Deception is part of the animal world.

Consider the little Dottyback. In order to satisfy its monstrous appetite, this three-inch fish disguises itself.

Over a few days’ time, the Dottyback spies on its favorite meal, the Damselfish. Then slowly it changes color to match its prey. If the locals are bright yellow, it turns bright yellow. If they are brown, it changes to brown. This color change makes the Dottyback look as familiar as family!

Because the Dottyback highly resembles the parent Damselfish in shape and size when its color is matched to theirs, young Damselfish let down their guard. In disguise, one little Dottyback can consume thirty Damselfish a day!

Many of the religious leaders of Jesus’ time seemed to have a monstrous appetite, too. Only God knows what they were truly hungry for — control, respect, privilege. While they were consumed with their manmade laws, their oral traditions, their rituals, they were neglectful of the heart of God and social justice.

On the outside they appeared to be the spiritual parents of the Jewish nation, but on the inside they were more like carnivorous Dottybacks.

Our world is still full of Damsels-in-distress, people deceived by leaders who aren’t led by love. Throw out a line. Tell someone of God’s unfailing Truth. Pull someone to safety today.