“A Lesson From A Spider Web”
September 6, 2012
“What he trusts in is fragile;
what he relies on is a spider’s web.”
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“A Lesson From A Spider Web”
We’ve had some rainy days recently, the result of Hurricane Isaac. It was raining heavily when I stepped outside on our front porch to observe the wet outdoors but I ended up viewing it through the veil of a spider web. The web was attached to our gutter above the porch and then on some flowers growing below. What an industrious spider it was, now clinging to the delicate loose threads weaved before the downpour. The spider built the web as a type of “magnet” that other flying creatures sure wouldn’t want to get tangled in!
Who among us hasn’t walked into a spider web and flailed our arms about trying to get out of it? Most of us consider spiders icky, but today let us draw a spiritual lesson from one of the only two obscure references to the spider in the Bible.
Job is a remarkable book. When we consider Job we recall the tremendous trial he endured, but there are also many gems of wisdom throughout the book.
Today’s portion follows another illustration from nature. “Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass.”
This is immediately followed by the statement in the daily text, “Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.” What an incredibly pertinent verse in regard to so many who forget God.
An appeal is made to the observation of a spider’s web. The Bible uses illustrations that virtually all people in all times can identify with. Regardless of where you live on this earth, whether in a city or out in the country, you have encountered a spider.
“What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider’s web.” Now a spider web is very efficient for God’s designed purpose for the spider. But it would be absolutely foolish for me to try to lean against the web in front of our porch, let alone count on one to provide hope for my eternal destiny! Truly, “He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold.”
That’s a picture of what so many do today rather than put their hope, trust and reliance in the eternal Almighty God.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: God, You are the only source of eternal life to whom I can cling. I am confident that You will be with me to the end of my life here on this earth. I am grateful for the many people who bring me support, encouragement and companionship from day to day. They are a source of joy as they enrich my life daily. But as I grow older I’m recognizing that nothing stays the same and much of what I came to rely on is no longer present. Losses of those people very dear to me and things once considered important mount up as I reflect upon the passing years. I find great comfort as I cling to the words of the 73rd Psalm, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none that I desire on earth beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Amen.
Here’s a view of the spider web mentioned in today’s message from my front porch during the rainfall.
A closeup of the spider clinging to the web while getting poured on. I doubt if he was a very “happy camper”. (Brooksyne questioned the appropriateness of placing in such an icky photo!)
On a dryer day but same location in front of our home. This area is a haven for all sorts of small flying creatures due to many flowers.
“Who Compares To You?” Video Worship team
“I Know The Plans” Video Bobby Michaels
Note: The only other Biblical reference (in most translations) to the spider is in Isaiah 59:4-6
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