Several varieties of warthogs are found in East Africa. These unattractive animals are related to Old World pigs, but they have larger bodies and longer legs. Mature warthogs weigh up to two hundred pounds. Their skins are tough and thick so that they are not easily hurt. Their name comes from the large, fleshy warts on their faces between their eyes and the four tusks. These curved tusks, sometimes over two feet long, grow out from the sides of their large snouts. One stroke of these sharp tusks will cut a wild dog in two.
Their general color is dull brown with some black. The front parts of their bodies are covered with long, bristly hair, but the rest is nearly bald. Tiny eyes at the top of their foreheads contrast with their large, hairy ears.
One look at a group of these fierce-looking creatures and most animals are immediately alert and will get away as quickly as possible. A traveler in Africa reported his experience this way: “Suddenly, from behind us, comes a snorting and woofing, as up from a nearby swamp, with flyswatter tails bolt upright, trots a family of warthogs-father, mother and three young - all enameled in mud. We made a hasty exit and were relieved they did not take after us.”
As you can guess, a warthog is one of the fiercest looking of all animals, but actually they prefer to be peaceful. They often turn away from enemies, running at speeds of about thirty miles per hour with tails sticking straight up in the air. The sharp tusks are not just for fighting; they also use them to dig for edible roots and to enlarge empty dens to make a home for an expected family. In the heat of the day, they would much rather be wallowing in a soft, sticky mud bath than fighting.
When a family of these tough-looking beasts arrives at their den, the young ones (sometimes a dozen of them) go in first, and then the mother follows. Last of all the boar (father) backs in, blocking the entrance. If an enemy appears, it is not likely to attack once it gets a look at his menacing tusks and face.
We might wonder why warthogs were created, but the fact is that when God created them they were harmless. Sin, brought into the world by the disobedience of Adam and Eve, affected the animal kingdom, as well as humans.
This is a solemn reminder: “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)). Are your sins forgiven? or are you still facing the wages for your sins?
ML-05/27/2007