The Wonders of God’s Creation
The Jackrabbit
In desert country, you may not have to travel far before seeing a Jackrabbit, another interesting example of God’s creation. It may be sitting up on its hind legs watching your every move, or leaping away in zig-zag fashion to get out of sight. With its big ears usually pointing upward, this furry animal is a common desert dweller.
Yet all species do not have the same size ears. In Australia, their ears are of enormous size. These give it a keen sense of hearing, and they also act as “coolers” by giving off body heat. High body temperature is a real problem in the intense heat of that land. The ears of Jacabbits in the deserts of the United States are much shorter, since they live in colder areas and need to conserve heat in the cooler seasons. How wise our Creator was to help these active animals to be comfortable, no matter where they live.
The Jackrabbit has a keen sense of sight. Its eyes see in front, to the side, and even behind. This, along with its keen sense of hearing, helps keep it alert to the threats of enemies. Its great hind legs enable it to make leaps and bounds at speeds up to forty-five miles an hour. It can also jump five feet in the air while leaping five or ten feet in distance. If it is being chased by an enemy, it can even do better!
The Snowshoe Rabbit
The Snowshoe Rabbit is a cousin of the desert Jackrabbit. This spies can live comfortably in the cold northland. It has long, strong hind legs like its relatives of the south, but its ears are much shorter, since it needs to keep its body heat in that climate.
The one thing that sets it apart from the others more than anything else, is the “snowshoes” it wears in winter. Its feet, about twice the size of a Jackrabbit’s, have toes spread wide apart, and as winter approaches, long hairs grow between them, forming a pad. With these it can walk on top of the snow and easily leap through it in ten-foot jumps.
In addition, God gives it a white winter coat in exchange for the brown one of summer. When sitting still on the snow, it is almost invisible. Toward spring, as the snow melts and patches of white, mixed with rocks and brown soil, appear, its white coat changes into a mottled one, helping it to hide. When all the snow is gone, its coat returns to brown again for the summer.
These animals do not stop to think about God’s care over them or the benefits given them when they were created. God’s care over us is very real, too, and we should think about it and of His great love for us. For those who know that love and have found salvation through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, and His death on Calvary, the invitation is given: “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:77Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Have you learned to trust Him?
ML-08/02/1981