Chinese Water Deer
Nature NuggetAnalogy★★★★Chinese water deer look reddish-brown in color. They’re shy, and live in small groups near water.
This is the only species of deer in which the male has no antlers. Instead, his teeth form two long, sharp tusks. He uses these to defend himself or to compete with other bucks for a mate.
Females also are unusual. Instead of having two teats like other deer, they have four. They need them all, though. Producing up to seven fawns at a time, they must nurse them in rotation.
The fawns can walk almost immediately, but at first they stay hidden in the tall grasses. Their mother carefully guards them, and they remain with the family group for several years.
When frightened by a predator, these deer immediately run. Then, if they can’t hide, they flatten themselves on the ground and lie quietly to avoid being seen.
You probably think of deer as tenderhearted and gentle. If you have these qualities, you’ll want to do what’s right. So if a godly parent, teacher, or friend points out behaviors you should change, you’ll listen carefully. With David you’ll say, “I hurried and did not wait to obey your commands. . . . Lord, your love fills the earth. Teach me your demands” (ICB).
Why not be like a deer today?
TALK BACK: Why is it hard to accept correction? How can you decide if another person’s opinion is valid?
Elaine Egbert, Nature in a Nutshell: Daily Devotions for Juniors, 89.
The point
Describes the unique traits of Chinese water deer, including their tusks and nurturing behavior, and uses their gentle nature as an analogy for being open to correction from godly authorities, quoting Psalm 119.