A devotion from Cheryl Zelenka’s soon to be released book of devotions FACING STORMS. Available on Amazon this October.
Most of us have had a pet at one point in life. Many of us are presently enjoying their company right now. I am a big dog lover and have lived with one or two dogs for most of my life. They are a part of my family and dearly loved.
I see dogs as lessons in unconditional love. God created them to be a help and companion for mankind. I am thankful for the amazing capacity they have to forgive and love their humans, in spite of our unkind and selfish ways. Time and time again, Willow or Frisky will forget the angry words we spoke or the lateness of their supper, and sit at our feet in complete submission, friendship, and faithfulness.
The love of a pet has comforted many of us in our time of need. Loneliness is less of an issue when there is a soft coat of fur to hug and a gentle tongue willing to lick away our tears. Sweet-tempered and sensitive, pets often seek us out when they sense our sorrow and pain.
Protection is obviously a part of a dog’s character, why else create an animal that growls and barks when danger is near? Barks of warning have saved sleeping families from burning flames, alerted parents to their children’s upcoming seizures, and told rescue workers where to search for avalanche and earthquake survivors. They courageously fight alongside our soldiers and bravely die serving their country.
“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NKJV)
Randy Alcorn, in his book HEAVEN, writes about the possibility of pets living with us in heaven. C.S. Lewis, the famous Christian author of THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE also believed pets would go to heaven. If our God created dogs and other creatures to be companions and helpers in our life, why would He abandon them all and forbid their entrance in the heavenly realm? I don’t see this happening, especially since the Bible mentions animals in the after life. In fact, it is written in the book of Revelations that Jesus rides a white horse upon His second coming.
“ Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He hada name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean,followed Him on white horses.” Revelations 19:11-14 (NKJV)
What a comfort and joy it is to imagine the greeting our faithful pets will lavish upon us, once we enter our eternal rest! Though they had but a short lifespan, they remain fresh in our memories while we finish our spiritual race on earth. It is beyond my ability to write and share how my pets were able to comfort and change me with their unconditional love. I can merely say, I am blessed and thankful for every dog who has been in my life. I am thankful God created such animals for His adopted children.
MEDITATE ON THESE COMFORTING AND ENCOURAGING SCRIPTURES
All creatures recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world. They praise God right alongside redeemed men.
“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13
“All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You.” Psalm 145:10 (NKJV)
“And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendantsafter you,and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth.” Genesis 9:9-10 (NKJV)
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;And a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze;Their young ones shall lie down together;And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. 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.” Isaiah 11:6-9 (NKJV)
“In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” Job 12:10 (NKJV)
“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:19 (NKJV)
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