“And to every beast of the earth ... I have given every green herb for meat [food]: and it was so. And God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:30,3130And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. 31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:30‑31).
Sometimes called “grunting ox,” yaks are very large animals. They may measure six-feet high at their shoulders and weigh almost a ton. They are clumsy and have black and white long hair hanging almost to the ground from their whole body. They have sharp, curved horns which are two to three feet across. They live in high, cold areas like on the slopes of Mount Everest. Large numbers also live in Tibet at altitudes of 14,000 to 20,000 feet where few other animals could survive. Various species are also in the East Indies, central Asia and China.
Female yaks and their calves form herds of 100 or more, often feeding in deep snow, brushing it aside with heads and hoofs to get at the grass underneath. When water is scarce they eat snow. Most of the year the males live alone or in small groups. When wolves or any other threat comes, adult yaks, whether in large or small bands, will quickly form a circle with lowered heads and threatening horns turned outward. This is a defense taught by a wise Creator who cares for all His creatures.
During wintertime a soft dense undergrowth of hair appears beneath the coarse outer hair. As the weather warms, this sheds, chunks of it hanging from their bodies before dropping off.
In spite of their peculiar looks, some yaks have been tamed as beasts of burden. These are the smaller species, but still strong and able to carry heavy loads over mountain passes. They can do this even in the most ice-covered or snowbound places, and they do not hesitate to travel through deep snow or ford icy water when necessary.
They also supply milk, hair, hides for leather, and meat which tastes like beef since they are distantly related to cattle. An interesting item secured from a yak is called a chowry. When one is butchered, the lower end of the tail is cut off and dried. The coarse hair on the end of the tail and the natural round handle make an excellent fly swatter, which the natives call a chowry. Tourists like these for souvenirs.
The yak is another example of the wonders of God’s creation and reminds us that “The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.” Psalms 50:11<<A Psalm of Asaph.>> The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. (Psalm 50:1). He has adapted the yak perfectly to its cold homeland.
But the thoughts of God toward each of us are deeper and more loving than toward any other creature! Just hear what the Bible says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.” Jeremiah 29:11,1211For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. (Jeremiah 29:11‑12).
Have you accepted His kind thoughts? Have you ever prayed to Him and admitted that you are a sinner and accepted Him as your Saviour? If not, He waits to prove His love to you. You will be eternally saved and have real happiness if you accept Him as your Saviour right now.
ML-11/10/1985