One of the largest animals of North America is the moose. It is found mainly in Alaska and in many areas of Canada and northern parts of the United States and also in Scandinavia and Russia. It is a solitary animal and does not form herds. The moose prefers areas with lakes, rivers and pastures with ample food, as the Creator has promised in the Bible verse above. It finds some food in chest-deep water, dunking its head under to pull plants out by the roots.
The bull moose of Alaska is the largest and boldest, weighing almost a ton and having shoulders as high as eight feet. Its huge size, plus big antlers, make an impressive sight, and it is very bold. It will not hesitate to charge a truck or slow-moving train that annoys it—sometimes knocking the annoyance off the highway or railroad track. It is easy to see why a moose is seldom attacked, although a calf or a sick or old one might become the victim of a bear or a wolf pack. However, if an enemy makes the mistake of attacking an adult moose, it may pay for the mistake with its life. One kick from a moose’s sharp hooves can crush a skull or break or cripple a leg. The big antlers are equally dangerous.
The dark-brown moose is not a pretty animal. It has a hump on its back, and a baggy muzzle with another loose fold of skin at its throat, called a dewlap, mark its long face. Add its massive crown of antlers, and it presents a mighty awesome appearance.
While it may seem cumbersome to us, the moose is one of God’s creatures: “Every beast of the forest is Mine.... And the wild beasts of the field are Mine” (Psalm 50:10-1110For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 11I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. (Psalm 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 for easy walking 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 a speed of thirty-five miles an hour. The Creator has also given them coloring that blends with their surroundings, making them usually well hidden from enemies. Of course, no animal is aware of the One who created and preserves it, but how about us humans? There is a real difference, for we have the ability to know the Lord God and all He has done and is still doing for us. The psalmist wrote, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:88Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8)). Have you ever thanked or praised Him?
ML-11/17/2013