Project Description
2016/11
A Word to Women
‘There be four things which are little upon the earth,
but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong,
yet they prepare their meat in the summer.’
(Proverbs 30:24-25)
We may not like ants but they are amazing little creatures. There are thousands of different species and they are found in almost every country of the world. Ours are small and relatively harmless, but in warmer climates ants can be much larger and a threat to agriculture and even buildings. Mankind has studied ants since early times. Perhaps there are still lessons to be learned.
In Proverbs, the ant is described as “little” and “not strong”. While this seems a negative description yet the ant accomplishes much – it can build great anthills. As Christians we should realise our own littleness and lack of strength. The question is asked in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” We owe everything to God. It is the Lord who gave us life and salvation and “who daily loadeth us with benefits.” (Psalm 68:19) In His infinite wisdom, the Lord selects insignificant people to work for Him. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27). It may seem contradictory, but the Christian’s weakness is his strength (2 Corinthians 12:10).
The ants are described as “a people” in Proverbs. The thought here is that ants work together as a group. “The ants appear to operate as a unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony” (Wikipedia). Could any better description be given of what we as Christians should be in our local church? Within a colony there are different types of ants: workers, soldiers, and queens, for example. The success of the colony relies on the ants working together. Young ants are often employed in the nest whilst older ants go out on more dangerous missions. If one group of ants appears more successful in collecting food then it continues to occupy that role while the less successful group is given a different role. The church is made up of differing individuals, with varying temperaments and gifts, who need to work together in harmony so that the Lord’s name is glorified. In Proverbs 6:7 the ant is said to have, “no guide, overseer or ruler”, yet it works and provides food for the colony. In the church we are blessed with elders and deacons who work under the headship of Christ to guide and oversee His work. Likening the church to a living body, comprised of many parts, Paul exhorts that, “There should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25)
The ant is described as being “exceeding wise” or as the margin renders it, “made wise”. Wisdom is given by the Lord. An example of its wisdom is the preparation of meat (food) in summer. If we are going to be with the Lord in heaven we must prepare on earth by repenting and believing the gospel. To be victorious in our Christian warfare we must prepare by putting on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:11). In our Christian service we lay up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:20), looking forward to the day when we go to be with the Lord, knowing that the Lord Jesus has gone before to prepare a place for us (John 14:2).
Olive Maxwell.