Articles
Hungry Raccoon
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
______________________________
"In that place there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.” - Mt. 8:12
I photographed this raccoon on the back of our property as it was sorting through the leaves looking for something to eat. And, for a raccoon, that could be just about anything. Many of us have had the experience of finding our trash cans overturned with its contents scattered all over the ground. The culprit? Usually a raccoon. These fellows are notorious for their ability to get into places we thought were secure. They are curious, they are highly intelligent, and they are always willing to fight anything they might view as competition. My father used to be an avid coon hunter and I have personally witnessed raccoons getting the better of dogs much larger than themselves. When I got too close to this particular raccoon, he let me know I had better not approach any closer. He growled and gnashed his teeth at me. I got the message. The Bible often tells of various people gnashing their teeth. In fact, Jesus said that those consigned to hell would respond with weeping and gnashing of teeth. We usually assume that gnashing of teeth denotes pain and suffering, but the phrase really means intense anger. This will be the response of all lost souls. They will weep because they will realize what awaits them, and they will gnash their teeth at God for his judgment of condemnation which they will think is unfair. But the last thing any of us should hope for is to be treated the way we deserve. Our plea should be for mercy, not justice. The heart of the gospel is the good news that Jesus has taken upon himself what we deserve so that we can be treated as he deserves. And his perfect life of obedience deserves approval by a holy God. So, for all of us, we should be bowing our knees, not gnashing our teeth. - John
Share Online
