Unicorns

What we can learn from the unicorn?

Some people claim unicorns existed and some people don’t. I thought that I would go back to the bible to see what it says if anything about them. The Bible refers to the unicorn in the context of well-known animals, such as, dogs, lambs, and calves (Job 39:9–12).

Job 39:9–12 says that the unicorn had great strength, “whose strength is great”. The Bible also describes unicorns skipping like calves (Psalm 29:6), traveling like bullocks, and bleeding when they die (Isaiah 34:7).

Whether you believe unicorns existed or not, whether they are a natural animal or have only ever been a spiritual animal that exists in heaven and in heavenly realms we can still learn something from them.

The unicorn is a symbol of strength. As Christians we are called to be full of strength in our spirits (by feeding on God’s word and listening to His voice). We are also called to be full of strength in our minds by taking in good things, by speaking life. We are also called to look after our physical bodies, feeding them with healthy food and good water.

I also like the reference to ‘unicorns skipping like calves’. It shows that not only do they have strength but they are not afraid to act young and full of life. Skipping is associated with joy and youthfulness. I know I want to be like that until the day I die. I want to have that joy and youthfulness because I am secure in my destiny and future in Christ and I want it to be contagious.

The bullock, signifies the good of innocence and of charity in the external or natural man. They travel with stamina and work in ploughing or hard labour. They are steady and continue with endurance which is why farmers used them for these jobs. We need to be like that and stop giving up all the time, we need to hold our heads steady and walk slowly towards the horizon.

Finally it says that ‘unicorns bleed’. This means that as humans we will bleed, we will feel pain, our bodies are not invincible and one day we will die. We need to remember this every day. This doesn’t mean that we fear death but rather that we are conscious of it and thus know that we need to make use of every moment that God gives us before this time.  In our culture we deny death, we ignore it, we put it aside and I feel that this could be reflected in the many pensioners left to die in old people’s homes merely because we don’t want to deal with death. Death is painful but it can also be beautiful because it means we are stepping out of this stunted and rather poor reality and moving into the greater and true fulfilling reality of heaven.

I believe that whether you believe unicorns existed I am sure you will agree that they are beautiful. They are often associated with rainbows, flying, heavenly places and mystical realms. They are beautiful because they are different and out of this world. We need to be the same. We need to stand out and be unique reflecting the light and glory of heaven itself. So next time you see a unicorn think about what they represent and believe that you are also beautiful, mystical,  full of life and ready to explode with the glory of God.

God bless