The Wonders of God’s Creation
“The multitude of camels... (and) the dromedaries... shall come:... (Their riders) shall show forth the praises of the Lord.” Isaiah 60:6
A camel is not a pretty animal nor is it known for its good behavior. It is one of the most awkward of all domestic animals and among the most difficult to manage. It has several bad habits, such as biting and spitting on strangers. Still, this animal is very useful to desert dwellers, where it is known as the “Ship of the Desert.”
The Arabian Camel, sometimes called a Dromedary, has only one hump, but the Bactrian species has two. These humps serve a very useful purpose. When the animal is well fed, they stand erect and firm. As it travels across the desert, it can absorb the stored-up nourishment in these humps into its system for several days. Then they become flabby, falling to one side. But when it feeds again, they resume their proper shape.
A reservoir of water is provided for this “Ship of the Desert” in the form of two extra stomachs, filled with cells like water jars. Water is stored in these, enabling it to go a week or more without drinking, even in furnace-like heat.
There are so many ways in which the Lord has made special provisions for these large animals! For instance, each foot has two wide, smooth, hard pads, so it can walk easily on the sand. At rest periods it folds its front legs, dropping its forepart to the sand with breast and front knees supporting it. Then it folds its long hind legs, and the whole body drops down. The knees and breast, which would be painfully scraped by the sand in the process, have been provided by the Creator with thick, hard pads for protection.
During sandstorms, men bundle their faces with cloths to survive. But a camel needs no special attention. Its eyes are protected by an extra lid, heavy eyebrows and long lashes, while its large nostrils automatically close to narrow slits to keep the sand out. Then, too, its hair, several inches thick, keeps out the heat of the day, as well as the cold of the night.
The special needs of this peculiar animal were all provided for by an all-wise Creator from the very beginning. Without this care they would never have survived in the harsh deserts.
As we think about how the camel’s every need has been taken care of, it is a reminder that God has made a promise to those who love Him. To those who trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus, He has promised to “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. This assures us that there is no limit to what He can do for every boy and girl.
He delights in all His creatures, but to mankind He has made special provisions, not only for this world, but for the world to come. He has given us the promise of eternal life in heaven above to all who know His Son as Lord and Saviour.
Have you accepted this wonderful gift? Have you ever thanked Him for it?
ML-09/27/1981