Rhesus monkeys are distinct from others in the ape family. They live in the Himalayan area of Nepal, high in the Himalayan mountains between India and Tibet. Seen from the back, their fur is usually reddish above the hind legs, but gray over the rest of their bodies, including their legs, heads and beards. Long tails look like pieces of rope, and on their fingers, toes and faces a bright pink color shows. But there are some differences a few are plain reddish-brown almost all over.
They are naturally wild animals, but we are going to look at some tame ones that live in heathen temples. It’s sad to think that the natives’ religion is based on worshipping idols that represent false “gods”. One idol the natives worship is called the “monkey god”.
Perhaps because they look a lot like miniature humans, these Rhesus monkeys are given privileges that their relatives in the nearby mountains do not enjoy. For instance, they can make their homes in the temples and surrounding grounds where the worshippers spend much time. The monkeys are very tame and are allowed to climb over idols and ornaments in the temples, even though the native people are not permitted to.
Steps going into the temples, or the hilly grounds around them, are favorite places for the monkeys, because worshippers hand them lots of food treats. In addition to these handouts, when the idol-worshippers place food as an offering at the base of the idols, the monkeys lose no time in gobbling it all down just as soon as the person’s back is turned.
Many fables are told by the temple priests about the “sacred” roles of these monkeys. They convince the people that the monkeys are truly sacred and should be pampered and never harmed. If a native is annoyed with a monkey and even scolds it, he or she is in real trouble if a priest hears about it.
We can’t help but feel sorry for these people who are taught from childhood about these false gods and the idols and animals that represent them. Let us all hope and pray that they will listen to the truth of the love of the true God, told to them by missionaries outside the temple grounds. What a wonderful account they can hear of the love and forgiveness the Lord Jesus Christ is offering them. The Bible clearly tells them they only need to confess their sins to Him and believe that He died on the cross for their sins.
A God who loves them is such a contrast to their worship of idols and monkeys that only fill them with dread and terror. It would please God to hear you pray for these people, that they might learn and believe the truth of the only one true God who loves them.
ML-06/14/1992