Living in great numbers on the plains of Africa, the wildebeest is commonly known as a gnu. Although it is about the size of a pony and looks like a combination of several animals, it is actually a species of antelope.
Its buffalo-like horns, high on its broad head, spread out saddle-like, then curve upward with sharp points which are used as an effective weapon. Long, scraggly hair hangs below its lower jaw and throat, and a mane atop its head and over its shoulders often hangs down to meet the lower hair. The rest of its body has only short hair. A long, rope-like tail, bushy on the end, adds to its peculiar appearance. It would never win a beauty contest.
Being very playful animals, even adults often kick and jump around for no apparent reason. While they look clumsy on their long, thin legs, they are one of the speediest animals in southern Africa. They travel at a fast trot, taking long strides.
Wildebeests are grass eaters. Those that live in East Africa find a good supply during the rainy season. When it turns dry they migrate hundreds of miles in search of more, often in large groups of thousands, accompanied by other friendly animals and bothered by some not so friendly. Usually they remain away until the last of the year when fresh rains bring green grass back to the plains they originally left. These migrating groups are quick to stampede if something frightens them. Then they move at high speed, galloping great distances and raising huge clouds of dust.
Bulls sometimes challenge one another, dropping to their knees with heads toward each other, locking horns. Each tries to push the other over. Failing, they get up, buck and kick with neither of them seeming to win. Suddenly the fight breaks off and they go quietly about their grazing as if nothing had happened.
Females have just one calf each year. A calf can stand shakily within minutes after birth, and by its second day it is able to keep up with the herd. The mother takes good care of it, keeping it clean by licking it and protecting it from lions, hyenas and other enemies.
Although millions of animals on Africa’s plains may never be seen by man, they are always under the watchful care of the One who created them. More important than that, however, is our Creator’s concern for every person on earth. He not only provides for our daily needs, but invites us to know His love and goodness now and for eternity.
Maybe you can recite this verse: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)). That is the way to eternal joy and happiness. Can you do more than recite this verse? Can you say from your heart, “Yes, I believe the Lord Jesus Christ is my own Saviour”?
APRIL 13, 1997
ML-04/13/1997