Today's Word 🌱

"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small."
-Psalm 104: 24-25

Insects are following me! Ok, that was just me being dramatic. Thank God they aren't following me. However, recently, I have been coming across a few insects that have allowed me close enough to them to take their photo. I sure do love getting closeup shots of all sorts of creatures. I like to be able to see the detail our heavenly Father has put into them. Spending time observing the fine details tends to give me a better appreciation of not only the creature itself, but also of the Creator we all share in common. But I digress. Allow me to introduce you to two personalities.

Common Green Bottle Fly (Jan 06, 2024)

Our first is a humble fly. It has probably been called many unpleasant names, and understandably so due to its function in spreading disease, germs and bacteria, and also because it multiplies quickly. However, they also play a valuable role, as agents of decomposition. It isn't a favorite creature of mine at all, but still, it was a rare moment for me being able to zoom in on this fly resting on a flower in my garden.

Lessons from a Fly

Did you know that flies are mentioned throughout the Bible? They are usually mentioned as being in swarms and are associated with plagues sent as retribution from God. There are two places where they are mentioned in the singular however.

"In that day, the Lord will whistle for the fly that is in the remotest part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria." - Isaiah 7:18

This first verse tells me that the creation of God, even the fly which is one of the most annoying creatures o this earth, can listen and obey God's voice or command. Do we allow the fly to out-praise us in hearing God's voice and practicing obedience to His wise counsel in His Word?

"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor. So too does a little folly to one who is respected for wisdom and honour." -Ecclesiastes 10: 1

This second verse is a piece of godly wisdom. It reminds me of the high and priceless value of a good and unsullied reputation, character and respect, and how easily it can be destroyed. If a fly can spoil the characteristic beautiful scent of a perfume, how much more can excused or presumptuous misdeeds or folly (as the Bible terms it), affect our character and reputation, and even our good influence in a negative way as a believer? While there is thankfully grace accessible from our heavenly Father, consequences do run their natural course.

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Katydid (Jan 12, 2024)

Allow me to introduce you to the second creature. While walking along a busy corridor at my workplace, I spotted this katydid perched on the wall. Despite my having inbuilt vigorously automatic boundaries when it comes to touching and holding insects, I am the first to still consider them as beautiful and to try to take the clearest possible photo of them for closer inspection afterward. I was pleasantly surprised when this green beauty didn't budge or try to jump away when I came as close as possible to get a Macro shot. Perhaps it was asleep, as I read later on that it is primarily a nocturnal insect, however, these are some things I learned about them.

Lesson from a Katydid

The katydid is no different from any other insect in terms of its vulnerability as prey for larger predators. However, they have not been left defenseless by their Creator. They have been given a leaf-like appearance which allows them to blend in nicely with their preferred environment. While we live on this earth, our Father has given us protection in different forms also. He gives us laws, counsel, wisdom and admonitions among many other things that protect us from certain consequences, and he gives His angels charge over us.

Katydids also have a unique way of corresponding with each other so that they don't have to unnecessarily attract the attention of their predators, such as bats. The males use tremulations and the females use vibrations along the plant networks . Katydids have tympanic organs on their forelegs which produce the sounds or vibrations as needed. Katydids remind me that we too have a predator, and we have a way of communicating with our Father without having to alert the enemy to our thoughts. He has given us the privilege of prayer. As we pray in our heart, He recognizes our reaching out to Him, and is ready to listen. Even when we don't have the words to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Communication is very important to our Creator.

In studying a painting or a work of art, we gain insight into the artist. As you may notice, there are lessons to be gleaned from any of God's creation, big or small. Everything like a signature, points to Him, our Creator - His creativity, thoughtfulness, His purpose, and power. What lessons can we learn from the creatures around us today? Should our lives point to Him also?

Next time we see an insect, let's consider the lesson we can learn from it.

Prayer

Creator of the universe, You are wonderful. You have created so many varieties of insects for this earth. While we may not understand all, thank You for the ones that we do, as they reveal to us so many things about You. You are an intentional God who delights in thoughtfulness, creativity, beauty, and purpose. You have made us too Lord, with love on Your heart. Help us to understand ourselves as your beautiful creation also, and just as creation can listen to Your voice, and follow your command, we want to offer ourselves also as humble vessels of honour to You too. Continue to give us understanding, teach us Lord of your ways. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Do enjoy this unique version of a well known song that gives tribute to our Creator. Be blessed 🙏🏼🎧🙂

All things Bright and Beautiful (Jonny & the Jazzuits (ft. Elisa Krijgsman)

References:

• Common green bottle fly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_green_bottle_fly
• Katydids - https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/katydid-facts