word. Read the Word.

    May you know the truth, and the truth of Jesus set you free.

    SUMMARY

    I hiked back into a spring I loved, only to find a beaver had dammed it and turned safe water into a health risk. It reminded me that false teachers work the same way — promising living water while handing us something contaminated.

    TAKEAWAY

    A once-safe spring, dammed by a beaver, becomes a picture of how false teaching corrupts something good

    Scripture (Matthew 7:15, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Peter 2:17-19) warns plainly about false prophets and false gospels

    The safeguard against false teaching is knowing what you believe, studying the Word in context, and standing on sound doctrine

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