"The multitude of camels...[and] the dromedaries...shall come....[Their riders] shall show forth the praises of the Lord." Isa. 60:6
A camel is not a pretty animal, nor is it known for its good behavior. It is one of the most awkward of all domestic animals and among the most difficult to manage. It has several bad habits, such as biting people or animals and spitting on strangers. Still, this animal is very useful to desert dwellers where it is known as "the ship of the desert."
The Arabian camel, sometimes called a dromedary, has only one hump, but the Bactrian species has two. These humps serve a very useful purpose. When the animal is well fed, the humps store fat and stand erect and firm. As it travels across the desert without food, the camel can absorb the nourishment stored in these humps for several days. Then the humps shrink and become flabby, sometimes falling to one side. But when the camel feeds again, the humps resume their proper shape.
Camels can go without water for days or even months, depending upon the time of year. They need less water in cooler months, but will drink five gallons a day in hot weather. They also get some moisture from their food.
There are so many ways the Lord has made special provisions for this large animal. For instance, each foot has two, wide, smooth, hard pads so it can walk easily on hot sand. At rest periods it folds its front legs, dropping its forepart to the sand. Then it folds its long hind legs, and the whole body drops down. Its knees and chest, which would be painfully scraped by the sand in the process, have been given thick, hard pads for protection.
During sandstorms, men cover their faces with cloths to survive, but a camel needs no special care. Its eyes are protected by an extra lid, heavy eyebrows and long lashes, while its large nostrils automatically close to narrow slits to keep the sand out.
The special needs of this peculiar animal were all provided for from the very beginning by an all-wise Creator. Without this care they would never have survived in the harsh deserts.
As we think about how the camel's special needs have been taken care of, it is a reminder that God has made a promise to those who love Him. To those who trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus, He has promised to "supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). This assures us that there is no limit to what He can do for every boy and girl.
He delights in all His creatures, but to mankind He has made special provisions, not only for this world, but for the world to come. He has given the promise of eternal life in heaven to all who know His Son as Lord and Savior.
Have you accepted this wonderful gift? Have you ever thanked Him for it?