There are so many wonderful lessons to be learned in the study of God's creation. All nature speaks of the love of it's Creator. Every leaf, flower, tree and living creature in some way reveals the wisdom and love of God.

This week we continue to study the four things that be little upon the earth... but remember what are they? Yes, but they are exceeding wise.

"The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;" - Proverbs 30:26

Just what is a cony? To us today a cony is another name for a rabbit, but what was called a cony in the Bible is today a Rock Hyrax. These animals are found across Africa and the Middle East. They weigh about 4 kilos and look a bit like a large guinea pig.

Now the conies are not very strong creatures, in fact they have quite soft bodies. Many eagles would be delighted to make a cony their lunch! But, this doesn't often happen. It is actually rare that a cony is killed by any eagle.

What is their safety?
Let's see their wisdom.

The cony realises how vulnerable they are, and for this very reason they live high up on rocky cliffs and in crevices of the mountains. When they are grazing for food they never go far from their rocky refuges. The amazing thing about them is that they always have one or two sentries posted at vantage points to observe for any signs of danger. As soon as an eagle or other threat is spotted, an alarm is sounded and they quickly flee to their rocky refuge.

As with this humble creature, so in our lives.

We need to realise the reality of the unseen battle that, right at this moment, is facing us. We are living in enemy land. The prince of this world is the great deceiver, Satan. Just like the cony is no match for the eagle, so we are no match to face Satan. Our only safeguard is to build our lives on something that is stronger, greater than us. Where is such a refuge found?

"But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge." - Psalms 94:22

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." - Psalms 61:1-3

Our refuge, rock and only safety is found in that rock that is higher, stronger than ourselves.

Like the cony, we must always be on watch. If you are a soldier in enemy's territory would you be casually walking around not watching for the enemy? No! But you would be very careful, vigilantly watching for any signs of the enemy.

Let's then take heed to the wisdom of the cony. Let's "be sober, be vigilant" because of our "adversary the devil" (1. Peter 5:8). As soon as temptation comes to us don't wait for even a moment. If the cony doesn't immediately run when danger threatens, he is placing his life at risk. So for us, don't linger with temptation for even a moment, but flee to Christ, our refuge. Pray to Christ, cry out to Him for help and strength. And just like the cony is totally safe in their rocky refuges, so it is impossible for the devil to touch one who's refuge is found in Christ.

So far, from the wisdom of the ant we have seen our great need of starting our day gathering spiritual strength for the unseen trials coming to us, even when we don't feel the need.
Now from the conies, we see that during our day, we must be watchful and vigilant always ready to flee to Christ, our refuge, when danger threatens.

"Christ should never be out of the mind. The angels said concerning Him, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Jesus, precious Saviour! Assurance, helpfulness, security, and peace are all in Him. He is the dispeller of all our doubts, the earnest of all our hopes. How precious is the thought that we may indeed become partakers of the divine nature, whereby we may overcome as Christ overcame! Jesus is the fullness of our expectation. He is the melody of our songs, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. He is living water to the thirsty soul. He is our refuge in the storm. He is our righteousness, our sanctification, our redemption. When Christ is our personal Saviour, we shall show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. . . ." - Ellen White, Reflecting Christ, pg. 21