May we never get to a place in life that we think we cannot learn. Learning is something you can do every day, no matter who you are. School might not be in session for the summer months, but learning never takes a break! Near the end of the book of Proverbs, four very small animals are listed with lessons to be learned. What can we learn from them and their life-styles? Examine Proverbs 30:24-28 for the answer.
The ant: Foresight
The ant has the foresight to prepare for the future. Many people today live in the here and now. What do I need to survive the day? While this is very important, if the Lord is to grant you another day, have you done what you need to do to prepare for it? Ants are not strong, but they gather their food while it is available in the summer, so that they have it when there is none in the winter. It is instilled within them to be preparing for the future. We also must have the foresight to prepare for the future, not only physically, but also spiritually. Jesus spoke the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the necessity of foresight and remaining faithful to the end. Five had the foresight to prepare with more oil, and five did not, and those unprepared were not allowed to enter the wedding feast. Learn the foresight you need from an animal as small as an ant!
The rock badger: Security
Security is something that all of us seek. We lock our homes and our cars; keep our important documents in a safe place, why? For a feeling of security. The rock badger makes his home in the rocks for security. Where do we find our security? The Psalmist makes it clear that our refuge is found in God (Psalm 62:8). We are wise when we also build upon and find our security on the rock. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus clearly outlines the difference between the wise and the foolish. Those who hear and do are wise- they build on the rock. Those who hear and do not do are foolish- build on sand. We can find our refuge in the Rock of salvation (Deuteronomy 32:15). Will you learn the importance of taking refuge in the right place from this small animal?
The locust: Co-operation
It is essential that we are able to get along with others. What can we learn from the locust? The locust recognizes the strength in unity. A locust by himself is a tiny little flying insect, but put them in large unified groups and they can be destructive. The prophet Joel spends much of his book describing what multitudes of locusts can do- Joel 2:7-8. They run together, do not break ranks, don’t push- they are unified. Paul says to the Christians in Corinth, “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain,” (2 Corinthians 6:1). Christians are workers together with God. Just think of all the ground we can cover if we work together!
The spider (lizard): Work ethic and Aspiration
Here is an animal that is required to work with its hands. As Christians, we are told to be workers. In the physical sense- 2 Thess. 3:10- If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Man must also work to be saved. Jesus said that to be a disciple of His requires putting the hand to the plow and keeping eyes fixed in the forward position (Luke 9:57-62).
There are great and important lessons to be learned from all of God’s creation. May we never think ourselves too big to learn from even the smallest of God’s creatures!
– Adam Orr
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