Hebrews 2:14-15 (New International Version)
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared
in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who
holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their
lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
It has been estimated that when white man first
discovered America, there were between 27 million and 100 million buffalo on
the American and Canadian prairies. By 1889, there were less than a thousand!
What happened to precipitate this near-disappearance of
such a huge animal?
Before Europeans arrived on this continent, Indians were
the primary natural predator of the Buffalo. They used these creatures for
food, for decoration, for clothing, for their dwellings … Every part of the
animal was used. Without the buffalo, they would not have survived; and their
sole purpose for hunting the animal was for their own survival.
White men hunted buffalo for very different reasons.
These included the following:
1. For its fur and tongue (venison).
Buffalo fur was a source of great income, and Buffalo
tongue was considered a great delicacy. After taking these two body parts,
white hunters were known to leave entire carcasses rotting on the prairie.
2. For the fun of hunting.
Men with riffles on horse-back made a sport of hunting
the buffalo.
3. To control Indians through hunger, and to force them
into reserves.
The government encouraged the large-scale killing of
these animals. They were well aware that without the buffalo, the Indians would
be forced to depend on the white man for survival. With the buffalo gone, they
would be easily herded onto the reserves.
4. During the construction of the railroad, buffalo meat
was used as a cheap way to feed foreign workers.
In other words the near extinction of this animal was
solely for money, sport and the manipulation of the indigenous populations of
Canada and the United States. Nowadays, thanks to state and provincial parks
such as Fort Whyte Centre, the buffalo population has increased merely to the
300,000 mark.
I know of only one other being whose sole purpose of
existence is to destroy: "The thief (referring to the devil) comes only to
steal and kill and destroy…" (John 10:10 NIV)
The devil succeeded in bringing all of humanity into
slavery by addicting them to sin, which ultimately resulted in death: "For
the wages of sin is death." (Rom 6:23 NIV)
He has no good intentions towards any human being.
However the second part of John 10:10, as well as Rom 6:23 bring us some
terrific news: "…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the
full." (John 10:10 NIV); and "…but the gift of God is eternal life in
Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 6:23 NIV).
Mankind was destined for complete annihilation before
God, in His mercy, stopped the process. However, the price was costly:
"Since the children have flesh and blood, he (Jesus) too shared in their
humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of
death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in
slavery by their fear of death." (Heb 2:14-15 NIV)
Freedom and eternal survival is yours! All you need to do
is accept God's offer of freedom. You no longer need to be slaves to sin. You
can be free from addictions! God has paid the price for you, no matter how
horrible your past might seem. Will you accept this freedom?
The Buffalo is once again grazing the prairie grasslands
in America, free of fear of hunting expeditions, safe within the protective
boundaries of hundreds of state and provincial parks and reserves. Freedom can
be yours as well. It's your choice. Don't believe what the destroyer of your
soul suggests in your mind: "You are worthless! God will never forgive you
nor free you from your past." This is a lie from Satan himself. You are so
important to God that Jesus willingly died for you so that you could have the
opportunity to experience eternal freedom. It is yours if you just believe and
accept His offer. He loves you!
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