DAY 4

It happened in Debary, Florida on a Saturday. Drivers could she her as they drove by. She seemed to be stuck in the mud. There was so much concern that it tied up traffic for miles. They called the police wanting something done. Monday commuters were again looking for her to see if she was just laying out there or was she okay now? There was so much concern that again traffic was tied up and backed up for miles. The Florida Transportation Department knew something had to be done. They put up a lighted, flashing sign to communicate to all of these concerned drivers the following, “The Cow is Okay.”

We have to wonder if it had been a human being would there have been the same amount of concern? Now God is concerned about cattle (Jonah 4:11) but they are not made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Our concern for animals and disdain for humans may come from our experience with them. There is usually a good reason when an animal attacks and few of us have been on the receiving end. I have been chased by a cow but most people in Florida have probably not had the experience. However, nearly all of us have been on the receiving end of verbal or physical attacks from other humans. I believe there is something in us that wants to show concern, that wants be kind, that wants to love. It is because we were made in the image of God and God is love (1 John 4:8).

It may be difficult (It was difficult for Jonah.) but it is God’s will and His command for us to be kind to each other and to love each other. We will never really be able to experience love until we begin to love each other. The next time we see someone stuck in the mud let us give them some help and demonstrate that we are truly made in the image of God (1 John 3:18).