Bible Question: I'm having an underlying problem with my faith that I need to find closure with. And it stems from my love of animals and God's view of animals. Most christians I speak with view animals as things God gave us to do with however we please. Some things I read in the Bible make me think God really loves animals and then other things make me think He really could care less. Jesus states that God is aware of every death, even that of a sparrow. That makes me think He is very in tune not only to humans but to all His creations. But how does an animal lover accept God's choice of animal sacrifices in light of the fact He knew they wouldn't accomplish what Jesus did? I understand He favors humans over animals because we are made in His image. I've talked to some Christians who tell me to get over my love of animals and to stop trying to make God fit into my view of Him. Is this what I'm trying to do? |
Bible Answer: Chynna I have read all of your postings to this forum, and you ask some excellent questions. I don’t know if I can answer your question, but I would like to share an assortment of the thoughts that came to mind, as I read your collective posts. Maybe we can build on these thoughts. By the way, these are just random thoughts and not everything will flow together smoothly. Man's relationship with God can be difficult to comprehend, because God is so magnificent that we just can't always grasp everything about Him. Two things demonstrate God’s compassion: Genesis 3:21 and 4:6-7. Adam and Eve had just sinned, but here God is making clothes for them. In Gen 4:6-7, God had just told Cain He didn’t approve of Cain’s sacrifice. Then God spoke to Cain with love and encouragement that he, Cain, can do better. Here are two cases in which God was angry/disappointed, but still very concerned and loving towards His children. In Job 38-39, God describes himself. Take your time and read this. It puts into perspective the greatness of God. God created everything and then, out of His love for man, simply gave it to us (Re: Genesis 1:28) As God has dominion (supreme authority) over man, God gave man dominion over all other creatures. Ours is a jealous God. Now, in addition to being a magnificent, loving and compassionate God, ours is a jealous God. That means simply, is that God is intolerant of unfaithfulness. (Re: Deut 4:23-24, 5:8-9, and 6:14-15) Let’s talk about sacrifice, sacrifice means: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony. Holocaust means: a sacrifice consumed by fire. The first time we see a sacrifice in the Bible is in Genesis with Cain and Abel. It does not say that God required a sacrifice. Why was Abel’s sacrifice pleasing to God, two reasons: First, it truly was to devote, irrevocably, to the worship of God. As a symbol his devotion to God, Abel selected the best firstling (look it up) of his flock. Why an animal? Abel’s job was to raise animals for food. And Abel offered God the best food he had. Abel had complete devotion to God and he did not keep the best for his own consumption. There is no purer sign of love, honor and devotion among mankind, as when a child picks the prettiest flower and gives it to his or her mother. Although, the mother did not require this act of devotion, she accepts it because it is pleasing to her. At this time, the relationship between the mother and child is one of complete devotion and is perfect in goodness and righteousness. It is holy. (Re: 1 Peter 1:14-16) Why burn the offering, how else will it be received by God? Offerings were burned, evaporated or decayed. The sweet aroma of the sacrifice – it is meat and in my house, a roast does smell nice when its cooking. However, this term is used symbolically in the Bible. Why did God look down upon Cain’s offering? Cain was a farmer and he offered to God the results of his efforts as a farmer. However, note in Genesis that Cain did not offer God the best firstling of the crops. It appears that Cain kept the best for himself and made to God, an inferior offering. Now, the second child, not understanding the full significance of giving flowers to the mother, grabs a handful of plants from the garden, which includes broken flowers and weeds, and gives them to the mother. The mother, who still loves the child, will explain why this is not a good gift (because it is not from the heart) and with the hope/expectation that the child will properly honor her love and their relationship, the next time. (Re: Genesis 4:6-7) God, in all of His magnificence, creates all things and with all love and compassion for us, He simply gave it to us. Then, man goes and creates false gods and idols to worship. As said earlier, ours is a jealous God. And when man created idols and worshiped them with sacrifices, our God said, no. Man has only one God and if we want to make a sacrifice, it will be to Him. (Re: Deut 32:16-19) Notice that God hasn’t demanded that man makes sacrifices, but if man is going to worship a god, it is going to be our God. First and foremost, it is pleasing to God when man does demonstrate his love and devotion to God. Second, God will not tolerate man making this devotion to a false god or idol. Third, God does expect the honor to be proper, which is Leviticus. In Leviticus, God also thought it good that man joins together in the celebration of the sacrifice. Together worshipping God, lead by a priest who insures that all join together to worship God, properly. This, in turn, helps build the unity of the family of God (Re: Job 36:22). Does God require sacrifices, let alone blood sacrifices of animals? Read Psalms 50:5-23, and pay particular attention to lines 5, 8-13 and 23. (Psalms 50:23 Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show the salvation of God."). Sacrifices/Sacraments are pleasing to God. Brian |