BY: MARK DAVIS & ELISABETH C. TUNSTALL
The Brawling Bears
Key Facts & the Dark Side of the Bear
By: Markus D. Davis
INTRODUCTION
Today I will be giving half the presentation on “The Brawling Bears.”
Mine being Satan as the bear. First, let’s go over some facts and characteristics of the bear. We know God created the bear on the 6th day with the rest of the mammals.
KEY FACTS
Although some species are now extinct there are several species still left namely in the North and South Americas, Asia and Europe. Most bears share some similar behaviors but they can greatly differ with respect to the climate they survive in, diet and their level of aggression. Some bear species include the giant panda, sloth bear, American black bear, brown bears and polar bears.
THE PANDA
Let’s start with the panda, which gets to be 2-3 feet tall, 4-5 feet long and up to 300 pounds. This is similar to the size of an American black bear but a panda’s diet is somewhat different. They mainly eat bamboo, leaves and they may eat small rodents but this is rare. Generally, pandas are usually aggressive only when threatened. Pandas are similar to the sloth bear, which usually isn’t aggressive and survives on insects and fruit.
POLAR & BROWN BEARS
While the largest and most aggressive of the bear species are the polar bear and the brown bear, which the infamous grizzly and kodiak bears descend. Polar bears and brown bears are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain and no other animal hunts them. These bears are very skilled at hunting, agile and extremely territorial and aggressive.
KODIAK BEAR
They can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 1,700 lbs, with sharp fangs and claws up to 4 inches long. These features make them them the ultimate predator. Kodiak bears are able to swim well, climb trees and reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The kodiak bear is by far a superior predator, possessing all of these attributes.
KODIAK BEAR
Usually one would think that climbing a tree would render safety from such a large predator on the ground, but as stated earlier, they are excellent climbers. Typically, these bears chase their prey for only a few hundred yards, which, by the way, is equivalent to several football fields. For the prey, this would seem like forever. But if a prey is able to make it beyond these distances the bear usually leaves off from chasing them.
PREDATOR VS PREY
Kodak bears and polar bears are said to abandon the fight if the prey stands their ground and makes themselves appear larger than the bear itself. This is usually done by making a loud sound and moving in a way that gives the illusion that you are physically larger than you really are. The kodiak bear is also an opportunist, meaning they will consume anything they set their eyes on like fruit, animals and fish. So everything is fair game to them.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
Now we went over all these attributes of what seems to be the most resourceful and dangerous of bears because we will now compare them to the attributes of our adversary, Satan. We know Satan to be the most vicious predator around. He is cruel and doesn’t know mercy, (I Peter 5: 8).
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
We know Satan attacks at any given moment when he sets you in his sights just like the bear does. This is why the scripture says be sober and vigilant, that is, to be watchful and ready. Animals that are considered prey are always watching to make sure there are no potential predators in their path or vicinity. The bear is such a powerful predator due to it’s size, muscle mass, hunting skills and other attributes.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
Now think of how resourceful Satan is when he comes for us. He will use all his weapons against us. The sharp claws the bear uses during its hunt are used to grab and maul their prey to the point they are unable to mount any defense for themselves or even flee.
This is how Satan does you once he has you in his grasp if you are not watchful and allow him to sneak upon you, as do most prey.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
Think about if you’re trying to escape an animal (the bear), one would think running into a body of water or climbing a tree would discourage that animal from pursuing you but not Mr. Bear. This doesn’t slow him down one bit just as Satan is able to get to you anywhere in this world. He is also like the kodiak, which is an opportunist. He seeks any and all to devour with the strength and ability to take down even the strongest. God is the only place of safety from Him.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
There are also countries that use the bear as a symbol on their flag to indicate strength. Just as Satan represents a lot of other attributes different countries display. Like power through killings, violence and etc. Satan deceives them into thinking this is power. There are many more ways to show how synonymous the bear is to Satan.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
In conclusion, we must remember the bear (Satan) is a very powerful predator skilled and highly successful in his hunt though not invincible. Remember earlier we described that most prey fall victim to the bear (Satan) unless one is able to scare off the bear by making loud noises and movements. We are considered prey for Satan if we don’t remain watchful for him so he doesn’t sneak up on us.
THE DARK SIDE OF THE BEAR
An other key point to mention, is brown bears are known to reside in dens during hibernation times where there can be many. This can also be synonymous with the innumerable amount of evil spirits lurking and we must be careful not to intentionally walk into the bears’ den. So how does one become bigger than the bear to make this vicious predator think twice before attacking you (James 4: 7, 1 Peter 5:9)?
IN CONCLUSION
Obedience to God, singing praises, studying your scriptures all help to ward off the devil. Also, did anyone notice the only place the bear couldn’t reach you was in the air (sky). God’s kingdom is on high above all places and things. Christ in, St. John 14: 30, refers to Satan as the Prince of this world. Now consider that the water, trees and other areas that seem to be safe are places that Satan has access to. Brothers and sisters stand your ground when the bear (Satan) comes for you. Amen.
The Mother Bear Spirit
By: Elisabeth C. Tunstall
INTRODUCTION
What makes the bear unique is that it points to the female side of God, that of Wisdom. It also points specifically to God’s judgment. But how is the bear like Wisdom? We need to first look at how female bears operate with their cubs?
MOTHER BEARS
First, bears are said to be very smart. Research reveals they count, use tools, solve problems and are emotionally complex. Mother bears, in particular, are very nurturing, loving and protective of their babies. When cubs are born, they are totally dependent on their mother.
MOTHER BEARS
Bear cubs are born blind, they have little fur, weigh less than a pound and can barely crawl. The mother bear hovers over the cubs and breathes on them to keep them warm. Her furry arms and legs cradle the babies, also keeping them warm and protecting them from outside elements. For 6 to 8 months, milk is the cubs only food.
BEAR MILK
Bear milk is said to be highly rich in nutrients and fat in comparison to human milk. For example, polar bear milk is 40% fat and black and brown bear milk is 20 to 25% fat while human milk is only 3 to 4% fat. Cub bears are able to grow healthy and fat on their mother’s milk until they are weaned.
MOTHER BEARS
When on the go, a mother will sometimes carry a cub in her mouth to a new location or sometimes the cubs will climb on their mother’s back. If they feel their cubs are being threatened mother bears become very aggressive and will fight to the death to keep their young safe.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
What does the Bible say about bears?
What I have noticed is there are multiple scriptures that refer to bears in the female person, two of which I would like to highlight. 2 Kings 2: 23-24, “And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
This scripture was referring to Elisha the prophet. As you can see, these were 2 female bears that destroyed 42 children. This is a testament to the justice that will be rendered to the wicked for persecuting God’s children on a larger scale. This is also an example of that mother bear spirit that Wisdom possesses to protect her children. Just as she is a part of God’s creation, she is also a part of His judgement as with the entire throne of God.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
Another scripture is in Hosea 13. In verses 1-9 it states, “Yet I am the LORD thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me. I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me. Therefore I will be unto them as a lion: as a leopard by the way will I observe them: I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
God is angry at the people of Israel for their sins and is rendering judgement upon them.
To reiterate, the judgement of God is a part of the spirit of the bear. Now lets take a closer look at verse 8. Note the bear is bereaved of her whelps. Here, God is portrayed as an angry, attacking mother bear that has been robbed of her cubs. Satan lured Israel into sin, robbing God of his children. But like the mother bear, God will not stop at nothing to get the people of Israel back.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
How does God get his children to return to him? By rending the caul of their hearts. The caul is the pericardium or fleshy sac that encases the heart. To rend means to tear apart. To tear the outer layers of the heart is the same as spiritual circumcision. The bear using her teeth and sharp claws to tear the caul of the heart is liken to the word which is sharp as a two edge sword, (Hebrews 4: 12).
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
In other words, God uses his word and truth to circumcise the hearts of his people so that they repent and return to him. Note that even though he is angry and punishing Israel there is still mercy with judgement because he says “but in me is thine help.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
Now where does Wisdom come in and how does she help to circumcise your heart? Keep in mind that circumcision of the heart is not pleasant initially. It causes you pain and regret for your sins, it humbles you and causes you to fear God. Wisdom is the one that teaches you to fear the Lord’s judgement, compelling you to obey him. In Psalms 111: 10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Let’s move on.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
The milk that the bears feed their cubs represents the fundamental word, which is his laws.
Remember, when cubs are born they are blind and can barely crawl. When we are born, we are born in sin. Figuratively speaking, we are blind to the truth at first. It has to be taught to us. Mother Wisdom brings us to Christ and the teaching of his commandments and testimonies, our spiritual milk. This gives us the essential tools that we need to grow and mature spiritually.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY
As a bear is highly intelligent, Mother Wisdom is privy to all the mysteries of God, (W.O.S. 8: 4). She makes us wise in the truth. She is also responsible for giving man the ability to make witty inventions and technological advancements, (Proverbs 8: 12). A mother bear keeps her cubs close and teaches them how to behave and thrive in their environment. Wisdom teaches all of creation how to function as they should on a day to day basis.
IN CONCLUSION
In closing, the spirit of the bear is a lethal and dangerous force to all those that disobey God for judgement will destroy the wicked. But for those that obey, we are embraced by the loving spirit of the bear, which is our mother Wisdom. And if we remain faithful, she will continue to nurture us so that we will grow and be ready for salvation. May God be with you all. Amen.
