I have been reading from Harvest of Hope by Jane Goodall. It is a book written to encourage others to be mindful of their eating habits.

In the first chapter of the book, the author describes how early man perceived the food that was taken into their bodies. The second chapter discusses different cultures and their view of food. It can be quite different from the way that Americans view food. In fact, some culture’s eating habits could be perceived as very repulsive. An awareness of cultural differences can go a long way!

As I was going through this chapter on the different cultures, I read something that really caught my attention. It brought to my mind the picture of Jesus standing in our place because of his unfailing love.

The culture that was discussed was that of the Washo Indian Tribe in the Nevada River Basin. In the chapter, the story of the Tale of the Giveaway Buffalo was retold. In the Washo Indian Tribe, giving gifts is a way of expressing gratitude and thankfulness. The gifts that are given are of the sacrificial nature, usually an animal (four-legged, two-legged, bird or fish). This tribe believes that the animals are aware of their responsibility and will offer themselves as a sacrifice by coming forward.

The buffalo is perceived as a sacred animal. The belief is that the buffalo was given by the Creator to provide life to the nations. The story continues with a remembrance of a buffalo ceremony that took place, where a buffalo would be offered as a sacrifice.

“All of a sudden the singing stopped, the valley fell deadly quiet, Luta raised the prayer stick and asked for the one whose turn it was to give away to come forward. A large young bull began to walk toward Luta. As he prayed, the bull walked slowly past the elders and headed straight for the medicine man. Luta handed the prayer stick to one of the elders and placed his right hand out to accept Taanka’s sacrifice. When a buffalo comes to offer the Giveaway he will place his head in the hand of the medicine man and then drop his head to die. But just before the young bull reached Luta’s hand an older, larger bull came from out of the middle of the herd, and running in front of the young bull, he pushed him away and placed his head in Luta’s hand. Some of the herd came and circled the young bull as though to hold him back.”

“It was quite an amazing sight. There is no greater love than this–that a man (in this case, an animal) lay down his life for his friends”

I recall so many times in my life when God has stopped me from entering into a situation that would be harmful. In those times of deflecting hurt, I knew that I was with God and He was with me. I had the peace of knowing He was dwelling in me. In addition, when I have surrounded myself with fellow believers in Christ who had that same knowledge, the fellowship has been one of sweet blessing.

Have there been times when I haven’t felt the peace of God in harmful situations? Yes, unfortunately there have, but I can also trace those times of trying to accomplish goals independent from God.

I’ll ask some questions to illustrate my point. What if the young bull insisted that he would be the sacrifice and refused to accept the love from the older bull? What if he walked away from the other bull’s protection?

Do we attempt to walk away from Jesus when He is offering His sacrificial love? Do we refuse to accept His willingness to take our place in the times that we face adversity?

Jesus said:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:9-13

So, with this illustration I encourage you to walk in love and allow God to show you His unfailing love!