Zoomorphism. That’s my new favorite word. It’s really the cat’s meow. My daughter will be so excited, as she plans to study zoology in college (she’ll be busy as a bee!). Obviously, any word that starts with “zoo” is going to be great because it’s about animals. Don’t get your feathers ruffled if you didn’t already know that.
A zoomorphism applies an animal characteristic to a person or another object. I learned that this morning before 8:00 a.m., as the early bird gets the worm. I wish I could think of more zoomorphisms, but I don’t have the memory of an elephant!
The Bible also uses animal imagery to teach us God’s truth. Malachi 4:2 says, “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” Here the rays of this sun are pictured as a bird’s wings, spreading out over the world and bringing healing warmth to hearts.
This sun sounds like the Messiah Jesus, who is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12), whose name is “the Lord our righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6). The healing in His wings is because of the cross, as it is “by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Those who fear His name, that is, believe in His awesome power and holiness, receive this revitalizing healing.
Malachi 4:2 has another fun zoomorphism: “You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” Can’t you just picture those calves frisking about in springtime? Maybe you’ve felt cooped up yourself. It’s probably time to let God’s lionhearted love warm your soul and set you free as a bird in His grace.
The Bible teaches us many lessons from the animal world. Even if you read at a snail’s pace, spending time in God’s Word will make you wiser than an owl.
