Spitting Flames

I want to paint an image for you. I’d like to describe something to you and allow you the freedom to see whatever it is that comes to your mind. Are you ready? Okay, Picture this: There is a large beast whose teeth are surrounded by terror and whose spine is covered in rows of shields joined one to another. Its skin is impervious and cannot be removed. If it sneezes it brings forth light and its eyes glow like the dawn. Out of its mouth pours flames and its nostrils bellow smoke like a boiling pot or burning bush. Its breath alone can kindle coals. It has unmeasurable strength and the toughest of skin. Iron is like straw in its mouth and no sword or arrow can penetrate its flesh to reach its stone-cold heart. When he rises up he strikes fear into the hearts of all who encounter him and he sees everything that is high. If you are anything like me, you might be picturing King Arthur and his knights fighting back a large, winged reptile right about now. You can probably envision its fiery breath spewing out from between its razor-sharp teeth as it brings terror to those who face it. And you’d be pretty much spot on. But the description I just gave wouldn’t be found in a rehashing of the Arthurian tale, well, at least not in the way I worded it. Because those adjectives I used to describe the aforementioned beast came straight out of the Old Testament, Job to be exact. It was describing a beast known as Leviathan, and it is just but one of the many accounts that the Bible goes on to share about giant monsters that have left horror in their wake. And of course, we know these creatures by a better name, a name the Bible actually goes on to use as well. We know these creatures as dragons. --- Thank you for listening to this episode of Itinerant. If you enjoy the show, take a moment to subscribe, rate, and share it on with a friend. Word of mouth is a powerful thing and your recommendation is much appreciated. You can find out more about me and the show at itinerantpodcast.com. I co-host another podcast called The Reckless Pursuit. The Reckless Pursuit is a show dedicated to providing a safe place for Christians to ask unsafe questions. If you need a community of people where you can talk about your questions safely, we might just be your tribe. No matter your current church status or even religious views, all questions are welcome to help us grow and lay down our spiritual baggage. So if you feel like a spiritual Nomad we invite you to stop and rest. The journey is long but the beauty lies within it. Visit us there at https://therecklesspursuit.com. And until next time, keep searching, you never know what mysteries lie ahead.