"Coney" Island

I have always wanted to visit New York. I hope to visit all 50 U.S. states at some point in my lifetime. One point of interest could be Coney Island, a peninsula in southernmost Brooklyn, with a famous beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Coney Island was a major resort and site of amusement parks that reached its peak during the first half of the 20th century.

The word "coney" derives from a Latin word which means "rabbit." Its background can take one all the way back to Proverbs 30, where it is listed as one of four little creatures which have great wisdom. One Bible version reads, "Coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags" (Prov. 30:26). This animal which is feeble is praised because of its elusiveness. It cannot protect itself, so it cunningly makes its home in the rocks. When danger comes, it will flee to a place no enemy can penetrate. Because the coney has no power to save itself, it hides in the place where help can be found.

God is trying to tell us something very important through this quiet creature. We all need to visit "coney" island. We need to remember the source of our salvation. We cannot defeat Satan alone. We ALL need somewhere to hide. We need a power greater than ourselves. We need to go to a place where no evil can touch us.

In the middle part of the last century, the true Coney Island was a get-away from the terrors of world wars and changing times in our nation. But once our country began to prosper it was forgotten. This happy place endured years of neglect until it was finally refurbished. It occurs to me, that in our own pride we have forgotten our "coney" island also. We have neglected our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psa. 46:1). We have ceased to remember that "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Rev. 7:10).

Coneys may be small and weak, but the Bible says they are "exceedingly wise" (Prov. 30:24). I cannot think of a more noble or practical idea, than for sinful and feeble men to flee to the God of strength, hope and deliverance.

I want to go to "coney" island. I want to build my house on the Rock. I want to place my feeble self in the saving arms of Jesus! Will you go with me?

"No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God." ~ 1 Samuel 2:2