Bible Study Character Sketches & Lessons from Animals - by Bill Gothard

[cyberjosh]

A perhaps little-known book by Bill Gothard became a childhood object of thrill and anticipation for me for "story time" when I was growing up back at home, and its name was Character Sketches, of which there were several volumes (Three I believe). The series was wonderful and edifying and had some absolutely breath-taking images (many drawn by Bill Gothard himself I believe - he is an astounding artist) and neat facts about many of God's creatures. Each animal in this Biblical/Moral book was explored with interesting facts like one might expect to find on Animal Planet and mentioned each animal's various manerisms, habits, and characteristics. At the end of each chapter it would discuss the characteristics and nature of the animal in light of Biblical principles and discuss what lesson God's creatures present to us, and would close with a Bible passage relevant to the character consideration in the chapter.

It is fantastic and has only served to further lead me to believe that God has truly created animals for a specific purpose (not just random) to personify/signify different truths as lessons to us. We see many examples of this in the Bible such as the ant being a teacher of industriousness and a rebuke to laziness (in Proverbs), the ostrich as personifying foolishness (in Job), doves as being innocent and serpents as being shrewd (the Gospels), and many others which I hope to further explore as this thread goes along.

This for me builds further on the amazing nature of how God has created all His creatures to signify much more important truths beyond themselves, including us. Lovely recently brought this out fairly well (I think) about how the position of a husband signifies the authority and headship of Christ over the Church, and how the wife signifies the Church as being submissive to her husband as the Church is to Christ, and is the glory of her husband as the Church is the glory of Christ and glorifies Him.

I believe God has created all these as types and shadows and representations of grand spiritual truths. How wise and unsearchable is God, in that by His very creation he would tell the story of His salvation and plan for man. No wonder Paul testified under theconvicting truth of the Holy Spirit that the things of God are clearly seen by all so that no man has excuse.

So in light of the topic are there any animals or creatures in particular that have interested you and which you think might present to us an important lesson which God wishes to convey for our benefit? And if you can find any Bible verses to support it the better! I think this would be a good study for me personally and hopefully for you as well, so may God bless us and we seek to glorify Him and edify the body of the saints and be fruitful in our understanding.

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[cyberjosh]

Another example that I've just thought of was when Paul used the example of the law in the Pentatuech about not muzzling the ox while he plows as a lesson primarily for our own benifit in that the laborer is to be permitted hope and encouragement amidst their labor and is worthy of his wages (1 Corinthians 9:9; 1 Timothy 5:18). In this we see God's mercy and kindness in that while we yet labor, even so He will provide for us by His grace to continue on. And also as the ox is the strongest and most useful of the cattle, so also through Christ we are made "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10) and as we are conformed to the image of Christ we are made "useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (1 Timothy 2:21). And as with the strength of an ox so also we can persevere, in hope, according to the provision of the Lord. How wonderful a picture of God's mercy to us by his simple commandment of mercy to the ox who plows!

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As a more adequate and succinct description of the book, the following is the summary from Amazon:

The very nature and character of God is seen all throughout His created universe. Job remarked, But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee (Job 12:7-8). Each section of this Character Sketches volume begins with a captivating read-aloud nature story that introduces the character quality being taught and continues with interesting facts on the featured animal's characteristics and physical features. This is followed by a story from Scripture that illustrates the character quality, along with background information on the individual or situation in the story, which is then summed up in a character sketch. Generously illustrated with stunning lifelike watercolor and pencil drawings, this oversized book (9 1/4" by 12 1/4") will be treasured and enjoyed for generations. The series is designed to be a tool that fathers can use to teach their children basic concepts of Scripture that are illustrated in the world of nature. Among our best-loved publications, hundreds of thousands have enjoyed the gripping stories and beautiful illustrations that the volumes contain.

And indeed my Father did teach me very important lessons from Scripture as a kid from this book, and God blessed that time of raising me in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord and his Word. I'm so glad that God blessed me with such a simple token of grace as that.

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[lovely]

Josh,

We own volume 1 of this series! This is my favorite homeschooling resource! You have, Character building, Science, Bible history, Art (Because we draw the beautiful pictures, and have an accompanying coloring book for my youngest), It also leads us to more in depth geography and cultural studies too. And, I think it's the girl in my, but this book is absolutely beautiful, even the case is beautiful. We are going to buy volume 2 this year. Anyway, it is one of my treasures because of it's beautiful simple, logical, and honest content. I am so glad the Lord led us to discover it for our family.

I agree, there are so many 'shadows' built in that the evidence of God is not only clear, it is radiating from nature. I remember when I was younger having doubts about Creation, because I was being taught evolutionary ideas so heavily back then. After a while, I began to see...I mean really see!...and it's amazing how 'telling' every thing is, it's declaring, announcing, trumpeting God!

Okay, and I am not getting this from the book so that no one thinks I'm cheating! :-D

Mine is Proverbs 6
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

The ant is not lazy, and is a picture of wisdom for us. She is motivated, she has no ruler over her, but she works hard, and pushes herself. She provides her current meals, and works to gather for the winter...so neat! When I think of her I am convicted of my own laziness, and of my own lack of planning about my family's needs....especially our winters when we loose electricity so often with the ice storms! UGH! The year before last, I forgot to get more wood in, and we did two weeks of literally scavenging for wood! I think, in our culture, taking it easy is what we sort of look forward to most, and taking care of ourselves self-sufficiently with the wisdom that God has given us, is the last thing we think about, or desire to do.

I have a few more, but I will leave them off so that others may have an opportunity. The Lord bless you, Josh. Neat topic!

 

[lovely]

Oh, and one other thought...

These 'pictures' of God show us so simply how to relate to Him. I mean, they are a guide to how we should be relating to Him and one another. It is so much more than just delaring God as Creator, and reflecting Him to us, but it is a simple bright light to guide our feet on His narrow path. The Lord bless you.

 

[cyberjosh]

Josh,

We own volume 1 of this series! This is my favorite homeschooling resource!

Wow, neat! That's great that you are familiar with that. I think my dad has two of the volumes, one is the third volume (with the picture of the eagle on front) and I can't remember what the other one was.

You have, Character building, Science, Bible history, Art (Because we draw the beautiful pictures, and have an accompanying coloring book for my youngest), It also leads us to more in depth geography and cultural studies too.

It certainly has all those things, that's what makes it so fascinating and engaging. I love the Character Sketch books.

And, I think it's the girl in my, but this book is absolutely beautiful, even the case is beautiful. We are going to buy volume 2 this year. Anyway, it is one of my treasures because of it's beautiful simple, logical, and honest content. I am so glad the Lord led us to discover it for our family.

Glad to hear it.

I agree, there are so many 'shadows' built in that the evidence of God is not only clear, it is radiating from nature. I remember when I was younger having doubts about Creation, because I was being taught evolutionary ideas so heavily back then. After a while, I began to see...I mean really see!...and it's amazing how 'telling' every thing is, it's declaring, announcing, trumpeting God!

It truly can build real integrity and a better understanding of God's creation. God is the greatest teacher and artist of all.

Okay, and I am not getting this from the book so that no one thinks I'm cheating! :-D

Mine is Proverbs 6
6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

The ant is not lazy, and is a picture of wisdom for us. She is motivated, she has no ruler over her, but she works hard, and pushes herself. She provides her current meals, and works to gather for the winter...so neat! When I think of her I am convicted of my own laziness, and of my own lack of planning about my family's needs....especially our winters when we loose electricity so often with the ice storms! UGH! The year before last, I forgot to get more wood in, and we did two weeks of literally scavenging for wood! I think, in our culture, taking it easy is what we sort of look forward to most, and taking care of ourselves self-sufficiently with the wisdom that God has given us, is the last thing we think about, or desire to do.

That's a neat practical application. I like that, thanks for sharing.

Side note: I take it you live in a very cold location? Do tell. ;)

I have a few more, but I will leave them off so that others may have an opportunity. The Lord bless you, Josh. Neat topic!

Thanks, I have no idea what inspired me to think of that yesterday but I'm glad it did, as I always enjoyed learning from the Character Sketches.

P.S. Out of curiosity, does your volume have a chapter on the porcupine? For some reason I remember the four most memorable topics for me were the bear, the eagle, the elk, and the porcupine. But I've forgotten what the lesson on the porcupine was, so I'd like to refresh my memory.

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[lovely]

Side note: I take it you live in a very cold location? Do tell. ;)

No, no. I live in the mid-west. We get weather from everywhere, at a moment's notice, and that's why you really have to plan for everything.

P.S. Out of curiosity, does your volume have a chapter on the porcupine? For some reason I remember the four most memorable topics for me were the bear, the eagle, the elk, and the porcupine. But I've forgotten what the lesson on the porcupine was, so I'd like to refresh my memory.

We have volume 1, with Grizzly Bear on the front. It's also represented in the section on Loyalty, and speaks about the porcupine being an enemy to little cubs. :wink: Elisha was the man of God depicted. The other animals aren't represented at all in our volume.

The Lord bless you.

 

[cyberjosh]

Side note: I take it you live in a very cold location? Do tell. ;)

No, no. I live in the mid-west. We get weather from everywhere, at a moment's notice, and that's why you really have to plan for everything.

Oh, lol. I guess that with living in Alabama I've just never had to gather sticks from the woods for fire material. We barely get snow as it is.

We have volume 1, with Grizzly Bear on the front. It's also represented in the section on Loyalty, and speaks about the porcupine being an enemy to little cubs. :wink: Elisha was the man of God depicted. The other animals aren't represented at all in our volume.

So let me get this straight to see if I understood, the porcupine was the lesson on loyalty or was that for the bear and the porcupine was just mentioned briefly in it? And which lesson was Elisha tied with? Thanks.

P.S. Now I really want to get our old Character Sketch book from my Dad and read it again. He recently loaned it to one of his good friends so that he can use it to teach his daughter. I'll have to call dibbs on it next. ;)

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[knerd]

I first became acquainted with "Character Sketches" during a Basic Youth Conflicts seminar with Bill Gothard in the 1970s. Jesus' first-century message about the Kingdom of God was often highlighted with references to nature and animals and he definetly used examples of creation's creatures as stand-ins for human qualities.

Jesus taught the Kingdom of God using the nature of the world around him. He did not speak in theology nor dogma but used the everyday world in nature to help his listeners understand his parables and stories.

 

[lovely]

So let me get this straight to see if I understood, the porcupine was the lesson on loyalty or was that for the bear and the porcupine was just mentioned briefly in it? And which lesson was Elisha tied with? Thanks.

I was typing in hurry before.

Volume 1 has the first trait as Loyalty. One of the animals used to show this is the Grizzly Bear, and the porcupine is just mentioned. Loyalty was represented by the, Great Horned owl, Canada Goose, Bees, and Grizzly. Elisha was the 'character sketch' for the Grizzly.

The Lord bless you, and you too knerd.

 

[cyberjosh]

Thanks for the clarification Lovely. I'm definately going to dig up our old book if it now.

And thank you for the input knerd. Bill Gothard did real good with his youth seminars back in the day. Not to long ago a local church put on one of his video seminars and it was real good, and I got convicted. He preaches it straight and doesn't compromise, and I admire that. That's why I like him.

God bless you both,

~Josh