“For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.” Colossians 1:1616For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16).
The black and white chinch bug, with its reddish-yellow legs, is so tiny that when it hatches from its egg it is almost impossible to see without the help of a microscope. Although tiny, the little ones immediately start searching for food. Their little legs have enough strength for crawling and clinging to plants. They quickly find their way to stalks of wheat, oats, hay, etc., where they become destructive and costly to many farmers. Armed with sharp, sucking beaks, they attach themselves to these stalks, drawing out the sap until the stalk dies. Then they simply move on to another one, while growing bigger and hungrier.
In about a month they grow to full size, having moulted (shed their outer skins) frequently while growing. At the last moult, wings appear, usually about the time corn is beginning to ripen in the fields. Then they fly to the good-tasting corn to continue their destructive work.
At the end of summer they search out places in which to hibernate—cracks in wooden fences, a snug place under a pile of hay, the bark of dead trees, roof beams and shingles, or other places. In the spring when temperatures return to around 70°, they come out to continue their hungry ways again.
We may not find anything good to say about chinch bugs, but they form part of God’s creation, and He has marvelously adapted them to their way of life. Perhaps He allows their destructive work to remind us that sin has come into the world and marred the perfection of His creation. In Romans 8:22For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)2 This is spoken of, saying, “We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” This means that sin has brought unpleasantness and suffering to all creatures, including even the chinch bugs which often are the victims of such enemies as birds, frogs, spiders and many others that search them out and eat them.
The Bible also tells of a coming time (known as the Millennium), when all creation will again be in perfect harmony. Isn’t it cheering to know it will be restored? But before that takes place those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour will be called up into heaven. Then soon after, severe punishment is going to fall on this evil world. His promise to those who believe in Him is, “The dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,1716For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16‑17).
Will you be included with those called into heaven’s glory, or will you be among those left behind for punishment? Be sure your decision is right!
ML-08/07/1983