Ants
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 6:6-8
Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.
Proverbs 30:25
Often in the woods or wilderness our eyes will catch sight of ants—sometimes thousands of them scurrying about in a surprising order. It’s fascinating to watch them work on a mound that is so much larger than they are, or as they gather food for their colony.
Do you see what God sees in the example of the ants? The book of Proverbs gives us practical wisdom for everyday life, and ants are mentioned twice in this book. “Ants are creatures of little strength,” yet by storing up food in the summer they can survive and work throughout the year.
We too are creatures of little strength. Where do we get our provisions? God provides for all our needs. Using the provisions we receive from the Lord through our Savior, Jesus, we can work together to build God’s great kingdom, which is so much larger than we are.
The ant is also praised for doing its work faithfully, though “it has no commander, no overseer or ruler.” One of the blessings of the new covenant is that the law of God is now written in our minds and on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). God’s Spirit creates in us the desire to contribute to his church and kingdom using the gifts he has given us. Let us willingly and joyfully join the work to which we have been called, in our families, communities, work, school, church, or wherever God has placed us.
Thank you, Lord, for your marvelous creation. Humble us to see that even the ant can display your wisdom. Help us to contribute to your church and kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Gerrit J. Bomhof
Gary Bomhof is pastor of First Christian Reformed Church, Red Deer, Alberta. He and his wife, Jo-Ann, have four children and five grandchildren.
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