All Creatures Great and Small

On a humid, sunny walk, I came upon a pinetum (grouping of pine trees). The trees provided a semblance of shade from the hot sun, so I decreased my pace and lingered on the tree-lined path a bit longer. Appreciating the shade’s reprieve, I savored my surroundings and noticed a hornet’s nest hidden under the cover of pine needles. Not wanting to disturb the hornets, I quieted my breathing and snapped a few pictures to capture the artisan craftsmanship. The hornet’s nest was magnificent, with an intricate swirly design and perfectly circular opening. A few hornets hovered near the opening while others entered and exited, signaling either the end of their work shift or the start of their busy day ahead.

After admiring the hornets a little longer, I continued walking and wondered how a hornet the size of a standard paperclip could construct a soccer ball-sized nest. The answer was simple: God. God breathed life into all creation; even the smallest of His creation matters. Hornets serve a specific purpose in protecting our food supply from unwanted pests. They are an organic pesticide eating caterpillars, aphids, and spiders. Their purpose? To ensure pests do not destroy the plant before it is harvested. Why does this matter? Well, let’s read Genesis 1:29, “Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you.”

In his book Institutes of Christian Religion, John Calvin calls God the architect of the universe. Online definitions describe architects as contributing to the well-being of communities by designing sustainable and functional spaces. The reality is that human architects design buildings and roads. God is omnipotent. He spoke the universe into existence and designed a perfect ecosystem in which all creation fulfills its divine purpose to glorify God.

God planted the garden (Genesis 1:29) and instructed man to cultivate and maintain it (Genesis 2:15). Then, in His infinite wisdom, He created hornets to eat specific pests to ensure healthy plants. They even pollinate plants, but honey bees are primarily responsible for depositing pollen to fertilize more plants for our consumption. Everything God created has a purpose and is integral to His plan to sustain life. As the architect of the universe, God demonstrates how He provides for our every need.

The next time you see an insect, know that it is designed to glorify God by fulfilling its unique purpose and even praising God, as noted in Psalm 148:10, 13, “Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and winged fowl; let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.”

May God keep you and bless you,

Tika