The Wonders of God’s Creation
About the only thing many people know about a fish called a flounder is that it tastes good and that it can be purchased at almost all fish markets at any time of year. There are two unusual things about this fish: it can change its color to match the surroundings as it moves from place to place, and early in its life, one of its eyes changes location.
In the springtime a female lays about a million eggs which do not hatch until late summer. Of course, a good many of the eggs are eaten by various creatures, but those that survive to hatch, soon develop into small “fry.” These, too, are choice rood to other fish, so that out of a million eggs only a few hundred are likely ever to become full-sized fish.
At first a baby flounder looks quite ordinary as it swims around, but within a few days it begins twisting to one side. As it continues twisting an amazing thing takes place. While the right eye remains in place, the left eye begins to travel up and over the top of the head — a little bit each day — and finally comes to rest next to the right one. (In a few species the right eye does the traveling.)
Why do you suppose the Creator provides this unusual experience to these little fish? The reason is that the flounder is a member of the “flatfish” family and, being a rather inactive fish, will spend most of its life lying on its left side in the sand or rocks of the ocean floor, snatching whatever food comes by. So if the left eye remained in its original place on the left side, it would then be of no use and would only be harmed by the sand and dirt into which it would be rubbing. So the Creator provided this unusual way of putting both eyes where they are useful. We can see this as an example of the pleasure He had in making so many wonderful things throughout His creation, as stated in the opening Bible verse and again in Revelation 4:1111Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11): “For Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”
You are of much more value to God than a little flounder on the floor of the ocean, and He wants you to accept His love by confessing that you are a sinner and need a Saviour who is His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. When this is done sincerely, He immediately accepts you as His own child and assures you of a place in heaven with Him when you leave this world behind. If you have not yet taken this important step, won’t you come to the Lord Jesus today?
ML-12/06/1987