THERE ARE TIMES

when I really am offended at the way some Bible translators talk about dogs and others of us in the animal kingdom. We work hard at taking care of our humans. We’re not just hanging around for a free meal. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

 

I know Bible translators are smart humans, but they could be a little more sensitive, don’t you think? Take dogs for example. We are pretty important. Otherwise, why would you pay good money to feed us, take us on long walks, teach us stuff, take us to the vet, or to the dog park to play with our friends, pick up after us, or bathe us and brush us and love on us in general?

 

So the other day when my master was reading Job 12:7-12 in The Living Bible and I heard\ him say, “Ask the dumbest beast—he knows that it is so…” my ears lay back and I woof, “Wait. What? ‘the dumbest beast’? I don’t care what anyone says, I’m taking this personally. Did this translator ever have a dog? I don’t think so.”

 

The English Standard Version’s “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you…” is a little better. At least they left the ‘dumb’ part out. But it’s not just us dogs, it’s the whole animal kingdom I’m sticking up for. We’re God’s creatures, too, you know. We’re not dumb and we have plenty to say.

 

The Message’s “But ask the animals what they think—let them teach you…” points out that we have minds of our own, and if our humans listened up once in awhile, instead of talking all the time, they might learn something, too.

 

THE ONE I LIKE

hearing my master read the best is

The International Standard Version’s

“Ask the wild animals, (yes, now we’re talking! A translator who finally gets us!)

and they’ll teach you (we really will);

the birds of the sky will tell you.

Or ask the green plants of the earth and they’ll teach you;

let the fish in the sea tell you.

Who among all of these doesn’t know

that the Lord’s hand made them,

and that the life of every living thing rests in his control,

along with the breath of every living human being?

The ear scrutinizes speech

just as the palate tastes food.

Wisdom may be found in the company of the aged.

Understanding comes with longevity.”

 

IN OTHER WORDS

all of nature is telling God’s story every day, with thousands of different voices speaking out, reminding us of his greatness, his creativity and mighty power. I know you listen to other humans, but if you have any kind of pet at all, when was the last time you thanked our Creator, yes, yours and ours, for putting us together?

 

My master chuckles, looks straight into my eyes and says, “Who knows but that you were brought to my kingdom for a time like this?”

[1] I don’t always know where he gets this stuff, but it sure makes my tail wag.

 

I KNOW

he devotes a lot of time and effort to me, loves me unconditionally, and goes out of his way to let me learn under the best trainers. Some people still call me a ‘pup,’ even though I’m grown up now (well, most of the time). Some never call me anything, and that’s okay, too.

 

 

I’m not everybody’s lapdog, but I know who I am and what I am. My name is GAGE. I’m a trained medical therapy  animal. MY master calls me GAGE the wonder dog, and I know it’s a term of love and respect.

 

 

I’m a lucky dog. I hope your pet knows he or she is lucky, too.

 

 

 

 

[1] Esther 4:14