A strange beetle called the bombardier beetle baffles scientists. It bombs its enemies with a bad-smelling, boiling-hot fluid which it shoots out by an explosion inside its body. Scientists know what chemicals make up this fluid, but they cannot figure out how the beetle controls its exploding.
The bombardier has two chambers inside its body where chemicals which it manufactures are stored. In addition, it has another part where it mixes them. Before mixing, it adds a third chemical called an inhibitor. This mixes with the first two chemicals to keep them from exploding. These mixed chemicals are stored in its body until needed.
As long as the inhibitor is present, the “bomb” cannot go off. But this little insect, in one of the many wonders of God’s creation, can “explode” this bomb whenever it wants. The beetle makes sure it is in front of its enemy. Then it forces the chemical mixture into a final chamber. There a liquid from another part of its body is present. This liquid overcomes, or inactivates, the inhibitor, causing the whole mixture to explode with a definite “bang.” It is discharged through a special nozzle in this chamber with considerable force. It either kills its enemy or chases it away. It is so well equipped with ammunition that it can explode this mixture 10 to 20 times before running out. Then, within a day, its tanks fill again.
How did this beetle get its storage tanks? When did it learn about making the chemicals and how to mix them without blowing up itself? Who taught it how to make the explosion at the right time? Could we believe the theory of some who claim that these things just happened? Or could we believe the theory that the beetle added one part at a time over millions of years? No. Such teaching is not only unreasonable, but it is contrary to God’s Word, the Bible. It can easily be seen that any bombardier beetle that did not have all its functions working together correctly would destroy itself before it could make necessary changes.
The Lord God, the divine Creator, designed the bombardier and made it complete with its amazing features when He first placed it on the earth. Scripture tells us, “Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He” (Psalm 135:66Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. (Psalm 135:6)). All His wonderful works show the pleasure He had in creating them. The many varieties also show us His unlimited power and wisdom.
But we should pay attention to another Bible verse that says, “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding” (Psalm 119:7373JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. (Psalm 119:73)). When He made mankind, He had a special purpose in mind. It is His delight to give understanding to every person concerning His love. Everlasting life God gives to all who love His Son and trust in Him as the Saviour of sinners. Has that understanding worked in your heart?
APRIL 2, 1995
ML-04/02/1995