[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during November 2023]
In the 1959 comedy film “The Mouse That Roared” the English actor Peter Sellers played three of the leading roles. He subsequently achieved fame as Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther series.
The film recounts the financial struggles facing a small European nation after a Californian winery started replicating its distinctive local wine. Having observed the way in which Germany received Allied assistance after losing WWII the Prime Minister devised a solution; to declare war on the US, then surrender on terms that would bring economic assistance. A small invasion force set out for the US, intending to surrender to the authorities in New York, but things did not go as planned.
Commit your future to the Lord. Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf.
Psalm 37 v5 [NET]
The invaders met no resistance and several Americans were taken as hostages. The Europeans returned home as victors, taking with them a prototype nuclear bomb with which they intended to enforce a peaceful equilibrium between the world’s larger nations. At the end of the film we are shown that the bomb was not what it seemed, the ominous sounds that emanated from it were made by a mouse that had taken up residence in the bomb casing.
Mice do not get a good press in the Bible.[1] By contrast, certain other small furry creatures do get a more positive mention:
The rock hyraxes are not a mighty people, Yet they make their houses in the rocks.
Proverbs 30:26 [NASB]
I have watched rock hyraxes in their natural habitat. They are easily startled, the slightest hint of a threat sends them scurrying for cover. Although they are small and timid they have a powerful close relation, being genetically descended from the same line as the elephant.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18 v24 [NIVUK]
Resources:
[1] Leviticus 11 v29 [NKJV]
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys