Living Parables

From Aesop's Fables to the Proverbs of Solomon to the Parables of Jesus to modern Cartoons on PBS, Animals have always have had place in teaching stories to both Children and Adults. 

Spiritually we are all children and animals continue to be the simplest natural and observable means to convey a spiritual message or idea. 

They are Living Parables given by The Creator to teach us humans 

(as Priests on the Earth) 

about the Spiritual World. 

What we Can See is used to teach us about what we Cannot See.

""Go to the ant, you slacker—

consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander,

no overseer or ruler.

Yet it prepares its provisions in summer

and gathers its food at harvest." 

The Proverbs of King Solomon

Chapter 6 Verse 6

Tree of Life Version

Positives 

Almost every animal has some postiive association, even snakes. 

Snakes like most animals can be highly contextual. In many cultures such as many First Nations Peoples, a serpent is a symbol of Wisdom, Cunning or Shrewdness.  

As serpents also are in the Scriptures and in Ancient Near Eastern Context.

Dr. Michael Heiser points out that the serpent of Genesis was a "shining one" more than the reptile we think of today. 

Even Yeshua Himself sometimes spoke of snakes in a somewhat positive light.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep 

in the midst of wolves, 

so be wise as serpents 

and innocent as doves. " 

Yeshua The Redeemer

The Good News As 

Shared By Matthew

Chapter 10 Verse 16

Tree of Life Version 

Negatives

Also every creature can have some negative associations in Scripture, even lions.

In America and Britain, Lions are a symbol of strength and courage. In Africa a lion is the animal that threatens both people and their livestock.

We see Scripture the Lion representing Judah and Yeshua the Lion of Judah. 

But it can also represent the Satan, who roams the Earth looking for those in the flock that he can devour in the night. 

   Or in popular culture, Aslan was a King Lion but so was Scar.

"Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour."

Peter The Apostle

1st Letter Chapter 5 Verse 8

Tree Of Life Version