In the American deserts there are about 300 species of cacti, ranging from the tiny pin cushion to the mammoth saguaro. All of these were created to fit into a hot and arid environment where rainfall might come only once a year or less. If cactus plants were unprotected, they would quickly be eaten by desert animals. However, God has provided protection by covering them with bristles and spines. But many small birds do find refuge in them, building nests among these bristles and spines where they are safe from predators. This is another way in which God has made special provision for some of His creatures.
Throughout southern Arizona and northern Mexico, the huge saguaros are often seen along the highways. Some of them reach 75 feet in height, and many live 200 years or more. The important feature about this huge plant is its ability to store water. Instead of taproots going deep into the soil, God provided it with a network of shallow roots only a foot or so beneath the surface. In the larger plants these roots may stretch out 100 feet or more. When it rains on the sandy soil, these roots soak up the water and transport it into the plant. The plant stores the water in its many storage cells, making it look very plump and smooth. During a heavy rain, a ton (2,000 pounds) or more of water will be collected into these cells.
An odd characteristic about the cactus is that it has no leaves. This helps preserve its water supply, because leaves not only need moisture for themselves, but also give off water - a process known as transpiration. Looking closely at a saguaro, it looks like a coat of wax has been sprayed on it. This glossy, smooth surface is another means of preserving moisture inside.
The strength of the tall saguaro lies in the ribs which run its full length on the outer surface. These give support against the strong desert winds. The ribs are much stronger than the trunk itself, and native Indians often used them for construction material around their homes and farms.
Many birds drill holes into the sides of the trunk and branches, making nests in the soft, fleshy structure. Normally decay would set in at such points, but the Creator has taken care of that too. A layer of scar tissue immediately begins to cover the wound, and in a short time a smooth, waterproof surface has formed around the opening.
Sometimes Christians refer to this world as being a desert place. We must admit that it is an empty, barren place, unless we have Christ in our lives, for He alone can provide “living waters.” The Lord Jesus has said, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst” (John 4:1414But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)). He extends a final invitation at the end of the Bible: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)). Have you accepted that invitation?
DECEMBER 17, 1995
ML-12/17/1995