This verse from the Bible tells of a time when the enemies of the Lord will try to hide from His judgment. No words describe those enemies better than “like worms of the earth.”
Although earthworms are a very important part of God’s creation, many people think they are good only for fish bait, which is why they are also called angleworms. But they are much more important than this, as we shall see.
There may be 50,000 or more of them hidden in the ground in an acre of rich, moist soil. They come to the surface to pick up old leaves or other dead vegetation only when it is moist, then roll them tightly and take them down into their tunnels for future food.
Let’s take a close look at one. If it is healthy it is plump and pink-red in color. Its body, tapered at both ends, is slightly moist. This one has a collar around it in which eggs are carried before slipping off to hatch underground. If we could see inside this worm with a microscope we would discover as many as 10 hearts. Perhaps the reason for so many is this -if a worm is cut in two, each piece will soon form a whole new worm. We would also see its tiny mouth and the 120 segments of its body with about 1000 little bristles underneath. These bristles act like the scales of a snake, enabling it to move through the soil. We would also see that it has no eyes, ears or nose. These are unnecessary because it is guided by vibrations and breathes through its skin. What an amazing little creature God has made and cares for!
In what way are earthworms an important part of God’s creation? Mainly because they are better tillers of the soil than any plow or piece of equipment used by man. Wriggling through the ground, their soft snouts push the soil into their mouths. As this soil passes through their bodies, little bits of food are retained. The rest is carried to the surface and deposited in little “castings” (now soft, fertile soil) which fertilize the land. Not only do they serve this important purpose, but their tunnels loosen the ground, allowing air and water to penetrate to the roots of trees and other vegetation. Some scientists insist the earthworm is the world’s most valuable and beneficial creature, which could be true.
Does God have a lesson for us in this overlooked, humble creature? Yes, the Bible tells us, “Base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen . . . that no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Corinthians 1:28-2928And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:28‑29)). We learn from this Bible verse that we do not have to be highly intelligent to come to God. The most simple person may by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour prove to be wiser than one whom the world considers to be brilliant. Are you one who trusts in Him through this simple but precious faith?
ML-04/27/1997