“Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring.” Joel 2:22.
One of the largest animals of North America is the moose, found mainly in Alaska but in many areas of Canada and the northern part of the United States as well. It likes areas with lakes, rivers and pastures with ample food, as the Creator has promised them in the Bible verse above. They obtain some of their food while feeding in chest-deep water, dipping their heads under to pull plants out by the roots.
The bull moose of Alaska is the largest and boldest, weighing almost a ton with shoulders as high as eight feet. Their huge size, plus big antlers, make an impressive sight and they are very bold, so that even if a truck or slow-moving train annoys them, they do not hesitate to charge it — sometimes knocking it off the highway or railroad track. It is easy to see why they are seldom attacked, although a calf or a sick or old one might become the victim of a bear or a wolf pack. But if an enemy makes the mistake of attacking a moose, it may pay for the mistake with its life, as one kick from a moose’s sharp hooves can crush a skull, break a leg or badly cripple it. The big antlers are equally dangerous.
The dark-brown moose is not a pretty animal. Its long face is marked by a baggy muzzle hanging over its chin and another loose fold of skin (called a dewlap) dangling at its throat, and it has a hump on its back. But, with its massive crown of antlers, it does present a mighty awesome appearance.
While it may seem awkward to us, the moose is one of God’s creatures, as the Bible clearly tells us: “For every beast of the forest is Mine.... And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.” Psa. 50:10,11. It is the divine Creator who has given it such strength and ability to survive in harsh, cold winters and who also provided it with large, split hooves and broad feet to make walking easy on marshy ground and through snowdrifts. He knew what their needs would be when He created them and included four foot-long legs and strong muscles so they can run at speeds of 35 miles an hour. The Creator has also given them coloring that blends with their surroundings, so that they are usually well hidden from enemies. Of course, no animal is aware of the One who created and preserves it, but how about us humans? Ah, there’s a real difference, for we have the ability to know of the Lord God and all He has done and is still doing for us. The Psalmist, thinking about this, wrote, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Psa. 107:8. Are you one who does this?
ML-12/14/1986