This is an invitation to just ponder the wonderful magnanimity of a God who loves all of his creations, not just the humans, even down to the littlest of creatures. Yes, it is true. Humans are unique, different. That should go without saying. And it is true that, yes, God did grant humans the permission to eat of any "moving thing that lives" (Genesis 9:3).
But does that mean that He despises animals or has no affection for them in his heart? Far from it! Consider Proverbs 12:10 where God's word says that "a righteous man regards the life of his animal." God cares that animals are treated properly.
In an even more heartwarming passage, consider the words of God to the prophet Jonah:
"And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one
hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand
and their left -- and much livestock?" (Jonah 4:11)
What tenderness is found in this verse. It is literally the last verse and testament of the book of Jonah, making it all the more poignant. Notice the dash before the mention of livestock; it makes it a parenthetical. It is almost as if God could have left it out. Surely asking that Jonah consider the demise of 120,000 people would be enough to make Jonah pity Nineveh's possible destruction. But, no, God feels it necessary that Jonah reflect on all the livestock that might also be lost.
And then there are the classic lines from Jesus himself, declaring that the Father takes care to feed even the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26). And we all know the hymn proclaiming that even the sparrow -- sold for 1/32 of a denarius in ancient Judea -- is under His watchful eye. When humans throw barely a coin to purchase two, God still looks out for just a single one (Matthew 10:29).
Every sparrow is his precious creation. Think how much you love just one of your poems that you write. Or your all-vegan, spaghetti and tofu-meatballs dinner you prepared last night. Or your child. Or any other thing that you created. God feels much the same way. But only infinitely more so.
Just because you eat it does not mean you don't care for it. Observe the Sioux's humble reliance and appreciation for the bison. He eats it to live, but he by no means disregards it. To him the bison is a gift for the continuation and health of his life and those he loves.
So, yes, God does allow for eating the animal. But He also cares for the animal. A paradox? Perhaps. But trust him. Perhaps He knows what he is best.
