Life Can Be Like What We See on Safari

After our tour in ministry was complete, we went on safari at Masai Mara in beautiful Kenya.

As we traveled deep into the national reserve, we saw miles of landscape untouched by man and got close enough to count a lion's teeth. Every new visual experience screamed of the greatness of God.

As the hours went by, the clear African sky morphed into a dark yet mockingly beautiful canvas of color. A storm was coming. The chatter in the van slowed as we heard the wind howl and saw the long grass bow gracefully from its touch. 

We were not the only ones focused on the effects of the wind. While most of the animals seemed unconcerned with the coming storm, two lions stood tall and motionless, staring intently into the wind which delivered the smell of unsuspecting animals. The lions’ fur rippled across their statuesque bodies. Then without breaking their gaze, the lions crouched low and began to move, ever so slowly. They had spotted a wildebeest and he was alone.

I feared for the wildebeest because he was by himself and my heart ached when we observed his realization that he was trapped. The inevitable happened. It is rare to witness such an event while on safari but from our van we watched the lions do what lions do, they went in for the kill.

I do not know how a wildebeest found himself alone at Masai Mara when there are thousands upon thousands of other wildebeests. But in this world filled with millions of people, too many are alone for too many reasons. There is an answer and His name is Jesus. Don’t travel this world without Jesus. Satan is out there doing what Satan does. He “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Our fate does not have to be the same as that poor animal. Jesus offers life.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)