Family Reunion
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
Having grown up in the mountains of PA, I do not know much about sea life. When I go to the zoo, I always spend time in the aquatic areas and my time there is filled with intrigue and laughter. Tracy Crump (All God’s Creatures) shares some facts about sea lions and seals. More importantly, she tells us a life-lesson learned from these creatures.
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People filled the stands in anticipation of the sea lion show as the graceful mammals glided through the water. When the program started, the trainer called one of her charges onto the deck for an introduction.
“This is Ely,” she said. “He’s a California sea lion Unfortunately, many people think he’s a seal.”
Ely covered his face with his flipper, feigning disbelief. The trainer went on to point out the distinction between sea lions and the harbor seals also swimming in the tank. In addition to external ear flaps, the sea lions had large winglike front flippers as opposed to the harbor seals’ smaller front appendages. The sea lions’ bigger flippers, along with their greater flexibility allowed them to “walk,” more easily on land. Harbor seals, on the other hand, used an undulating movement called galumphing. Thought the two marine animals had many similarities, they also had many differences.
I, too, have many differences from my brothers and sisters n Christ, but as Paul told the Galatians, those differences don’t matter. I have the same Savior, the same Father in heaven, and the same mission here on earth as my fellow believers. We are all “children of God by faith (Galatians 3:26, KJV). Because of that I can count on support from my extended family. I don’t have to galumph along on my own. That’s a relief to know in this increasingly wacky world in which we life.
And someday, I’ll be united with other brothers and sisters I don’t even know yet. What a reunion that will be!
Walk of Faith: Look for a fellow believer you can draw into fellowship with your church or small group. Show that person the unconditional love of being “one in Christ Jesus.”
Heavenly Father, thank You for all of creation. You bless us every day over and over. Teach us to include others in our family—even with all our differences. AMEN.