The Animal Kingdom of Heaven

Discernment is the ability to sort out and organize knowledge and thereby gain wisdom and understanding concerning the lives of mortals, angels and Gods. Solomon is quoted as saying “Above all else, get wisdom and with thy getting, get understanding.”

The spiritual world is populated by seven groups of diverse and often conflicting groups of people and individuals. They are, in no particular order: lions, sheep, goats, wolves, serpents, donkeys and doves.

Most of us are familiar with sheep and goats. They look alike but in reality sheep are docile, tame, lovable, loyal and unfortunately naïve. They will follow you anywhere if you have ever been around lambs. The expression “a lamb led to the slaughter” was applied to Jesus of Nazareth but the truth is they tortured a lion to death that day on the cross not a lamb. Joshua ben Joseph was anything but naïve.

Goats are stubborn, headstrong and determined; confident that they are right and often in the spiritual world they are fundamentalists; they look a lot like sheep but they butt heads with everyone who disagrees with them.

Serpents are cunning and subtle. They prey upon smaller game and often fleece the flock. Wolves are far more dangerous because they do not want your money - they want your soul. And they maneuver themselves into positions of power to steal the very heart of your belief and faith. Joshua warned us of wolves who would come in sheep‘s clothing.

Donkeys are, well, donkeys. It doesn’t matter how hard you try, they just don’t get it. They’re confused about everything and stubborn in their refusal to understand. You might be able to teach an old dog new tricks but you can’t teach a donkey anything.

And finally doves. They are the peace-lovers who fly away from wolves and serpents, goats and donkeys. They carry the banner of peace and love wherever they go. It is to them that the Spirit of God falls down upon and reigns supreme.

There are lots of sheep out there and only a handful of lions. Joshua said feed my sheep, protect them from the wolves. Teach them, so they will not be deceived by serpents; and give them the wisdom to rise above the goats and donkeys; and in time, they too, will become doves and lions. Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All. 🦁🕊🐑