[169]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – LESSONS WE LEARN FROM SPIDERS
The word “spider” is mentioned in the Old Testament in the following verses, all of which have a common theme –
{{Job 8:13 “So are the paths of all who forget God, and the hope of the godless will perish, whose confidence is fragile, and whose trust a spider’s web.”}} That means those who decline God have the fragility of a spider’s web.
{{Job 27:18 “He has built his house like the spider’s web, or as a hut which the watchman has made.”}} In the surrounding verses it teaches that man builds for himself but it can all disappear just like a spider’s web. In that section of Chapter 27 it describes a wicked man.
{{Isaiah 59:5-6 “They hatch adders’ eggs and weave the spider’s web. He who eats of their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed, a snake breaks forth. Their webs will not become clothing, nor will they cover themselves with their works. Their works are works of iniquity, and an act of violence is in their hands. ”}}. This is another passage describing the wicked.
Spiders are amazing creatures with great abilities. I love nature and photograph it and have many photos of spiders. I wish I could show them to you. It is fascinating to watch them as they work on their webs and the way they can’t be tricked by touching their webs. In fact I have a whole message on lessons we can learn from spiders you might like to read –
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/arachnophobia-for-some-however-spiders-are-wonderful-teachers-ron-ferguson-sermon-on-discernment-267230
In this poem I deal with a number of habits spiders have and how we Christians can learn from those. I won’t outline them – please read and if you are fearful of spiders, remember these are just words, not spiders! God bless you all.
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LESSONS WE LEARN FROM SPIDERS
Have you had the fuzzy feeling of a spider on your hand,
When it crawls with all four pairs of legs; something you had not planned.
Nearly always, when a spider’s on you, harm it will not bring,
Unless you try to swat or kill it, so let it stay and cling.
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The spider though, is quite amazing with some things it can teach,
For in its manner and behaviour, our interest it can reach.
Truly, observations can assist in an outreach platform,
So let’s deliberate some of these in a “spider brainstorm”.
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Spiders choose the most advantageous positions to rest in.
The corners of ceilings allow them, their food victims to pin.
Christians need to gain their “corners” with their gospel strategies;
The most advantageous positions for their capacities.
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Spiders choose the most strategic places, there, their webs to make -
Close to lights, and windowsills, and between tree boughs that won’t break.
Around the “lights” of the world, Christians must actively serve
Where people are, the needy and homeless; go without reserve.
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Spiders work enthusiastically, day and night without fail -
Building webs - up, down, back, forth, in and out; their work they assail.
In like manner, Christians must work for the Lord with commitment.
Remember, as stewards of God, we’ll have a Judge appointment.
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Spiders truly know what perseverance is, seeking their goal.
They build webs, gather them, build again, gather, with heart and soul.
Too many Christians give up at the first hurdle, to their shame.
They make a start and crumble, no more than a flickering flame.
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With spiders, patience is a distinctive quality they show.
Day and night, on webs, they sit for insects that may come or go.
“Let us run with patience the race set before us,” Paul declared,
So for long-suffering and patience, then let us be prepared.
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Spiders are not wasters of resources; extra food they store,
So in leaner times when prey is scarce, they can eat what was “more”.
The wise ant prepares her food in summer, so we must ensure,
No waste of time or finances, so resources are secure.
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Spiders are useful but can cause great harm, as some are deadly -
Red-backs, tarantulas, black widows can affect you badly.
Christians can do good, but can do great harm in churches as well.
They can cause division, ill feeling, and dissention from hell!
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Spiders use a variety of strategies – hang from threads,
Make holes in the ground, hunt by day, by night, lurk, and build webs.
Christians must use all strategies available – radio,
Tracts, television, literature; from the Spirit more would flow.
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Spiders show discernment, which you’ll notice if their webs you tap.
They know the diff’rence between a leaf and an insect flap.
Discernment is essential for the Christian, but it’s lacking.
Too many of God’s people are sailing on the wrong tacking.
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To close, there is one warning. Often the female entices
The male for mating, then eats him. She has cunning devices.
Christians too are often enticed and trapped in their lives by sin.
Beware of the devil’s schemes; be not enticed and dragged within.
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R E Ferguson 12-13 January 2022 Metre = 15 throughout A-A-B-B