THE JESUS CHRIST LIZARD
By Christy Lowman
Burke County
Did you know that there is a lizard named after Jesus? The Basilisk lizard’s nickname is “the Jesus Christ lizard.” Can you guess why?
The Basilisk lizards can grow up to 2 feet, this is including the length of their tail. Their life span is about seven years if grown in captivity. They are related to the Iguana. The adult males have three crests, one each on their head, back and tail. The female has one crest on her head and can lay as many as 20 eggs at a time.
The Basilisk lizard lives in Central America and South America in the rain forests around streams and rivers. It lives mostly in the trees that hang over bodies of water. When a predator is after them while they are in the trees the lizard will fall from the tree limb to the water below and run across the water to the other side to escape.
Yes, you read that correctly! The Basilisk lizard is named after Jesus because it can run on water! They are able to do this from hatchling age to adult lizard. The younger lizards are able to run the distance of 10-20 meters on the water surface while the adults can only run a few meters before sinking in the water because of their weight. They are also able to run supernatural speeds of almost 7mph on land and 5mph on water. This helps “the Jesus Christ lizard” be able to escape its predators and catch food. This is why they will always be found near the banks of a body of water. They are also able to hide under leaves on the ground and stay motionless for a long time.
Would you like to know how this lizard is able to travel on the water’s surface? Being lightweight, and super-fast are just two of the contributors. The Basilisk lizard also has very long toes and small flaps of skin on their feet that open up in the water creating little air pockets under the lizard’s feet lifting them to the top of the water. The lizard then pumps, and churns their legs rapidly like a bicycle, hitting their feet hard on the water’s surface. If the lizard does sink in the water, there are no worries, they are strong swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 30 minutes!
All these factors are how the Basilisks can run on water. Jesus however, wasn’t equipped with any special features. He came to earth as an ordinary person like you and me.
Did you know that it is a miracle that Jesus walked on water? Scientists have calculated that a person weighing at 175 pounds would have to run at 65 mph to stay afloat as the basilisk lizard does. But Jesus was able to walk on the top of the water with no effort at all! Jesus performed many miracles and answered many prayers while He was on earth. Did you know that He is still doing these things even today? Think about it. Can you remember a time that God answered your prayer? Or have you witnessed a miracle in your life or someone else’s? If you can’t think of an example look closely over the past week. I bet you will see God working in your life, answering prayers or performing miracles on your behalf. Sometimes these are not as large as walking on water but are very small. Look closely! Also never be afraid to ask God to answer your prayers or to perform a miracle for you. Remember the Bible says “I am the Lord, the God of all people. Nothing is too difficult for me.” (Jeremiah 32:27)
At the same time,” God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will.”(Hebrews 2:4)
Dear Lord, we praise You and thank You for the answered prayers and miracles that You perform for us and others. We are so thankful that You are still in the business of doing these things for us! I pray that You reveal and show Yourself to each child. Let them see how you are working in their lives! In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen
Bibliography
How Does the Basilisk Lizard Run on Water? | Wonderopolis
Jesus Christ Lizard | 3 Facts About This Amazing Animal | Learnodo Newtonic
Green Basilisk lizards eat insects, rodents and runs on water | Nature’s Crusaders
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Christy Lowman is a Christian author and illustrator that lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing and illustrating books for all ages. Some of her short stories are published with Guideposts and HCI. Christy gives all the glory to God in everything she does. A portion of every book sold from the Small Bible Character Series will be donated to battle human trafficking. If you enjoy her books, “like’ her author page on Faceook and let her know! You can buy her books at //www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AChristy+Lowman&s=relevancerank&text=Christy+Lowman&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1. You can reach her at //www.facebook.com/authorChristyLowman/
or christyssoaps@yahoo.com
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