What is It?
It has no eyes, but is sensitive to light; has no teeth, but a strong mouth
muscle. Usually reddish-gray with ring-like segments, it lives in the
ground, but comes to the surface at night. It has no lungs; it breathes
through its skin. It is usually three to fourteen inches in length though
there are some in South Africa known to be 22 feet long! It can grow
back a part cut off if not too damaged. It eats the dirt, almost anything
that was once alive, but is now dead. It eats about one third of its body
weight a day. It is just one of 250,000 in an acre of poor soil, one of
1,750,000 in an acre of good farm soil and yet of vital importance. One
scientist said that there are few other animals that have played as
important a part in history as the earthworm.
The earthworm or night crawler feeds on nutrients from rotting leaves
and roots and redeposits as nutrient rich soil what it does not use for
itself. One study found that "the soil the earthworm produces contains
five times more nitrogen, twice as much calcium, 2½ times more
magnesium, seven times more phosphorus, and 11 times more
potassium"
than soil enriched with fertilizers. And in the process of
feeding the earthworm drills holes, loosening the soil and allowing
plants roots to breathe and water to escape. Such a lowly, small creature,
but oh, so useful and important!
We, too, are small creatures in the light of the vast universe. [In fact
God, the Creator, speaks of Jacob in Isaiah 41:14 as a worm-Fear not,
you worm Jacob . . . !] And yet we play a vital part in God's overall plan
and purpose of making Himself known. Through His creation God
demonstrates His power and wisdom. Through His death, burial, and
resurrection God shows His hatred of sin and His love for the sinner. Do
you know your Maker? Are you trusting Him?
"Fear not, you worm Jacob . . . ! I will help you, says the LORD and your Redeemer . . ." (Isaiah 41:14).
If I can be of help to you in knowing the Lord or if you would like to write me a note write to:
Birds Sing - People Praise
See Last Week's Message
Hear our two minute daily message at 860 344-1103 (It might be a toll charge for you.)