"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are Mine" (Psa. 50:11).
Several varieties of warthogs, one of the world's ugliest animals, are found in East Africa. Related to pigs, they have larger bodies and longer legs than pigs have. Mature warthogs weigh up to 200 pounds. Their skins are tough and thick so that they are not easily hurt. They get their name 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 ugly 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 more than likely to bound away as quickly as possible. A traveler in Africa reported his experience in 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 will gather, warthogs are about the fiercest looking of all animals, but actually they prefer to be peaceful. They often turn away from enemies, running at speeds of about 30 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, then the mother follows, and last of all the boar (father) backs in, blocking the entrance. If an enemy appears, it is not likely to attack when it gets a look at his tusks and ugly 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, changed the animal kingdom, as well as humans.
This is a solemn reminder that "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)). Another verse tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)). Are your sins forgiven, or are you still facing the wages for your sins?