The Majestic Animal

For the past several weeks, my wife has been talking about this gift she was getting me.  I absolutely do not like it when she does this to me, because I have no patience whatsoever.  (This is a topic unto itself)  Periodically, she would even drop big hints to what the gift is.  She told me it needs a lot of room, it cannot be returned, and it would be an anniversary/father's day gift. 

What am I supposed to believe it is?  Could it be an easel large enough for me to paint on a large canvas?  Was it a custom made piece of furniture?  Would I like it?  What happens if I seem disappointed?

Well, I came home on Tuesday, from work, and I see my gift: a greyhound.  A lovable, large, ex-racing, cannot and would not be returned, greyhound.  I am so excited to get him that I have been reading many articles on how to train and take care of greyhounds.  I want to be able to care for Simon (that's his name by the way) as best as I can.

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians raced greyhounds?  Did you know that greyhounds are the only breed of dog mentioned in the bible?  Really it is…  Look at Proverbs 30:29-33 (NKJV)

There are three things which are majestic in pace, Yes, four which are stately in walk: A lion, which is mighty among beasts and does not turn away from any; a greyhound, a male goat also, and a king whose troops are with him.  If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife.

When I looked at this passage, I thought about a certain football player.  I will keep him nameless, but this football player is one of the top players in his game.  So much talent to use, he makes everything seem effortless, but he complains that he doesn't get the ball enough, he continuously talks about how great he is and how he will dominate the defensive players during the game.  He talks smack to everyone thinking he is better than all.

In the scripture passage, the king is stately because of his position and his official trappings (such as an army).  But the football player has the position of being an NFL player (the king).  He has the talent to be great (his army).  But when this player exalts himself, he only has artificial honor.  We can do this in our families, jobs, or our lives in general.  We may think we are the best and boast about it.  This does nothing but frustrate others to the point where they don't want to be with you.  It's artificial.  They'll honor you because you are in the position you are in, but that's it. 

Unlike the boastful king, the lion, greyhound, and male goat are majestic because God made them that way.  These animals are not the same.  They have different attributes. They are majestic for different reasons.  They each have their own kind of honor, but honor nonetheless.  See, the lion, the male goat and the greyhound all have real honor from God.  They have the talent, but they have no desire to boast about it.  They are just doing what God has them doing.  We need to do the same thing.  We need to let God have dominion over us.  If we let God fulfill in us the purpose for which He made us, we will have true honor.

Dear Father, please forgive me when I am boastful.  Please use my talent when and where you want to.

Nick Manzie