The Wonders of God’s Creation
“Woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:10.
In the Red Sea a fish called Amphiprion works together with one of the sea anemones taking the responsibility of driving away its enemies. This kind of anemone relies on this fish for its protection. It will not even fully open unless it knows that its “friend” is close by. The fish “tells” this to the anemone by touching it occasionally.
The anemone will never try to hurt its friend. Any other fish touching its poisonous tentacles is immediately stung to death. If something does happen to accidentally push the Amphiprion into the tentacles of its friend, it will be seized and eaten. The communication between them apparently breaks down at these times.
The benefit of this relationship to the Amphiprion is that it shares the food caught by the anemone. Although it looks like a lovely plant, the anemone is really a sea animal and lives mostly by eating other sea life.
A similar “mutual benefit” exists between another sea anemone and the “Snapping Shrimp.” This anemone also has many enemies among the larger fish that like to feed on it. The shrimp, although not very large, can make a loud snap with its large claw. The noise is so frightening that the anemone’s enemies usually leave the area as fast as they can.
The benefit to the shrimp is that the anemone does not bother it or sting it. It is allowed to swim freely around the anemone and to burrow near its base where it hides from its own enemies.
How nice it is to have a friend standing beside you when danger threatens, or when life’s problems seem too great to bear alone. God has made these residents of the ocean helpers to one another, but it is not likely that they understand more than the fact that a helper is nearby.
God gives a very true picture of everyone of us in the Bible: “Man is born unto trouble.” Job 5:7. The Apostle Paul also recognized this condition when he asked, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” His happy answer was: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:24,25.
Yes, we are always happy to tell of “a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother": and to tell again David’s words: “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.” Proverbs 18:24 and Psalms 9:9,10.
These are comforting words. The One of whom they speak is the same One who extends His loving invitation: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He has also said to those who know Him as their Saviour, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Matthew 11:28 and Hebrews 13:5.
Do you know this Friend as your personal companion and safeguard?
ML-11/02/1980