Armadillos

I have discovered that we have armadillos in our back yard. They come to the front of the yard to greet the outdoor cats when they are munching on their meal. I discovered that these creatures come in all sorts of sizes. They are mammals, not rodents. The pink fairy armadillo is about the size of a chipmunk. While its cousin, the giant armadillo grows to almost 6 feet long and weighs almost 120 pounds. The three ban armadillo is unique because it can roll itself in a ball.

They love bugs and grubs. We had a tree that fell down, and the bugs came and made a new home. Shortly after, the armadillos came and joined them. I discovered that armadillos could walk underwater for six minutes. If they want to float, they can by sucking air into their stomachs and intestines, thus creating positive buoyancy. Armadillos don’t like to share their burrows with other adults.

One of the dangers of armadillos is the link to leprosy. Some armadillos are naturally infected with leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Armadillos are one of the only known animals to carry leprosy, an age-old disease that causes skin and nerve damage. The recommendation for those who have armadillos outside of their homes is look but don’t touch.

As I visit many hospitals, and many homes, I come in contact with people that before you can enter the room, you must wear surgical attire. After the visit, you need to remove the gown and wash your hands thoroughly, despite the fact that you had gloves on. Image how these precious souls must feel. They can’t touch you, they can’t embrace you, and they can’t kiss you on the cheek. They are like armadillos. You can look, but don’t touch. During the time of Christ, those that were sick were treated the same way. You can look, but don’t touch.

I want you to know that we have a Doctor who breaks all protocols. He has incredible bedside manners. He listens to your concerns. He grabs your hands and prays with you. In the end, He brings comfort and healing. Despite your condition, He will embrace you. Despite your loneliness, He will take the time to hold you. Despite what others might think, He will grasp your hands and let you know that all you need to do is call Him, and He will come by your side again. I met this Physician years ago. I was going to be operated on, and I was afraid. I heard of many stories of how things don’t go as planned. So I closed my eyes and prayed. There He was, holding my hands. Running His fingers through my hair, and letting me know that everything was going to be fine. I rested with such peace. When I awoke, there He was. He never left my side. He touched me.

Jesus touches you and I. The Bible says “And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.“ Matthew 8:2,3

Today, I want you to know that we have a God, who holds our hands in those moments. Who doesn’t leave our side. Even though we might feel like an armadillo, Jesus treats us as His children.

“It is a case of life or death with us. We have been stricken with spiritual paralysis, and every one needs the help of the Great Physician. He alone can reach our case. He is only waiting to be invited by us with earnest heart, with sincere desire. Nothing is wanting but a preparation of heart, and earnest, believing prayer, to bring Jesus to our side as a mighty helper. He longs to come. If we will but listen to his voice and open the door, he will come in.” {GW92 225.4}

May you feel the healing touch of the Great Physician this Sabbath

Angel
Angel J. Rodriguez, D.Min
Houston Central – Senior Pastor