It's not that there is distinct "lizard brain" per se... since all brain function is interconnected. (and quite complex - a reminder I know nothing but I aim learn some things now and then)
These days I am reflect a sense of gratitude for being allowed in the presence of something much greater, despite feeling small or unimportant:
Proverbs 30:28“The lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.”
But I am so much more! From a biblical perspective, as a believer in Christ, I am not merely a creature scurrying unnoticed in the halls of the King—rather I am child of God, a co-heir with Christ, and a member of His royal household. So unlike a lizard who sneaks into the palace, I belong there by birthright in Christ:
Romans 8:16-17"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Not a guest but a part of His royal family. As a co-heir, I share in Christ’s inheritance, which includes eternal life, righteousness, and authority in His kingdom.
Ephesians 2:6"And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Not crawling unnoticed in a corner. Seated with Christ in a place of honor. Given spiritual authority through Him, and with an identity that is secured in Him.
1 Peter 2:9"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Not just a creature tolerated—rather I am chosen, set apart, and given a divine purpose. A priest: representing God’s kingdom and proclaiming His truth.
Galatians 4:6-7"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."
So with a heart of repentance, belief that the God-Man died for the forgiveness of sins, that he was resurrected and ascended into heaven - I am now an adopted as a child of the King: fully loved, fully accepted, and given access to everything that belongs to Him. I am not just in the palace... but I belong there. A part of the King’s household, and my presence... this is not an accident. For I am loved, valued, and given a role in the Kingdom.
And so Proverbs 30:38 is an example of how small, seemingly insignificant creatures can still thrive in the grandest places.
- Matthew Henry notes that this verse teaches that even "the weakest may come to honor" if they act wisely.
- Charles Spurgeon commented on how God’s wisdom allows the lowliest of creatures to dwell in places of great privilege.
Those who cling to God’s Word - we can dwell in His presence, despite the smallness: Like the lizard’s grip, my faith clings to Christ, securing a place in the King’s presence. How sweet mystery of grace!? To share the same Father as Jesus.
Hebrews 2:11-12“For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for this reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 2:11, NASB)
Just to explore the verse I was contemplating for some time....if I were to pick a lizard I am most like it would probably be the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko):
Defensive and Aggressive — Will bite fiercely if threatened.Powerful Grip — Strong jaws, painful bite, hard to release.Highly Territorial — Defends space aggressively.Extremely Vocal — Loud "To-kay! To-kay!" calls, day and night.Nocturnal Hunters — Active at night, hunting insects and small prey.Solitary — Prefer to live alone; males will fight.Difficult to Tame — Rarely become docile; handling often requires gloves.
One that is bold, territorial, defensive, and resilient... which are its strengths when guided by wisdom!
Boldness & Courage: The Tokay gecko doesn’t back down easily, and in the Bible, we are called to be bold in faith.Proverbs 28:1 "The righteous are bold as a lion."Territorial nature: Standing firm in our beliefs and not be afraid to proclaim truth.Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."Persistence & Endurance: Tokays are tough survivors, thriving in harsh environments; as beleivers are instructed to endure trials and trust in God’s strength.Hebrews 12:1 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."Vigilance Against Threats: Tokays are territorial, guarding their space. This is a reminder of spiritual vigilance; protecting our spiritual lives and stay alert to deception.1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
But there are also potential pitfalls with this nature. So I must learn to temper aggression and isolation with love, gentleness, and community.
Aggression & Defensiveness: The Tokay is quick to bite when it feels threatened. But as Christians, we are called to respond with grace, not aggression. This can push people away rather than draw them close to Christ."A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." – Proverbs 15:1Territorial & Solitary Nature: Tokays are loners and fiercely defend their space. But the Bible emphasizes community and unity. We should build relationships and show love instead of isolating ourselves."Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2
My curiosity got ahold of me (again)... what sound does the tokay make in Hebrew? I like to connect the dots and explore the Hebrew behind the verses with some helpful digital era tools
EDIT: Need to QC this table, take it will a pinch of salt:
| Word | Hebrew | Sound | Meaning | Strong’s | Verse Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokea' | תּוֹקֵעַ | toh-KEH-ah | Blower of trumpet | H8628 | Amos 3:6 |
| Taka' | תָּקַע | TAH-kah | To blow, thrust, fasten | H8628 | Judges 7:22 |
| Takh | תָּךְ | tahkh | Strike, beat (rare word) | H8490 | Job 36:31 |
| Tokhecha | תּוֹכֵחָה | toh-KAY-kha | Rebuke, correction, reproof | H8433 | Proverbs 3:11 |
| Takua | תָּקוּעַ | tah-KOO-ah | Firmly fixed, stuck, planted | H8629 | Judges 3:21 |
| Toki | תּוֹכִי | toh-KEE | Parrot (talkative bird) | (Later Hebrew) | Leviticus 11:19 |
| Full Verse (KJV) | Deep Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Amos 3:6: "Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?" | Call to awaken the people; a warning blast to stir hearts before judgment. |
| Judges 7:22: "And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath." | Sudden attack; shock and fear stirred in the enemy’s camp by divine means. |
| Job 36:31: "For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance." (Context: Thunderclouds and lightning bring judgment and provision.) | God’s striking voice through nature; judgment and provision interwoven. |
| Proverbs 3:11: "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:" | Bold confrontation; standing fearless in truth, even when uncomfortable. |
| Judges 3:21: "And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly." | Unshakable grip; firmness in striking evil; deep rooting in battle. |
| Leviticus 11:19: "And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat." (Context: unclean birds — “parrot” inferred by later tradition.) | Vocal declaration; speaking aloud—a call to truth, whether clean or unclean. |
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