Hunting - antithesis of Divine nature.

Hunting - antithesis of divine nature. 

I agree with Creation Care Church's message. As I listened to one of their old live messages, I was inspired to write this short blog. 

The nature of God embodies justice, compassion, and mercy. Engaging in violence for amusement, such as hunting, does not reflect the nature of God. In the divine realm and adjacent to the sacred altar, a tiny sparrow finds security to build a nest and deposit her offspring. The provision of defense mechanisms to even the smallest creatures demonstrates God's concern for coexistance and justice for all species.

Hunting helpless animals is a terrible evil and contrary to God's attributes of kindness, justice, and compassion. As Craig W of CCC stated "The two hunters explicitly referenced in the Bible are Esau and Nimrod."Although Abel would be the first, as he also killed animals. I also think Issac had to be a hunter too as he must have created that desire and led Esau to learn to hunt. 

However, I appreciate Malachi 1:3, especially the depiction of "God's retribution transferring Esau's inheritance to the creatures of the desert." That exemplifies divine justice. Esau eliminated the lives of animals by killing, but the surviving creatures thereafter inherited his land. 

Craig W also stated that Nimrod's city Babel, constructed as "an antithesis to God." I realized this morning that Babel too was left in ruins, with its inhabitants dispersed across the globe. 

Dare I say that if Abel's blood "invoked a response from God." how much more the blood of the numerous animals he slaughtered also calls out to the Creator? The rationale behind Cain's murder of Abel is stated as envy and jealosy; yet, in divine justice employs the same methods that humans utilize to inflict harm upon one another. However, because to our limited understanding, we attribute unfairness to God. God continues to remain just, merciful and kind. God's message is for peaceful co-existance and not of brutal violence. (Some may argue about "God ordained" violences in the Scriptures but that will be the topic for another day!). 

Have a peaceful week ahead,

Kalpna

Palm Sunday 2026 - People's praises

The palm branches and persecution often go hand in hand. The people who praised Jesus with Palm branches, a few days later, also joined in his persecution, raised their voices to have him crucified. "Be careful," a pastor said today, of the "praises of people."

This Sunday, I choose to visit the Methodist Church, the denomination of my formative years, and found it enjoyable. The pastor delivered a simply good sermon on the scripture passages Matthew 21:1–9, Mark 11:1–10, and Luke 19:28–40, wherein Jesus instructs the disciples to untie the donkey and her colt. 

The pastor observed that, interestingly, as Jesus commanded, it was a colt upon which no one had previously rode (both Mark and Luke corroborate this) and to state that the "Master had need of it." We possess limited information on whether Jesus had any prior discussions about this with the owner. 

I valued the pastor's observation that Jesus rode a modest donkey instead of a horse. This also fulfilled the promise of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus came to spread a message of nonviolence and peace, not for political alliances/purposes.

The pastor's observation was on point that the same mob that acclaimed Jesus on Palm Sunday also demanded his crucifixion on Friday. We must exercise caution regarding "People's Praises." 

I agree and continue unlearn the athropocentric (human-focused) views. People's perceptions, praises, persecution are often selfish. May God contintue to nudge us to advocate for nonviolent causes in these "Kairos" times.  

Blessed week ahead! 

In God's grip
Kalpna
(Photo of the Palms in Cross shape taken at the FUMC Lansing, IL).