"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Josh. 1:9).
South Africa has a great variety of animals, some cruel and vicious and others gentle and harmless. Among this latter group are several closely related animals such as the gazelles, klipspringers, springboks and impalas. The impala is a beautiful animal. Its velvety coat is a soft brown color over its head, neck, back and legs, but clear white on its stomach and another white patch under its stubby tail. Its nimble legs are long and slender but surprisingly strong, and for a good reason, as we will see.
This prairie animal is only about three feet high and weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. Males have V-shaped horns, beginning with a short backward slant and then straightening upward a total length of two or three feet. These horns are indeed a part of the Creator's display of beauty on this animal and look as though they might have been carved by an artist.
The impala is quite content with the food supply of the prairie-herbs, bushes, shrubs and the most important and nourishing Savannah grass. But there is the constant threat of a lion or other vicious animal. When an impala becomes aware of an enemy, it barks an alarm, and in a flash the whole herd scatters in various directions. This is where their slim, strong legs are so valuable, as they run for safety in a series of dashes and long-distance jumps as high as ten feet and as far as thirty feet in single, graceful leaps... a beautiful sight.
When bounding away from such danger in these great leaps, the front feet are in the air on the first bound. When the hindquarters come up, the white patch under their tail becomes a signal to others that it is time to get going, too. The lion, presuming it is well hidden, seems to be surprised at the swift action and gets confused as to which impala to chase. When it hesitates, sometimes they all escape.
The Creator has also provided another means of warning through tick birds that frequently ride on an impala's back. These birds not only rid it of pesky insects, but also give their own warning when they see danger approaching.
The Creator's care over these gentle animals should remind us that His care over us is even more tender. He invites you to prove His wonderful love, as the Psalmist so well expresses it: "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear [love] Him, in those that hope in His mercy" (Psa. 147:1111The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. (Psalm 147:11)). Has He ever had the pleasure of hearing you thank Him for His love?