The message of gospel truth is present throughout creation to all
who open their senses and sensibility to discern the voice of God. In my
travels, I once came across some of God’s simple-but-fascinating creatures,
the SOLDIER CRABS.
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 crabs we typically see. They have a sky-blue dome about the size of a
nickel. Attached to this dome are long, spindly, cream-colored legs,
which they use to lift themselves up 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 most 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; and, 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 capability of doing 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 the 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 capacity
to “come boldly to the throne of grace…to obtain mercy and find grace to help
in time of need.” (II Corinthians 5:21 – 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!
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