The sun, the seed, and the swallow all know what to do. They all know what God wants to be done. Look out the window, you’ll see the sun rise the same as it did the day before. Sit around for a while, and you’ll see it set in the same manner. Watch the flock in the fall; you’ll always see them go south. Even when the seed hits the soil, it knows exactly what to do based on the conditions it’s in. It would seem logical to say God’s creation knows exactly what to do and does it obediently. Man, being part of God’s creation, is not independent of it. Man’s sin separates us from God and from being obedient as the rest of creation. As the sun rises and then sets, the flock flies south, and the seed grows while God’s creation abides by His will. My theory is that we can see the way, if not the character of God, and His will in his creation. The Elephant is a good example. Let’s examine their character as observed by biologists, find a comparable Scripture, and then tie it together.
God’s Will in Creation
Exuberant
Full of energy and joy, young elephants wrestle, splash, and explore while curiosity and joy are part of their nature. See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 15:11:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
- John 15:11: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Empathetic
Soft-hearted and attuned. Despite their size, elephants are careful and calm especially with their young or injured companions. See Matthew 11:29 and John 14:27:
- Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
- John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Earnest
Elephants have unwavering sincerity and stick with their herd. They remember friends, protect their own, and don’t abandon their family. See John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Eclipsed
Elephants mourn their dead. They revisit bones, pause in silence, and show signs of sorrow. Light is dimmed, but not gone. See Psalm 63:6 and Psalm 30:5:
- Psalm 63:6: “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”
- Psalm 30:5: “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Exacting
Elephants lead with purpose, guiding the herd through seasons, danger, and drought. See Ecclesiastes 12:13 and Luke 22:42:
- Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
- Luke 22:42: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
Enduring
They’ll face down predators or threats to protect their herd, especially the calves. See Acts 3:6: “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
Enlightened
Known for their wisdom —especially their memory and judgment —elephants show patience and learn from experience. See Joshua 1:8: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
If the elephant is:
Exuberant
We should be renewed in Christ—joy is a fruit, not a mood.
Empathetic
Then meekness is strength under control—lead with peace.
Earnest
Then love sincerely and sacrificially—stick with your herd.
Eclipsed
Grieve with hope when darkness comes—joy comes in the morning.
Exacting
Fear God, obey Him—this is your whole duty.
Enduring
Stand firm—give what you have in Christ.
Enlightened
Meditate on truth—prosper through obedience, control of your thoughts.
As the sun rises and the flock flies south, so should the believer respond to God’s will—not with debate, but with obedience.
The elephant doesn’t need a sermon—it lives its design.
If creation obeys instinctively, and man resists by sin, then the redeemed must obey by Spirit. Not by intellect, but by faith. Not by emotion, but by sanctification. The traits of the elephant are not poetic—they are prophetic. They are prophetic because they attest to the sovereign power of God. They attest that character is in his creation, so they are what we must return to. We must return to Christ.
See Hosea 14:4: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.”
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