The Story of Deer and Donkey

June Yates-Boykin

Abiding in the land of Peculiar was a great family. (Okay, I’m making this up.) Some might view the family odd as families go, for it consisted of many species.  Land mammals of every type, reptiles and insects, even fish and fowl. Of every size and from every imaginable origin, they were joined together as one.

One remarkable member of this family was Red Deer.  She was loved by all, and for good reason.  Her beauty and the grace with which she moved, such that even the swans took notice, afforded her just cause for conceit.  Yet, she was more humble and loving than any of the rest, as harmless as the dove.

Another member, Donkey, was not at all pleasant.  Donkey complained about everything.  From sunrise until the moon lulled her to sleep, Donkey criticized the elders, harshly chastened the children, and whined about Lion’s rules.  She was dreadfully stubborn and did not appreciate the heart of Lion’s instruction.  She obeyed, though usually begrudgingly.

Still, motivated by concern, Red Deer spent much time with Donkey.  Deer could remember when she wasn’t so much of a deer herself, and she wanted to help Donkey.  But when Donkey tried to prevent Deer from doing what she loved most, even Deer wondered why she bothered.

You see, one issue that frequently sent Donkey into a flurry of debate was Deer’s frequent trips up the mountain.  Donkey would rant and rave at Deer as to why Deer didn’t spend all her time down in the fields with the others. At times she even accused Deer of thinking herself above the rest of the family.

Deer would patiently explain again.  And again Donkey would reject Deer’s explanation as unreasonable.

But Donkey knew she really wanted to go with Deer up the mountain.  She was jealous that Deer had a place of her own where she could find streams of refreshing water, where she could see clearly for miles and miles, where she could leap with joy or sleep in peace without fear of prey.  Donkey envied Deer’s agility and sure-footed confidence that allowed her to climb so high above the misery and mundane.

Then one day Donkey, determined to not be left out anymore, invited herself to accompany Deer up the mountain.  Deer was delighted; a trip to the mountaintop would do wonders for Donkey. 

But it was not to be.  For no matter how hard Donkey tried, she couldn’t climb the rocky terrain.  Her foot got caught between the stones, and she grumbled.  She tripped over branches and bumped her knees on sharp edges jutting out into the path, and she complained.  And she absolutely refused to carry the load of necessary supplies; they were too heavy.  After just a short time, she called out to Deer who was moving more slowly than usual so as not to discourage her. 

“Deer, I’m sorry.  I just can’t do this.  I would like to go with you, to see what you see and feel what you feel when you’re up there, but I can’t.  I just don’t have what it takes, I guess.  Her tone changed as she kicked a few rocks and turned to head back down the mountain.  “Now that I think about it, I’m not sure what’s up there is worth the effort anyway.” 

“Oh, Donkey,” Deer tried to encourage her, “I know you can make it, you can.  It is worth it, Donkey.  It’s not so difficult, and it is so worth every ounce of time and energy it takes.  Maybe you’re just weren’t prepared. I guess we both need to accept the truth.  Donkeys don’t have hinds’ feet.”

The moral of this story?  God has promised to transform us into a people who can climb the highest heights, regardless of the conditions of our surroundings or the situations in our lives.  He has said He will equip us to ascend to high places without harm, gracefully and agilely.

The declaration is found three times in the Bible, so here it is from three different translations:

He makes my feet like the hinds’ [firm and able]; He sets me secure and confident upon the heights.  2 Samuel 22:34 AMPC

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.  Psalm 18:33 NKJV

The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! Habakkuk 3:19 CSB

Sometimes we see people who just seem to be able to soar into the presence of God.  We watch as they close out the world out and worship, and glory overtakes them.   They face every problem with confidence and push through in perfect peace.  It’s like they live on a higher plain most of the time than the many of us. It’s not that they’re any better or more loved than we are, it’s just that they’ve been given the feet of the red deer (or hind).  This did not happen until a longing for Jesus above all else was birthed in their heart.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. Psalm 42:1 NKJV

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10 KJV

Hinds feet are for us, too, but the transformation must begin in the heart.  Donkeys don’t have hinds feet.

Till next time…

©2010, 2023