While relaxing at the water’s edge one warm spring morning, I watched a large aquatic beetle crawl out of the water and up the side of the dock. This was its first experience of the world out of the water. Not accustomed to its own weight, it moved heavily, with shuffling legs and clinging feet. It had not moved far before stopping to hug the warm wood.
An hour later, it began to dry. As it dried, a small slit appeared on the back of its head. As the slit widened, a new fresh head began to show, quite unlike the beetle head. Slowly the slit opened down its back and the creature inside struggled to get out. Fresh, agile legs popped out and pulled the new creature free of its old self.
From the sides of this new creature, slowly at first, then in small jerks, little wings unfolded. There were tiny veins that began to fill with air. Another hour passed. The wings slowly straightened and stretched out to full size. They began to fan the air in a gentle manner in order to dry them. Each movement was being made for a first time but seemed wholly effortless. Then, quickly, without ever having flown before, it took off, flying gracefully for 10 feet. It all came to a rapid end, however, as this wondrous creature thrilled to the freedom of flight, a predatory bird swooped down and seized it in mid-air.
Saddened, I asked myself, “Is this fair?” and thought of our own destiny. We have choices; the insect had none. The great option for us is to answer the gospel call to salvation made available to us through God’s beloved Son.
But what of that remarkable change? We can look forward to something like that — a change from perishable mortality to glory and immortality, without fear of predators — if we are faithful and stedfast.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One