The Wonders of God’s Creation
A jaguar can easily be mistaken for a leopard, as the golden-yellow fur of each, covered with black spots, is so similar. But there are some differences. The adult jaguar, for instance, is bigger, and many of the circular spots covering its body have a black dot inside them, while those of the leopard are solid.
The jaguar, up to seven feet long, plus a two-foot tail, is the largest of all the cat family in North, Central and South America. The huge mouth in its broad head has strong, sharp teeth and a long tongue covered with tiny rasps that help get the last bite off the bones of its victims. Out of that mouth also comes a frightening roar.
Huge, well-padded paws are equipped with fearsome claws that (like a house cat’s) remain hidden in the toes but are extended as fierce weapons when fighting or catching prey. However, in spite of these fearful things, it is a handsome animal with small, erect ears, beautiful eyes and large shoulders.
It is not afraid of water, jumping right into a stream or pond to catch its prey, which might include a deer, fish, turtle or even a small crocodile. Normally, though, it stalks the animals in high grass or brush — seeing, but not being seen — silently creeping closer and suddenly pouncing on its victim — a peccary, armadillo, tapir or other animal. Its sturdy legs and large shoulders provide plenty of strength to drag even a heavy victim a mile or so away, where it may hide a portion for another day.
A jaguar prefers to live alone except when helping raise a family of two or three little ones. It often travels many miles a day hunting for food. If the animals already mentioned are not available, it will help satisfy its hunger by eating insects. When not on the move, it likes to stretch out on a bare limb or a smooth, partially shaded rock. Being master of the forest, it has no fear of attack except by hunters, but these do not often intrude.
The Bible does not mention the jaguar, but the Lord, desiring His people to change their bad ways, said of them: “Their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten Me.... As a leopard by the way will I observe them.” Hos. 13:6,76According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. 7Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: (Hosea 13:6‑7). This means that while they forgot Him, yet, like an unseen leopard (or like our unseen jaguar), He was watching everything they did. A little farther on in the chapter He added, “In Me is thine help.” (vs. 9.)
Is it possible you have forgotten Him and are careless in your ways? Oh, how graciously He invites you to confess it to Him and accept Him as your Saviour before it is too late! If you have not done this, won’t you do it right now?
ML-08/07/1988