SAVIOR OF SOLDIER CRABS

SAVIOR OF SOLDIER CRABS

The message of gospel truth is present throughout creation to all who will open their senses and sensibility to discern the voice of God.  In my travels, I once came across one of God’s simple-but-fascinating creatures, the soldier crab.  They caught my attention because their behavior depicts a picture of mankind’s need for divine intervention and grace.

Although they are somewhat elusive, soldier crabs can occasionally be found on the sandy shore at low tide.  Their appearance is quite different from the crabs we typically see.  They have a sky-blue dome about the size of nickel.  Attached to this dome are long, spindly, cream-colored legs, which they use to lift themselves on the sand.

The unusual name of soldier crabs comes from their tendency to march around in large groups.  They emerge from holes in the sand seeking food; and because of their close formations and blue shells, they look like a marching army.

When I drew closer to observe, I noticed a distinctive characteristic in their behavior.  Soldier crabs have an amazing ability to burrow down quickly into the sand.  Sensing my presence, they vanished in mere seconds, leaving nothing behind but tiny mounds of sand.  Each time I tried to get close, they dug and hid again.  More than likely, I was too big and overwhelming; from their perspective, possibly a predator.  

It occurred to me that the only way I could get close to those soldier crabs would be if I had the ability to transform myself into one of them.  Of course, I don’t have the ability to do that.  But isn’t this a marvelous image of what Almighty God has graciously done for US?  We were just like soldier crabs.  Our fallen nature caused us to feel too small and too sinful to commune with a transcendent and Holy God. 

So the all-wise God did not approach us clothed in His majestic splendor.  Instead, He condescended to our level and appeared to us in a form that looked like us and communicated like us.  And miracle of miracles, through our close encounter with His Son, Jesus Christ, we became “the righteousness of God” – with the call and capability to “come boldly to the throne of grace…to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (II Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4:16) 

God did not overwhelm us; rather, He joined us so we could be reborn and reunited with Him.  In other words, the Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God.  What a good, gracious, merciful, loving and mighty God we serve!  

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!