The world contains many creatures strange to us, seen only by explorers or natives in some faraway spot. But the Creator had a purpose in forming every one of them, and they are always under His watchful eye.
One of these is the Tasmanian devil, found on the island of Tasmania, off the coast of Australia. It lives in woodlands and rocky, hard-to-reach places, hiding all day and coming out only after dark. Many who have seen this animal think it resembles a small bear or badger. It is about the size of a bulldog and is usually black with white patches. Its name discloses a vicious and fierce-fighting character towards nearly anything it encounters.
This animal’s large, heavy head contains sharp, strong, fang-like teeth that quickly tear and crush the flesh of victims and are so strong they can even bend some steel traps! When approached by an animal or person, it puts on a scary show, opening its mouth wide to expose these weapons, accompanied by growls and weird, screaming howls, frightening enough to turn most things away in a hurry. It also has very strong claws used in defense or when attacking its prey.
This unpleasant animal’s diet is mainly the flesh of other animals, including sheep, pigs and chickens, which makes it an enemy of farmers. But one thing in its favor is that it also eats dead animals and birds, just as vultures do, and thus provides a good service in disposing of decaying bodies that spread disease and cause horrible odors.
Strangely enough, young ones can be trained as rather nice pets. They keep themselves clean by bathing in pools of water or streams, or like cats, licking their paws and wiping them over their faces and coats.
With their savage habits, it is easy to understand the name “devil,” and their fierce ways make us think of Satan, that evil one of whom the Bible warns, “Your adversary [enemy] the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:88Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8)). This is a warning for each of us always to be on guard, because our enemy’s evil ways can cause great harm.
How can we be protected from Satan? The verse at the beginning tells of One who will protect us if we trust in Him. Another Bible verse also gives this wonderful promise: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:34). How good it is to know this Saviour and have His help and protection from Satan’s evil ways! Are you trusting in this Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ?
ML-07/02/2006