A popular YouTube clip titled "Battle at Kruger" pictures the importance of Christian unity. (Note: You can access the video clip by clicking the picture above.)
The clip shows four lions pounce on three Cape buffalo as the buffalo drink from a watering hole. The Cape buffalo-mother, father, and calf-scatter when attacked. The four lions get hold of the tiny calf, and it doesn't look good. Gnawing, biting, tearing, and dragging, the lions fight to bring the calf to the ground.
It's buffalo versus lion.
Then, some crocodiles also get in on what seems to be a food fight. The little buffalo has no way of retaliating. All he can do is hang in there.
That's when the herd shows up.
At least a hundred Cape buffalo. A solid wall of muscle and horns encircles the four lions. The largest, strongest bulls stand side by side, forming a battering ram of horns at the front of the mass. One at a time, the largest bulls take turns charging the lions. One bull gores a lion, throwing it ten feet in the air. The other lions keep gnawing at the calf, which is still alive, but now out of the water and away from the crocodiles. The lions don't take the herd seriously-until another lion gets gored. And another gets stampeded. Finally, the calf breaks free from the last lion, and the largest bulls chase the pride of lions away.
What no single buffalo could do alone-attack, frighten, and chase away four lions-the community of buffalo could easily do together. In the end, the calf walked away without a limp. One animal expert explained that Cape buffalo typically function in various individual groups and even fight with each other. But, she added, "If a youngster is threatened, both the harem males and bachelor males-which usually fight with one another-will get together to try to rescue it."*
I found this video clip to be fascinating, and a great analogy of what a community of Christians can do for someone who might be weak and struggling when they rally together to come to that individual's aid. Alone, we are often overcome by the trials of life. Together, we can bring support and solidarity to one another through love, care, and concern.
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
If we are to call ourselves Christians, being part of the family of God is a big deal!
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word
