Even Animals Know There Is A God

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”  Revelation 5:13

This is a scene from the Apostle John’s vision of heaven before God’s wrath is released upon this sinful world in the final days.  A universal praise and worship service is underway.  The four living creatures, the 24 elders who represent gospel ministers, and innumerable angels have joined in the chorus.  In addition, John tells us that every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea have also joined in praise to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Who are these creatures?  Only humans?  Or do they include animals?  I don’t know for sure, but I do know that God made the animals, and they are subject to Him.  Genesis 1:11-27 tells us that God made plants first, then birds and sea animals, then cattle, other beasts, creeping things, and then man.  While man and animals differ in that man can think and reason, I believe God instilled in animals a knowledge of Himself.

In Numbers 22:28, God caused a donkey to speak.  Luke 2:7 tells us that Jesus was born in a stable where animals were kept.  I think those animals knew they were present at a most extraordinary and holy event.  I would venture to guess that donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem knew his Rider was no ordinary man (Matthew 21:5).  Every once and a while, folks bring a service dog in training into the worship service at church.  I will admit that it is a little weird seeing a dog in church, but I can’t help wonder if the dog knows that he or she is in a place where God is honored and worshipped.

God cares for animals.  In Matthew 10:29, Jesus says that a little sparrow cannot fall to the ground without God knowing about it, and that people are far more valuable than sparrows.  If God cares that much about a little bird, imagine how much He cares about us.  Speaking of little birds, in the morning as I study, sometimes I can hear a bird singing outside my window.  Who’s to say that she’s not singing praises to her Maker?  Her song reinforces my belief that there is a God who made the world and everything in it and will one day return to reclaim His own.  She doesn’t grumble and complain, but goes about her day doing the things that she was made to do, not worrying or fretting over tomorrow, but enjoying one day at a time.  That little bird can teach us a thing or two about praising the Lord.