The Wonders of God’s Creation
The Firefly is a beetle that is fascinating to all of us. Seeing them flitting about on a summer night is an interesting experience, as the flashes, coming from the underpart of their bodies, flicker on and off. In some tropical areas, there are large Firefly species, and natives keep them in glass cages to use for light.
Scientists would like to duplicate this kind of heatless light, because it is much more efficient than electricity. They know how the light is produced, but the reaction is so complex that it is impossible for man to make it. We should not be surprised at this, because it is a very special reaction created for these insects by their divine Creator.
The Firefly starts life in the ground; even its eggs have a glow to them. Before it is ready to fly, it develops into a Glowworm. You may have seen these shining prettily as they crawl around looking for food.
There is another illuminated insect found in some caves in New Zealand. This little fly, while still a maggot, gathers with others in groups of several thousand on the ceilings of caves and glows in the darkness. It first attaches itself to the roof of the cave. Then a two-foot long string drops from its mouth with small, sticky balls on it. It waits in the darkness, with its tail-light glowing, until it feels a victim struggling to get loose from one of the sticky balls. Pulling it up, it eats the victim along with the line on which it is caught. Then it lets down a new string.
Over half a million species of insects abound throughout the world, and God has made each one different. This variety of creation speaks of His handiwork and never-tiring care over them. In spite of what some people incorrectly teach, all these little creatures, as we now see them, are exactly the same today as they were the day they were created, thousands of years ago. God designed each one to bring forth after its kind. Furthermore, they always obey His laws without question, and by doing so every need is provided for.
We are reminded from these lighted displays that the Lord Jesus was announced as the true Light of the world. God has given His people a special kind of light which He wants displayed, too. His Word, the Bible, says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:1616Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16).
But the only true light shining from us is that which comes from God. David the Psalmist referred to this, saying: “For Thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” Psalms 18:2828For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. (Psalm 18:28). It is only when by faith we accept the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour that He brings us “out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Then we can please Him in our activities and shine out for Him.
The light of a Christian life, shining for Him, is rewarding and will make happy. Are you experiencing this?
ML-08/09/1981
August 16, 1981