My question is in regard to animals and whether they have
souls or not. I believe I already know the answer....but
recently our family pet, an adorable 16 year old Cocker
Spaniel named Sophie died. My 11 year old daughter, who
loves the Lord and knows that her Mom Mom and Poppy are
with Jesus in Heaven.......asked me if Sophie was there
now too? I told her I wasn't sure what the Bible says
about animals and that we would have to look that up.
Could you give me some Bible verse references to help
explain this to my little girl? It would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you.
A Perplexed Mom
I replied...
I think if it were me...I would read Ps 145.9,15-17; 36.6-7; 104.21ff; 136.25; 147.9 and Luke 12.6.
Then I would point out that God is OBVIOUSLY good and loving to animals, and that, even though God has NOT told us what he does with our pets, we can TRUST HIM to always do what is right and best and loving...
I would explain that there will be many things in life that we will not have explanations from God about, but that we also have every reason in the world to trust His goodness, love, gentleness and consideration...
I would probably also read her Rev 19.11 and .14, and point out that although we are not sure about what these verses mean, we should note that at least some animals (horses) are pictured in the heaven/future...and then look at Isaiah 11.6-9 that portray a reversal of the human-animal animosity/fear of Gen 9.2 at SOME POINT in the future kingdom of God.
But I would consistently urge her to trust God--in the absence of detailed information--like WE HAVE TO all the time!
Hope this helps some...
In His love,
glenn