even the limpets cry out
Thank you beyond words to everyone who responded to my last post with such encouragement and support. You really have really been the community of Christ to me in the last week, and I am very grateful for your friendship and prayer. As alluded to in that post, I've wanted to pass along some animal-related stories which have touched me over the Summer, sometimes even speaking to the tensions and longing I was experiencing personally. Following is one from renowned 19th century preacher Charles H. Spurgeon.
I wouldn't necessarily endorse the mildly callous experiment which Spurgeon describes in the following passage from his reassuring book All of Grace, a classic of the faith which a friend recently recommended to me (available to read at Christian Classics Ethereal Library or listen to via LibriVox). But the spiritual lesson which Spurgeon draws from the learning and self-preserving capabilities of mollusks is simple but profound, and one I hope to continue to grow into in my own faith:
Sometimes faith is little more than a simple clinging to Christ; a sense of dependence and a willingness so to depend. When you are down at the seaside you will see limpets sticking to the rock. You walk with a soft tread up to the rock; you strike the mollusk a rapid blow with your walking-stick and off he comes. Try the next limpet in that way. You have given him warning; he heard the blow with which you struck his neighbor, and he clings with all his might. You will never get him off; not you! Strike, and strike again, but you may as soon break the rock. Our little friend, the limpet, does not know much, but he clings. He is not acquainted with the geological formation of the rock, but he clings. He can cling, and he has found something to cling to: this is all his stock of knowledge, and he uses it for his security and salvation. It is the limpet's life to cling to the rock, and it is the sinner's life to cling to Jesus. Thousands of God's people have no more faith than this; they know enough to cling to Jesus with all their heart and soul, and this suffices for present peace and eternal safety. Jesus Christ is to them a Saviour strong and mighty, a Rock immovable and immutable; they cling to him for dear life, and this clinging saves them.
(snails photo credit Andy Heyward/123rf.com; Spurgeon text courtesy Christian Classics Ethereal Library)
September 11, 2012
Reader Comments (6)
I enjoyed that, thanks Ben. I think it's important to look for spiritual messages in creation.
Thanks, Mark, I think you're right. I go back and forth on drawing spiritual lessons from animal behavior. They do seem valuable often, but on the other hand it seems that many Christian teachers haven't gone beyond them to ask how God sees or relates to His creatures, and how we're meant to care for them - Ben
Yes I agree Ben, I think the prevailing view among Christian leaders is that animals only offer spiritual lessons. But as you know, there is a deeper level in which we should consider them, which is the moral level. But at least when looking for spiritual lessons Christians are directed to seeing creation beyond human beings and may see something in animals that might make them stop and think a bit deeper about them. Perhaps some Christians will even see the moral worth within them.
Very well said, Mark - Ben
Hi Ben!
Its great to see your back with the blog!
Again, you have managed to find a story that both resonates with my interest in the beauty of creation and my need for God´s Grace. So, to say "Thanks", wound sound like an understatement, but thats what I will say anyhow :)
Be blessed, bro.
-Kimmo
Thank you very much, Kimmo, for your note and encouragement. Spurgeon's story struck me in a very similar way; I've been in need of God's grace quite a bit myself of late. Blessings to you as well, my friend - Ben