The Squid and the Whale

So there I was, watching a little late night horror picture.  It wasn't the story of vampires, werewolves, ghosts, or goblins. It was on the National Geographic Channel, and it was rated G:  A documentary about giant squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni.  These guys didn't act anything like Spongebob Squarepants's nemesis, Squidward Tentacles the Squid.  Instead, these giants of the deep water can grow to lengths of 32 feet.  Wow!  They are armed with eight suction cup and barbed arms, two retractable tentacles, and a razor sharp beak.  Scary.  They ear fish, people, and oddly enough, each other!  Talk about a horror show.  The film showed video footage of a giant squid feeding frenzy.  It was scary.  They are incredible predators.  I think for Halloween, I'll dress up like a squid.

Anyway, all this got me to thinking.  I know, I know.  I should quit that thinking stuff, but here goes.  Sin is just as scary to me as giant squid.  Sin comes into our world in the deep places under the cover of darkness.  It is armed with temptation and addiction in the same way the squid has suction cups and hooks.  It is a voracious predator that feeds on the souls of people.  Watch out, don't get too close because it can suck you in.  The squid will disappear in a cloud of ink to disguise its whereabouts.  Likewise, sin will masquerade under the pretense of good intentions.  Be careful.

Now for the good news:  There is only one natural predator for the giant squid; the sperm whale.  Apparently the beaks of these leviathans don't get digested in the stomach of the whale.  Reports of 15,000 beaks in one sperm whale clearly show a partiality for these monsters.  If we can relate a squid to sin, then perhaps the sperm whale can be related to Messiah.  Jesus the Christ is the only answer to the sin problem.  He can destroy it when no one else can.  While we wrestle with the temptations, addictions, gossip, greed, and envy of the world, Jesus breaks its power with one strong blow.

As you are considering your thankfulness this Thanksgiving, as you are resting from the business of Halloween and Fall Festivals, as you are gearing up for Christmas, won't you stop and give God the glory for challenging the sin in your life?  Please consider swimming with Christ this holiday season.  That's my prayer for you and my prayer for me.