The Wonders of God’s Creation
“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.” Psalms 107:2323They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; (Psalm 107:23). 24.
In addition to the kinds of eels that can be eaten, discussed in last week’s issue, there are many other kinds, some of which are large and vicious. Let’s consider three of these.
Congers and Morays
These eels, some of which measure eight feet long, do not migrate, but live their full lives in crevices of rocks or coral in the deep ocean. There they hide until a victim comes within reach of their jaws and strong, sharp teeth. These ugly creatures seem ready to attack almost anything that is small enough for them to eat. This includes even larger victims like octopus and squid. Both Congers and Morays are found in warm waters in many places, including the coasts of California and Mexico and parts of Europe.
Underwater divers are often staled by suddenly coming across one in the deep dark waters, but they do not bother humans unless irritated.
The Lamprey
In spring these eels, about three feet long, go from salt water to fresh water to lay their eggs, traveling many miles up mountain streams until shallow water is reached. Then they look for a place to build an underwater nest. When they find a suitable spot the male leaves his companion and explores the stream bottom. When he finds the right place he moves stones from the bottom of the creek with his sucking mouth and takes them to the shoreline. Soon he has ex-posed a smooth, sandy bottom where the female lays her eggs and he fertilizes them. Immediately afterward they both go upstream and busily pick up and move stones around, stirring up the sand on purpose, which drifts down and covers the eggs, hiding them. Who do you think taught them to do these things?
After hatching, the young eels remain in the stream four or five years, then move out into the ocean, or sometimes a large lake. In the new surroundings they seek out their prey—usually a large fish. They do not have jaws, but do have large sucker mouths armed with sharp teeth and a rough cutting tongue. Attaching themselves to the fish’s side with this vacuum-cleaner mouth, they apply the sharp teeth and tongue to that spot until blood flows. There they remain, often many days, drinking the blood until the fish dies. Then they go after another victim.
These repulsive beings remind us of Satan of whom we are warned to beware, lest “through his subtlety... your minds should be corrupted.” 2 Corinthians 11:33But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3). It is our sins that make us a ready victim of that wicked one, but a gracious God warns us to “flee from the wrath to come,” (Matthew 3:77But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Matthew 3:7)), and turn to the Saviour who “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Hebrews 7:2525Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25).
Do you realize that you are a sinner under Satan’s power, and have you accepted the kind invitation to find a shelter in the Saviour?
ML-11/22/1981