The Sheer Sweetness of Swarming Locusts: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Pestilence
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. Locusts? Seriously? But hear me out, friends. There’s something absolutely mind-blowing about God’s power, even when it manifests in ways that seem, well, destructive. I've been thinking a lot about the plagues in Egypt lately, specifically the locusts. We often focus on the suffering, but have we truly considered the *sheer* scale of God’s ability? It's honestly breathtaking.
I mean, think about it. Exodus 10:14 says, “The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt and settled on the whole country of Egypt, such a dense swarm of locusts as had never been before, nor shall ever be again.” Never before! Never again! Can you even imagine a plague so enormous that it's a historical benchmark? My mind reels just trying to picture it. This isn't just a few bugs – this is an ecological apocalypse, orchestrated by the hands of God. I find myself standing in awe at that kind of power, the kind that can rewrite the rules of nature in an instant.
It reminds me of that time I was little and my dad, who always had a way with nature, was trying to get rid of a hornet's nest by the shed. He’d try swatting at them, spraying them, even smoking them out, but they always came back, angry and buzzing. He used to say, "Nature has its own laws, kiddo." But when God commands, that's different. He’s not bound by the rules he made. He *is* the rule. The locusts were a force, a tidal wave of life and destruction, bending to His will.
And you know, seeing that power at work gives me a strange sense of comfort. Not in the sense that I want to be on the receiving end of a plague (obviously!), but in knowing that God is so much bigger than any problem I face. When I'm feeling overwhelmed by life, when bills are piling up or relationships are strained, I remind myself of the locusts. If God can bring an entire country to its knees with an army of insects, then surely he can handle my little worries.
There's a part of me that finds deep, almost serene, beauty in that kind of orchestrated chaos. It's like looking at a powerful storm – you know it can be devastating, but there’s an undeniable grandeur to it. I think that’s why we’re meant to study scripture. Romans 15:4 tells us “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” We’re meant to see these acts of God, even the terrifying ones, and learn from them, find hope in them.
This mindset has really changed how I approach daily challenges. Now, when things get messy – when my toddler throws his food, or my car breaks down at the worst possible time – instead of spiraling, I think, “Okay, this is a little locust swarm of its own kind.” It's not as apocalyptic, of course, but it’s a reminder that even in chaos, God is working. He’s using the messy stuff to mold me, to teach me, to grow me.
The sheer scale of the locust plague, how every single insect played a part in this divine design—it’s just mind-boggling. We all have a role to play, even when it’s difficult. Even the little annoying things in our lives can contribute to the bigger picture that God has in mind for us. I know it’s not always easy to see the blessings in what feels like a swarm, but that’s the heart of faith, isn’t it? To trust that even in the most chaotic moments, God’s hand is guiding us.
So, next time you find yourself in a seemingly insurmountable situation, take a moment to think about those locusts. Consider the power, the purpose, and the possibility that even in the midst of destruction, God’s love is working. It truly is a sweet thing to witness, in a strange, awe-inspiring way.
Now, I'm curious, what "swarm" are you navigating right now, and how can you see God's hand in it?