Cicadas


"Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:  Ants are creatures 
of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; coneys are creatures 
of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet 
they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is 
found in kings' palaces"  (Proverbs 30:24-28).

The wise man of old understood the value of learning from nature.  Be it from 
ants, coneys, locusts or lizards, God has programmed some wonderful lessons in 
this amazing world.  Since much of our state is in the midst of a "cicada 
invasion," it seemed appropriate to draw a few lessons from these amazing 
creatures.

First, isn't it amazing how the cicada sheds its outer shell when it first emerges 
from the ground.  All over trees, bushes, and the ground, old discarded bodies 
can be found.  It reminds me of the requirement God makes of those who would 
be His children.  We, too, must "crucify" the old man if we are to begin anew as a 
child of God  (Romans 6:6).  The old "body of sin" must be done away so that a 
new existence might emerge.  We call our "shedding" baptism!

Secondly, there's no missing that constant "hum" cicadas make.  The roar 
sometimes seems deafening.  You can track down the cicadas by just listening to 
their "preaching."  The same should be true of Christians.  Wherever there are 
Christians, there should be the constant sound of the Gospel of Christ.  Just as 
cicadas fill the woods with their music, Christians need to fill the world with the 
sound of the Gospel of Jesus Christ  (Mark 16:15).

Finally, "patience."  For thirteen years cicadas have waited for this moment.  Paul 
reminds us, "Let us not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will 
reap a harvest if we do not give up"   (Galatians 6:9)


Leslie S. Chapman