16 Oct, 2006
Can a python bite off more than it can chew? Ewe bet!
In fact, after swallowing a pregnant sheep, it couldn't move at all.
Firemen in the Malaysian village of Kampung Jabor, about 190km east of Kuala Lumpur, easily caught it after it was spotted on a road.
Pythons eat no more than once a week but when they open their incredible hinged jaws, anything is fair game.
This 5.5m python found its eyes were definitely bigger than its belly.
In July surgeons were forced to operate on a 4m Burmese python after it inadvertently swallowed a queen-size electric blanket.
Humans also have become victims. In 1972 a python in Burma swallowed an eight-year-old boy.
But sometimes their food really doesn't agree with them.
In October last year, a 3.6m python came off second best in Everglades National Park in Florida.
The snake, which tried to swallow a 1.8m alligator whole, exploded, said scientists who found the gory remains.
photo & story courtesy news.com.au, 09/8/06
What are you swallowing?
What does today's God's Story teach us about God's judgment on those who take advantage of the poor?
Chapter 20 of Job is a speech that Zophar is giving to his friend Job, God's servant. It is part of their serious debate about God's control and purposes in a person's good times and bad times. Zophar is proud that he is healthy and rich and he believes that this is proof of the fact that he sees himself as being godly. (That is a messed up theological view that you will often see on religious televsion shows today.)
Today's verse (20:15) is a subject on which Job will agree with Zophar. Oppression of the poor is evil. Taking advantage of the poor and helpless is like a tasty food for the rich, but God will judge this wicked action eventually. Even if God's judgment is not seen in this earthly life, it will happen in the last judgment (for eternity).
"Ewe" know that pregnant sheep was pretty helpless. The python was very greedy. It was "cast out of his belly". Justice!
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Start by being very honest. Let's ask ourselves some hard questions. How have we achieved some temporary gain at the expense of others? Have we taken advantage of someone who has less than us? Indirectly, has a worldy view on the "good things" in life and our spending habits made life more difficult for people in this world who are poor and helpless?
- Let's pray. Ask Jesus to show us our selfish greed. Let's confess any way in which we have "swallowed" up others for the sake of what we want. Thank God that as we confess this, He will help us "throw up" what is not pleasing to Him. It may hurt, but He will fill us with His love. This not only feels better - it's the right thing to do and it's part of abiding in Christ every day.
- Read Job 20 & 21 to learn more of this very thought-provoking part of God's Story.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- Today's story and photo of the snake full of sheep would be a great conversation starter with your youth group, small group or family. Share it (but maybe not at the dinner table). Talk about it by looking at what Job 20:15 is teaching. Discuss some changes that are needed in your lives and brainstorm ways to reach out to those who are truly poor and helpless. Your love in action could help lead some "sheep" to the Shepherd.
- If you have "swallowed up" someone through your actions or attitude, ask Jesus to give you the humility and courage to go to this person and apologize. Be ready, because this kind of action is so unusual in our world today, you may get asked why? It may be another step in connecting your story and God's Story to their story.
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