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The Wonderfully Weird Beasts of the Bible

The Bible is filled with vivid imagery and symbolism, often drawing from the natural world to convey deeper spiritual truths. from the awe-inspiring and majestic to the mysterious and even fearsome, animals are frequently used as intermediaries to convey moral truths, illustrate human traits, and sometimes are even messengers of His will.

The Curious Menagerie 

The Leviathan
The Leviathan is one of the most enigmatic and formidable creatures mentioned in the Bible. Described as a giant sea monster or dragon, it embodies chaos and power that only God can tame. Primarily featured in three key biblical texts, Job 41 describes the leviathan as a creature of immense strength and invincibility, emphasizing human powerlessness compared to Godly might. Psalm 104:25-26 references the Leviathan, depicting it as one of God’s creations, and Isaiah 27:1 describes a future where God defeats it.

Symbolism and Insights 
The Leviathan represents:

• The conflict between good and evil 
• The ultimate triumph of good over evil
• God’s supremacy over all of creation 
• God's protection and deliverance
• The futility of human strength without God
• Sometimes seen as a symbol of pride that God will ultimately humble.
• An embodiment of Satan or demonic forces

The Behemoth
Spending its days peacefully grazing and roaming the soil, Job presents the Behemoth as a colossal beast with brute strength and stature.

Symbolism and Insights 
The Behemoth represents:

• The variety and wonder of God’s creation
• The limitations of human strength and understanding
• God’s provision and care for all creatures
• Unyielding strength and stability
• Peace and harmony within the world

Potential Real-World Counterparts
Unable to reach an agreement, scholars have suggested the behemoth may be a mythological creature created by blending characteristics of various large animals known to the ancient world to convey theological truth through symbolism. Still, many scholars have debated the possibility of the Behemoth being one of or a relative of the following animals:

• Hippopotamus
• Elephant
• Ancient Megafauna like the wooly mammoth or another prehistoric herbivore
• A large herbivorous dinosaur similar to a sauropod 

Balaam’s Talking Donkey
Balaam’s talking donkey is one of the more unusual and memorable animals in the Bible. As described in Numbers 22, the non-Israelite prophet Balaam has been summoned to curse the Israelites. During the journey, his donkey abruptly stops, keenly aware of the angel on the path ahead. Unaware of the angel's presence, Balaam becomes frustrated by the donkey's refusal to move forward and strikes the donkey three times. In a dramatic turn of events, the Lord opens the donkey’s mouth, allowing it to speak and question Balaam’s actions. After the donkey spoke, God opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel, who rebuked him for his stubbornness and disobedience. 

Symbolism and Insights 
Balaam’s Donkey Represents:

• God's ability to use any means to communicate His will and intervene in human affairs
• The revelation of spiritual truths that are often hidden from human perception
• Human folly
• The reminder to remain spiritually aware and attentive to God’s presence and directives
• The reminder that guidance can come through unexpected sources 
• The need for humility and acceptance of God's will over personal desires
• The importance of vigilance and discernment

Jonah’s Great Fish
Jonah’s encounter with the great fish is one of the Bible’s most famous stories.  Called upon by God to intervene with the wicked ways of the citizens of Nineveh, the Book of Jonah reveals Jonah’s attempt to flee his responsibility. At sea, headed in the opposite direction, God sent a violent storm, and Jonah was thrown overboard by the terrified crew. Instead of drowning, Jonah is swallowed by a great fish, spending three days and three nights in its belly. Inside the fish, Jonah prayed to God, expressing his repentance and commitment to obey. God commands the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land, and Jonah obediently goes to Nineveh to deliver God's message.

Symbolism and Insights 
Jonah’s Great Fish represents:

• The process of turning back to God after straying
• God offers second chances to those who repent and seek His forgiveness
• The powerful renewal and transformation of repentance
• Internal struggles
• Personal introspection and reflection 
• The assurance that God’s plans are fulfilled 
• God’s ability to use creation to accomplish His purposes
• God's means of discipline and protection 
• The need to acknowledge sin
• God’s mercy 
• Opportunities for redemption

The Serpent in Eden
While Jonah’s fish may be one of the most famous animals, the Serpent in Eden is hands down the most infamous and pivotal animal within scripture. More cunning than any other animal, the serpent tempted Eve by questioning God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The serpent deceitfully assured Eve that eating the fruit would open her eyes, allowing her to know good and evil, ultimately making her like God. Eve succumbed to the temptation, ate the fruit, and shared it with Adam, leading to their disobedience against God's command. As a result, sin entered the world, and Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden.

Symbolism and Insights 
Eden’s Serpent represents:

• The origins of sin and temptation
• The deceptive and subtle nature of temptation that distorts truth and leads to disobedience
• Tests of faith
• The concept of free will
• Moral decisions between right and wrong
• The loss of innocence
• Underscores the correlation between disobedience and a broken relationship with God
• God's plan to restore humanity through Jesus Christ
• The act of questioning and doubting God's word
• The enticement of forbidden desires and autonomy
• The human susceptibility to temptation 

Facts and Peculiarities of Other Biblical Animals 

• Although more modern translations use the description of “wild ox” or “wild bull,” the KJV references the unicorn 9 times! (Numbers 23:22, Numbers 24:8, Deuteronomy 33:17, Job 39:9, Job 39:10, Psalm 22:21, Psalm 29:6, Psalm 92:10, Isaiah 34:7)
• The animals mentioned in the Bible come from many different regions around the Middle East.
• The lions mentioned in the Bible are presumed to be the Asiatic lion, which became extinct in Palestine around 1400 AD.
• Four species of antelope are mentioned in the Bible.
• There are around 100 different species of animals mentioned in the Bible.

There's No Horsing Around Here

Imbued with intentional meaning and lessons, these captivating and strange animals remind us of morality, God's sovereignty, the need for obedience, the potential for transformation, and the ever-present opportunity for redemption. 

- Torrance Community Church of Christ

Like, Share, and Follow Christ: What Would Jesus’ Followers Post on Social Media?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if the disciples of Jesus had access to social media? Imagine scrolling through your feed and seeing Peter's latest fishing adventure or John sharing his profound reflections on love. Join us as we bring the ancient stories of Jesus’ followers into the digital age, offering fresh perspectives and timeless lessons along the way.

Insta-Grace

Peter: @fishingwithpete
Peter, known for his passionate and impetuous nature, would have an alluring social media presence. Through his updates, followers would gain insights into the power of redemption, the value of faith, and the grace that allows us to rise after falling.  Peter's profile would demonstrate that faith is abundant with missteps and monumental growth, and would remind us that even our greatest failures can lead to our most significant spiritual breakthroughs.

John: @igotafriendnamedjesus
The Beloved Disciple, John’s post would attest to the foundational power of love, the triumph of good over evil, and the significance of having an intimate relationship with Christ. His online presence would reflect his deep understanding of love, faith, hope, and revelation; prompting followers to see love as a command that transforms, revealing the heart of the Gospel. 

Paul: @paulsinternationalcrusades
Paul became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Paul became a passionate apostle and left this world with a noble and momentous legacy through his letters and missionary journeys. His posts would showcase his zeal for the spreading Gospel and his deep theological insights; emphasizing themes of joy, gratitude, and spiritual warfare. 

Thomas: @thefaithfulskeptic
Thomas’ account would capture a compelling perspective on faith, doubt, discovery, and belief. His posts would provide insight into human struggles, the role of doubt in spiritual growth, and the grace extended to those who seek truth with sincerity; challenging us to confront our doubts, embrace genuine inquiry, and ultimately find faith and commitment in Christ.

From Scrolls to Screens

Despite the unique touch of imagination and humor, each disciple would present profound insights into the human condition, faith, and our relationship with Christ. Their posts piece together their personal journeys’ and illustrate that faith is a dynamic and often challenging matter, marked by doubts, revelations, and encounters with God’s grace. Embracing the messages embedded in each post allows us to glean timeless wisdom and inspiration found within the pages of scripture.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

When Helping Hurts: Thwarting the Savior Complex

Mark 10:45 affirms, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” However, in our earnest desire to help, we can sometimes fall into the trap of the savior complex, where our good intentions lead to unintended consequences. Today we will discuss how we can avoid the savior complex and the importance of serving with humility and recognizing our limitations. 

Defining the Savior Complex

The savior complex is a state of mind where an individual believes they are obligated to save others, often to the detriment of both parties involved. It places an unrealistic burden on us and undermines others' ability to grow and learn. In many cases, this mindset stems from good intentions- a misguided sense of altruism. It may even develop from a genuine desire to help but can quickly escalate into a pattern of dominating others' independence. Psychologically, the savior complex arises from a desire for validation, control, or believing that others are helpless without your intervention. Biblically, this attitude sharply contrasts with the model of service presented by Jesus, who demonstrated that we are called to serve with humility, love, and a recognition of our dependence on God. A  person with a savior complex may inadvertently place themselves in a role that only God can truly fulfill, but rather than seeking to be the savior, Christians are called to be servants and serve in a manner that doesn’t attempt to overthrow God from His responsibility. 

Identify the Telltale Signs

Identifying the signs is the first step in addressing our motives and behaviors, and it allows us to change our approach and help others with humility and respect for their autonomy. 

Signs to watch for: 

• Feeling emotionally drained or resentful when others do not follow our advice or show appreciation.
• Feeling disappointed or hurt when others do not express gratitude for our help.
• Neglecting our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs while prioritizing the needs of others.
• Frequently crossing personal boundaries in the name of helping, without considering the impact on others' autonomy.
• Seeking validation or recognition from others for our efforts, instead of focusing solely on their well-being.
• Deriving self-worth from helping and assisting others rather than from a healthy and balanced life.
• A tendency to feel personally responsible for, or constant preoccupation with solving others’ issues. 

Examples of the Savior Complex in Action 

Consider if any of the following examples resonate with you:

• John frequently advises his colleagues on personal matters, even when they don’t ask for help.
• Emma volunteers to manage every aspect of a community project, ignoring others' offers to assist.
• David insists on solving problems his way, dismissing others' input or solutions.
• Rachel feels overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted because she’s constantly dealing with others' crises.
• Tom views himself as a martyr for always sacrificing his needs for others, expecting recognition and gratitude.
• Jessica unconsciously makes her friends dependent on her by always offering to do things for them rather than empowering them.
• Chris becomes frustrated when the people he's helping don't improve or change as quickly as he'd like.
• Mary begins to feel resentful towards those she helps, feeling unappreciated and overburdened.
• Alex takes over projects or tasks from others, believing they can’t do them as well as he can.
• Megan puts her own life goals on hold to focus on solving other people's problems.
• Brian sees his friends' problems as his own, experiencing their issues as personally as they do.
• Peter believes his guidance is always correct and disregards any feedback or differing opinions.
• Susan commits to helping so many people that she has no time left for herself or her family.
• James feels guilty saying no to any request for help, stretching himself too thin and becoming ineffective.
• Sarah constantly seeks out people in crisis to rescue, deriving her self-worth from being needed.
• Lydia amplifies others' problems to feel more essential in resolving them, escalating situations unnecessarily.
• Ben guilt-trips others into accepting his help, making them feel indebted and obligated to him.

Biblical Examples of Humble Service

The Bible provides numerous poignant examples of humble service that are in stark opposition to the savior complex. 

The following examples remind us that genuine service involves putting others' needs before our ego, following the example set by Christ Himself:

• Jesus: He washed His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) and sacrificed His life for humanity (Philippians 2:5-8) without seeking personal recognition or control.
• Paul: He tirelessly spread the gospel and cared for the churches (1 Corinthians 9:19-23), enduring hardships with humility and reliance on God.
• Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph faithfully served Potiphar (Genesis 39:1-6) and later served Egypt as a wise administrator during a severe famine (Genesis 41:41-44).
• Esther: She risked her life to save her people, the Jews, by approaching the king without being summoned, demonstrating courage and selflessness (Book of Esther).
• Ruth: She selflessly cared for her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 1-4), demonstrating loyalty and compassion without seeking personal gain.
• Barnabas: Known as the "son of encouragement," Barnabas generously sold his land to support the early church and mentored Paul (Acts 4:36-37; Acts 9:26-27).

Strategies for Humble and Effective Service

To humbly serve and avoid falling into the trap of the savior complex, consider:

• Rather than trying to rescue others, turn your attention to empowering them to find their own solutions and strengths.
• Regularly pray for wisdom and discernment.
• Establish clear boundaries in your relationships and commitments. Learn to say no when necessary to avoid overextending yourself.
• Embrace teamwork and shared responsibility.
• Listen attentively to others' needs and concerns without immediately offering solutions. 
• Surround yourself with trusted friends or mentors who can provide honest feedback and accountability regarding your helping behaviors.

Most Importantly, Focus on God’s Role

The ability to overcome the savior complex hinges on the ability to shift our focus from ourselves to God. It requires that we recognize and trust His supremacy and will;  relinquishing the drive to serve in an unhelpful manner and allowing God to work through us. Acting as His instruments liberates us to serve with a joyful heart, knowing that our efforts are part of His greater plan to bring glory to His name and spread His love in the lives of those around us.

When we focus on God’s role:

• We trust that God has a plan and purpose for each person's life, including their struggles and challenges.
• We seek God’s guidance through prayer, asking for wisdom and discernment in how best to support and encourage others.
• We acknowledge that God is in control and that our role is to obediently follow His lead.
• Our goal shifts from fixing problems to pointing others to God, encouraging them to rely on His strength and seek His solutions.
• We recognize our limitations.
• Understand that God works in His timing and ways, often beyond our understanding. 
• We let our actions and motives reflect His love and compassion.

Summing It Up

The savior complex can subtly distort our intentions, leading us to seek personal validation or control rather than genuinely serving others out of love and compassion. Helping others without falling into the savior complex requires a deliberate commitment to humility, self-awareness, and trust in God. As we strive to emulate Christ’s example and surrender ourselves to God’s will, our participation in His work will be founded in love and bring honor to His name. 

- Torrance Community Church of Christ