This isn't an essay, but I noticed this factoid for the first time today when I was reading Genesis. Genesis 1:30
And to all the beasts of the earth and all thee birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-I give every green plant for food. And it was so."
According to this scripture, at least as I understand it and it is rather clear, all of the animals that we identify as carnivores were originally created to be herbivores!!!! WOW.
I have a very soft hearted friend who once asked me how a loving God could create animals that would prey upon each other. I think at the time I mentioned the verse where the Lord refers to how the earth will be a new creation when Christ returns "and the lion will lay down with the lamb and eat straw...." (I don't remember it's specific wording or location right now.) I am just amazed though that this was in Genesis all along and I never picked up on it.
God did not create a world that included death! We invited death in and made it a part of the fabric of this fallen world. However, one day when Christ returns, the world will again be as God intended.
Again, WOW!
Deb - wow! What an interesting thought. I didn't know that was in scripture.
ReplyDeleteDoes this change the way that you eat? Is this a conviction for not eating meat? What do you think?
redheadtalkyone
ReplyDeleteI continue to eat meat. As you may recall, in the Old Testament God permitted the Israelites to eat meat. In the New Testament, Peter had a vision when God revealed to him that all things were made 'clean.' Peter was revolted at the thought. However, that being said, if God convicts us in a certain way, then it is important to be faithful to Him. Such an example is John the Baptist came and drank no wine. Jesus did drink wine. And Paul said that we should not cause one another to sin. So, while I still eat meat, it is important that I do not attempt to sway someone from violating their convictions.