MANY of my little readers have never seen an animal like those in the picture and perhaps do not know the name of this strange looking creature. It is a hippopotamus.
The hippopotamus is a large animal found in the rivers and lakes of Africa. It lives most of the time in the water. The one in the picture is just stepping out of the water. It may be going into the woods and brush to look for food, as these animals are accustomed to do at night.
The mother hippopotamus is still swimming and has a young one on her back. How safe and comfortable it looks as it rests there without fear of danger!
This interesting scene reminds one of a beautiful verse in Isaiah which speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ. It says: “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.”
You have read many times how Jesus died on the cross to save sinners, to put away their sins, and save them from the everlasting punishment which they deserved. But His wonderful love does not stop there.
Just as a kind shepherd continually watches over his flock, carrying in his arms the young and tender lambs, so Jesus is always watching over us and protecting us from danger. We find many rough places in our journey through this wilderness, and we are often ready to stumble and fall. At such times the Lord helps us and keeps our feet from slipping.
But more than this. He has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven. When our journey here is over and we have reached the mansions above, we will have a home with Jesus forever and ever. There will be no rough places there—no dangers besetting our path. We shall be forever beyond the reach of sin and harm. All will be joy and happiness.
ML 07/12/1903