“By Him [the Lord God] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.”
Colossians 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16)
There are about 350 kinds of sharks in the oceans of the world. We usually think of these creatures as dangerous, and many are, including the one known as the white whale shark. When one of these twenty-foot, fearsome-looking citizens of the sea is spotted, it is easy to see why they are called whale sharks. They swim extremely fast and can keep up with big ships as they follow them for the food scraps that are being thrown overboard.
These sharks are found in many places, mainly off the coasts of South Africa and Australia, but along the Pacific coast of North America as well. They usually travel alone or in pairs and are always on the lookout for fish and other seafood, including seals, sea lions and small porpoises.
Their most common method of capturing food is to hide in rocks deep under the surface, waiting for a seal or other victim to swim by. They make a quick dash, attacking the victim from underneath if it is too large to be swallowed whole. Their jaws have many strong, sharp teeth, with spare ones embedded under those on top. The spares soon fill in the space of any that break off.
It is through its snout that a great white senses the nearness of other creatures swimming nearby. This is a more reliable way of locating food than by their rather poor eyesight. Incidentally, it is thought by marine experts that the rare attack on a human is the result of mistaken identity - probably thinking a swimmer is a seal. These experts suggest that where sharks of any kind are likely to be, it is best for swimmers not to wear dark swimming suits. They say divers and others who wear black wet suits may really be asking for trouble.
Baby white whale sharks are about three and a half feet long at birth and look just like a miniature of the mother. They stay close to her while learning how to catch their own food.
We might wonder why such vicious creatures were placed in the oceans, but they were not vicious until sin came into the world and spoiled all of God’s creation. But there is a day coming, after those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are taken to heaven, when all creation will be at peace again. This is the time referred to in Isaiah 11:66The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6) where we are told, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid [baby goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” Will you be with us in heaven looking down on this happy, peaceful scene?
ML-09/11/2005