Predator or Prey
Rob and I hiked for six hours today…six very long, painful hours as we continue to prep for our upcoming hike on Mt. Kilimanjaro. As I focused on putting one foot in front of the other as I swung my trek pole to dig in and provide the much needed support, I continued to be in awe of all that God created. With every step I could smell the pine needles and the wet wood from the weeklong rain we have enjoyed. I would take a much needed pause to watch the tiniest of frogs jump across our path or enjoy the flight of the multitude of monarch butterflies that would join us along our hike. (I will definitely have to write about butterflies in a future blog)
Then it happened, we were hiking along the water on a rocky trail and we heard a splash. A hawk splashed in to the water in search of its meal and came out with a fish half as large as him. We were there in the perfect moment to see the predator strike its prey.
As we continued on our hike with more frogs and butterflies we came upon the clear signs of a struggle and sadly, carnage. The feathers strewn about were clearly that of a hawk similar to the one we saw earlier in the day. As we continued focused on our climb, we saw more and more signs to include the remains of talons similar to those that had captured the fish, the prey, earlier that day. Just like that, the predator became the prey.
Last year I had the chance to go to Greece and walk in the footsteps of Paul- another example of predator turned prey (but in human terms). Saul was known for the great harm he had done to the holy people in Jerusalem. As he was traveling on the road to Damascus, God spoke to Saul and asked him why he persecuted Him and took away his sight (Acts 9:4-9, NIV). Saul was a predator to the people of Israel. He had full authority to arrest any that chose to follow Jesus.
God sent Ananias to find Saul and to restore the sight of his chosen to declare so that he could declare His name across the Gentiles, kings, and people of Israel (Acts 9:15-16, NIV). As promised, Saul’s sight was restored and after being baptized, he immediately began to preach and share that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:18-20, NIV). As God’s chosen, he transitioned from being the predator and persecuting God’s people, to becoming one of God’s chosen and a prey to those that were like him. Just like that, the predator became the prey.
Isn’t God amazing? He can take our enemy, the one that did countless harm to believers, and make him a critical part in the spread of Christianity. Amen!
Today I pray that you take the time to see God around you. I continue to be in awe how some of the simplest things remind me of scripture and God’s awesome power.
1/3 of the way there
