Nature

Nature Nugget – Moth Deceptions

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Mothmoth deceptions are well known for their abilities to blend into their environment by using camouflage to match tree bark, dead leaves, and lichens. Some even have odd structures on their bodies or distort the shape of their bodies to mimic spines, twigs, and broken stubs on branches. Besides being masters of camouflage, moths use other strategies to keep from falling prey to predators.

Metalmark moths have wing markings that resemble the markings on jumping spiders which prey on them. The moths further the resemblance by behaving like the jumping spiders. They adopt a particular posture with their hind wings fanned out and brought forward, positioned perpendicular to the forewings. Since jumping spiders are very territorial, they back off from the threatening appearing moth. This converse situation, in which the prey mimics its predator, is very rare. Some moths in the tropics have spider designs on their wings to frighten away predators. One species of moth has thick hairy legs and body, and rests with all its legs pointing forward, making it look like the front end of a tarantula. Another moth has the design of a fly on each forewing to divert the pecks of birds away from its body. There are moths that mimic wasps, and some that mimic bird droppings. Many moths have large eyespots on their hind wings which are hidden while resting but when disturbed are flashed into view to startle a would-be predator like a bird into thinking it has disturbed an owl or other dangerous creature.

Even the caterpillars of the moths use deception to survive. Many use camouflage and some mimic bird droppings and twigs. Others mimic predators. Hag moth caterpillars look like hairy spiders complete with false legs. The lobster moth caterpillar mimics an ant and even squirts formic acid from a special gland like an ant. Several moth caterpillars in the tropics mimic snakes by inflating the front end of their bodies into a snake-like head, complete with large imitation snake-like eyes.

Like the moths, Satan is a master of deception. Not only has he deceived billions of people in the past, but his greatest deception is yet to come. “As the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world who has rejected the truth will receive him as the Lord of lords and King of kings. …

“As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13–15. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. … This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. …

“But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures.” Maranatha, 276.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature Nugget – Ant Lions

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Ant lions are a worldwide family of insects in the order Neuroptera. The name ant lion is derived from the fierce looks and feeding habits of the larvae. Adults are winged and resemble damselflies, but have long, prominent, apically clubbed antennae and a different wing venation pattern. The larvae are carnivorous, feeding on ants and other insects, while most adults feed on pollen and nectar. The larvae are also called doodlebugs, because of the odd winding, spiraling trails they leave in the loose soil or sand while looking for a good location to build their pitfall traps with which they capture their prey. The ant lion larvae prefer to build their pits in locations that are sheltered from rainfall such as in old barns, under rock ledges, and under big trees. In areas with little rainfall, they will build out in the open.

An average sized larvae digs a funnel-shaped pit two inches deep and three inches wide at the top. When constructing their pit traps, the ant lion larvae marks out the chosen site with a circular groove, then moves backwards using its abdomen as a plough to shovel up the soil. Using one front leg, it places consecutive heaps of loose soil on its head, then with a quick jerk of the head, throws the soil out away from the construction site. Continuing with this procedure, it works its way in a circle toward the center, gradually getting deeper and deeper until the slope angle of the pit reaches the “angle of repose.” The “angle of repose” is the steepest angle the soil or sand walls can maintain without collapsing. When the pit is finished, the ant lion, which is equipped with two enormous, powerful, toothed mandibles (jaws), lays wait, buried at the bottom of the pit with just its mandibles exposed. Any ant or other insect that inadvertently falls into the pit is unable to climb out because of the steep, loose, collapsing walls, and eventually ends up at the bottom of the pit where it is grabbed by the ant lion. The ant lion will even flick soil at an insect trying to climb out of its trap, which undermines the sides of the pit, causing them to collapse, bringing the prey down with them.

Like the ant lion that digs a pit trap and lies in wait, Satan has laid pitfalls for us. “All the way along, Satan has prepared pitfalls for the feet of the unwary. But following our Guide, we may walk with perfect security; for the path is consecrated by his footsteps. It may be steep and rugged, but he has traveled it; his feet have pressed down the thorns to make the way easier for us.” The Youth’s Instructor, May 1, 1902.

“The children of God have reached the most critical part of their pilgrimage; for the nets and pitfalls of the enemy are on every side. And yet with the guidance of the Lord, with that which is plainly revealed in his word, we may walk securely and not stumble. But we shall daily need to seek God, to inquire, ‘Is this the way of the Lord?’ You cannot go on following your own inclination, and at the same time be treading in safe paths. You cannot live to please yourself, but must submit your will to God. But how will you understand what is the will of God unless you study his word with humble and contrite heart? You should be anxious to know, What saith the word of God to me?” Ibid., May 18, 1893.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature Nugget – The American Chestnut

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The American chestnut was one of the most important trees of eastern North America. Reaching heights of up to 150 feet tall with trunks up to 10 feet in diameter, the rapidly growing American chestnut was known as the redwood of the eastern forests. Found east of the Mississippi River from southern Canada to Mississippi, this deciduous hardwood tree was once an important timber tree. Its wood was rich in tannins, which made it highly resistant to decay.

The American chestnut was also a prolific bearer of nuts, with usually three nuts enclosed in each spiny, green burr. These nuts were very important to wildlife, providing much of the fall masts for species such as White-tailed Deer, Wild Turkey, and Black Bears. The nuts, known as chestnuts, were also once an important economic resource in the United States and were commonly roasted and sold on the streets of the larger cities during the Christmas season.

The chestnut blight, an airborne bark fungus, was accidentally introduced into North America in the early 1900s on imported Asiatic chestnut trees. The American chestnut was highly susceptible to this rapidly spreading disease, and by 1940, mature trees were virtually extinct. It has been estimated that before the blight, there were three billion chestnut trees in eastern North America and that 25 percent of the trees in the Appalachian Mountains were American chestnuts. Now the surviving number of large chestnut trees within the tree’s former range is estimated to be less than 100.

Despite the devastation caused by the blight, the root collar and root system of the chestnut are fairly resistant to the blight, so a large number of small chestnut trees still persist as shoots from existing root bases. These shoots are seldom able to grow large enough to reproduce, however, before the blight attacks them. Fortunately, a few adult trees are surviving with apparent resistance to the disease. Several organizations are using these trees to breed blight resistant trees for reintroduction to their former range.

“There is a blight upon everything. The earth feels the curse that God pronounced upon it, because of the disobedience of our first parents. They broke the command of God in eating of the forbidden tree, after he had given them the privilege of eating of all the other trees in the garden. They listened to the tempter, ate of the forbidden tree, and were expelled from the beautiful garden of Eden.” The Youth’s Instructor, August 1, 1856.

“When the veil that darkens our vision shall be removed, and our eyes shall behold that world of beauty of which we now catch glimpses through the microscope; when we look on the glories of the heavens, now scanned afar through the telescope; when, the blight of sin removed, the whole earth shall appear in ‘the beauty of the Lord our God’ (Psalm 90:17), what a field will be open to our study! There the student of science may read the records of creation and discern no reminders of the law of evil. He may listen to the music of nature’s voices, and detect no note of wailing or undertone of sorrow. In all created things he may trace one handwriting—in the vast universe behold ‘God’s name writ large,’ and not in earth or sea or sky one sign of ill remaining.” God’s Amazing Grace, 365.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature Nuggett – The Basilisks

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Closely related to the iguanas, the basilisk lizards of the rainforests of Central and South America are never found far from water. Several species, varying in color from bright green to gray and sporting stripes, are commonly found along the shores of lakes, rivers, and streams where they live amongst rocks and in trees. Male basilisks have spectacular crest-like sails on their heads, backs, and tails, which they use to impress females. Basilisks range from 2 to 2.5 feet long when adult and are excellent climbers and swimmers. They can stay submerged under water for up to 30 minutes. Their diet consists of plant material, fruit, insects, and small vertebrates. When disturbed, basilisks run upright on their hind legs using their tails as a counterweight.

The most amazing thing about basilisks is their ability to walk on water for short distances. When disturbed, these lizards flee across the surface of the water as readily as they do across land. On water, an average sized basilisk weighing 80 grams (about 3 ounces) can run at a speed of 5 feet a second for 15 feet or more before sinking and continuing its flight by swimming. Small individuals can travel much further—up to 60 feet—across the surface of the water. The basilisks are able to do this because of their fast limb speed and large hind feet with long fringed toes that allow them to take advantage of the surface tension of the water. The toe fringes are special flaps of skin that open up to increase the surface area of the foot on the water relative to the lizard’s weight. As the foot pushes down into the water, it creates a hole, trapping a pocket of air which holds the lizard up. This motion produces 110 to 225 percent of the force needed to support the lizard’s weight. All this would be lost if the lizard was not fast enough to pull its foot back out of the hole before it refilled with water and created drag.

To be able to walk on water, an averaged sized man would have to run 65 miles an hour and expend 15 times more energy than a human is able to expend. But one man can and did walk on water. “As a fond mother watches the child she has in kindness corrected, so the compassionate Master watched his disciples; and when their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and they humbly prayed for help, it was given them. At the very moment they believed themselves lost, a flash of lightning revealed the figure of a man walking toward them upon the water. An unspeakable terror seized them. The hands that had grasped the oars with muscle like iron, relaxed their hold, and fell powerless by their sides. The boat rocked at the will of the waves, while their eyes were riveted upon this vision of a man stepping firmly upon the white-capped billows.

“They thought it must be a spirit, which omened their immediate destruction. Jesus calmly advanced as though he would pass them, but they recognize his form, and feel that he will not leave them in their distress. They cry out, supplicating his help! The figure turns! It is their beloved Master, whose well-known voice speaks, silencing their fear, ‘Be of good cheer. It is I, be not afraid.’ [Matthew 14:27.] Were ever words so welcome, so reassuring as these! The disciples are speechless with joy. Their apprehensions are gone. The storm is forgotten. They hail Jesus as their Deliverer!” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 268, 269.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature Nugget – Sea Cows

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The Sirenians, also called sea cows, are relatives of the elephants, and are the only totally aquatic herbivorous mammals. Like the elephants, they are long lived with some species living up to 60 years. They inhabit the shallow waters of rivers, estuaries, coastal marine waters, swamps, and marine wetlands. Except for one species, they all require warm water environments. Lacking hind limbs, Sirenians have flippers for forelimbs, streamlined, almost hairless bodies, and long, strong tails. Sirenians also have large, fleshy snouts which they use to grab vegetation while feeding. The Sirenians are represented by two families: the manatees and the dugongs.

The dugongs consist of two marine species: the dugong and the extinct Steller’s sea cow. The Steller’s sea cow was a giant, 60-foot-long, cold-water species that lived in the Bering Sea where it traveled in herds and fed on kelp. It was hunted to extinction for its meat and oil during the eighteenth century. The dugong is found over a large area of the tropical Indo-Pacific with its greatest population occurring in the northern waters of Australia. It has a fluked, dolphin-like tail which aids it in swimming in the strong ocean currents. The dugong grows to a length of around 9 feet and can weigh over 600 pounds. Their main diet is sea grasses which they graze off the ocean bottom.

The manatees, unlike the dugongs, have rounded, flat, paddle-shaped tails and are not restricted to marine environments. The manatees currently consist of four species: West African manatee, West Indian manatee, Amazonian Manatee, and the recently discovered dwarf manatee. The Amazonian and dwarf manatees are restricted to the freshwaters of the Amazon Basin of South America. The West African and West Indian manatees are found in both freshwater and marine environments.

The West Indian Manatee can reach lengths of over 13 feet and weigh up to 3,500 pounds, while the dwarf manatee only reaches a length of 4 feet. Manatees feed on a wide variety of aquatic plants including surface floaters such as water hyacinths. They have been known to even crawl part way out of the water to graze on shoreline vegetation. Their teeth are few in number and are known as “marching molars” because they are constantly replaced throughout their lifetime, a necessity due to the abrasive nature of the vegetation upon which they feed. Manatees, as well as their close relatives the dugongs, were frequently mistaken for mermaids and sirens by sailors who had been at sea too long.

Like the weary sailors who mistook the manatees and dugongs for mermaids, we Christians need to be on our guard against making mistakes and misjudging our brethren.

“Human minds and hearts, unless wholly sanctified, purified, and refined from partiality and prejudice, are liable to commit grave errors, to misjudge and deal unkindly and unjustly with souls that are the purchase of the blood of Christ.” The Home Missionary, February 1, 1892. “Jesus could make no mistake; but human judgment is erring, and may be wrong. Men may misjudge motives; they may be deceived by appearances, and when they think they are doing right to reprove wrong, they may go too far, censure too severely, and wound where they wished to heal; or they may exercise sympathy unwisely, and, in their ignorance, counteract reproof that is merited and timely.” The Signs of the Times, March 3, 1887. “Men may make mistakes; they may misjudge and misconceive. Their imaginations and impressions may be faulty. But the Lord never makes a blunder. You are to look to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of your faith.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, 75.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature Nugget – Sunflowers

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sunflower fieldThere are 67 species and 19 subspecies of sunflowers in the genus Helianthus, and all are native to North America. Sunflowers are currently commercially grown around the world for various uses. Native Americans have been using wild sunflowers for thousands of years for a variety of uses, such as flour to make bread, nut butter, cooking oil, hair treatment, wart removal, and treatments for snake bite and sun stroke. One perennial species, the Jerusalem artichoke, was grown by American Indians as a root vegetable which they called “sun roots.”

Of all the sunflower species, the most important and familiar species is the common sunflower. Believed to have been domesticated by Native Americans even before corn was, the common sunflower found its way to Europe by Spanish explorers around 1500 where it was initially used as an ornamental. Then its value as a source of cooking oil was discovered, which led to the commercialization of the species in Russia where two types of seed were then developed—one for oil and one larger variety for human consumption. Russian immigrants brought the commercialized varieties back to North America where it is now one of the leading cash crops grown today.

The common sunflower is second only to soybeans as one of the world’s leading oil seed crops. Recent new uses for the oil seeds and plants include the production of biodiesels, which burn 75 percent cleaner than petroleum diesel and have higher lubricating qualities, and rhizofiltration, where the sunflowers are used to remove toxic wastes from the environment.

Sunflowers love the sun. As they are growing, sunflowers will face their flowers in the direction of the sun, tracking it along during the day. That is why a field full of sunflowers will always be pointed the same direction. This phenomenon is known as Heliotropism. However, nearing maturity, most sunflowers stop tracking the sun and just face east to catch the morning sunrise.

Just as sunflowers love and follow the sun, so should we love and follow the Son of God. All true Christians should be pointed in the same direction and, like the maturing sunflowers, be watching the east for the return of the Son.

“Like the sunflower, which turns its face constantly toward the sun, you must look continually toward the Source of light, that you may catch every ray possible.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 141.

“We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts may turn to God as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. The sunflower keeps its face sunward. If it is turned from the light, it will twist itself on the stem, until it lifts up its petals to the bright beams of the sun. So let everyone who has given his heart to God, turn to the Sun of Righteousness, and eagerly look up to receive the bright beams of the glory that shine in the face of Jesus. Thus we may educate the soul to press its way out of the corrupted moral atmosphere of the world, of sin and selfishness, into the atmosphere that is divine and health-giving.” The Signs of the Times, December 16, 1889.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – Morpho Butterflies

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Over 80 species of butterflies occurring in rainforest habitats from Mexico to South America belong to the genus Morpho. Not only are they some of the largest butterflies in the world, with wingspans reaching eight inches, but they are some of the most beautiful, coming in a variety of colors such as blue, green, orange, and white. The majority of the species come in various shades of blue and are known as blue Morphos. The adult butterflies feed mainly on the juices of fermenting fruit and tree sap while their larvae or caterpillars feed on toxic leguminous plants. Some caterpillars are cannibalistic. Morpho butterflies have few predators because of poisonous compounds stored in their bodies from their diet as caterpillars, but some birds such as jacamars and flycatchers are able to eat them in spite of their toxicity. Though mainly forest and canopy dwellers, the Morphos will come out into clearings to warm themselves in the sunlight. Males are very territorial and will chase off other males that enter their territories. Their eyes are believed to be highly sensitive to UV light to enable them to see each other at great distances. Some species are colonial, living in groups.

Blue Morphos are famous for the brilliant, iridescent colors on their upper wings which are not the result of pigments but of the structural array of scales on their wings. Females are less vivid than the males who use their bright color to intimidate rival males that fly into their territories. The wings also have a wide angle of reflectability which maximizes their visibility as they fly about in the rainforest. Their under wings are brown with ocelli or eyespots which help camouflage them when their wings are closed. Blue Morphos use a “flashing” defense mechanism. Due to the slow beating pace of their wings, the iridescent upper wing color is flashed, then disappears as the wings are raised, revealing the brown undersides, only to flash again as the wings come down again a few moments later. This flashing causes predators to lose track of them in flight as the brown-patterned under wings blend them in with their forest habitat.

“If the youth could only see how much good it is in their power to accomplish, if they would make God their strength and wisdom, they would no longer pursue a course of careless indifference toward Him; they would no longer be swayed by the influence of those who are unconsecrated. Instead of feeling that an individual responsibility rests upon them to put forth efforts to do others good, and lead others to righteousness, they give themselves up to seek their own amusement. They are useless members of society, and live as aimless lives as do the butterflies. The young may have a knowledge of the truth, and believe it, but not live it. Such possess a dead faith. Their hearts are not reached so as to affect their conduct and character in the sight of God, and they are no nearer doing His will than are unbelievers. Their hearts do not conform to the will of God; they are at enmity with Him. Those who are devoted to amusements, and who love the society of pleasure seekers, have an aversion to religious exercises. Will the Master say to these youth who profess His name, Well done, good and faithful servants, unless they are good and faithful?” Testimonies, vol. 2, 235.

“We are not here to be butterflies and to gratify self, but we are here to be lights to a crooked and perverse nation. We are to be loyal to God and heaven.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 9, 257.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – The Amazing Orchids

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The Orchid family contains some of the most beautiful flowers known. For this reason they are very popular among horticulturists. Close to ten percent of all seed plants are orchids. There are around 22,000 currently accepted species, and there may be as many as 25,000 species in the world, as 800 new species are described every year. In addition, horticulturists have developed more than 100,000 hybrids and cultivars of orchids. Orchids occur in almost every habitat except for deserts and glaciers. They even occur above the Arctic Circle and on Macquarie Island close to Antarctica. But the majority of species occur in the tropics of Asia, and Central and South America.

Most orchids are perennial epiphytes growing upon or attached to the trunks and limbs of trees. A few are lithophytes which grow on rocks. Others are terrestrial, growing in soil, and include nearly all temperate species. Some orchids lack chlorophyll and are myco-heterotrophs, meaning that they have a symbiotic relationship with a soil fungus from which they acquire their nutrients instead of through photosynthesis. A few epiphytic species, like the Ghost Orchid, lack leaves and depend on their green roots for photosynthesis. Epiphytic orchids have modified aerial roots up to several meters long which contain a spongy epidermis for absorbing humidity. Some store water and nutrients in specialized thickened stems for dry periods. Some terrestrial orchids have two subterranean tuberous roots, the extra one being used as a food reserve.

Well known for the many structural variations in their flowers, many orchids have only a single flower, but most have their flowers in groups or clusters. Orchids have highly specialized pollination systems which greatly decrease their chances of being pollinated. Therefore, to increase their odds of being pollinated, they remain receptive to pollination for very long periods. The Eurasian genus Ophrys is an extremely specialized group of orchids in which the labellum (petal) mimics, by color, shape, and odor, a receptive female insect. Pollination happens as the attracted male insects attempt to mate with the flowers. Many orchids are pollinated by bees. Some bees gather from certain orchids volatile chemicals they require to synthesize pheromonal attractants. The Eastern Underground Orchid in Australia never sees the light of day and depends on ants and other terrestrial insects to pollinate it.

The seeds of orchids are almost microscopic and are very numerous, with some species producing over a million per capsule. Seeds are dispersed by wind like spores. All orchid seeds lack endosperm and must enter a symbiotic relationship with various fungi which provide them the necessary nutrients to germinate. The chances of an individual seed meeting the proper kind of fungi is small, so only a small fraction of all the seeds released will germinate.

Just as the orchid seed must enter into a relationship with a fungus to germinate, so we must enter into a relationship with Christ for the germination of our spiritual life. “The seed has in itself a germinating principle, a principle that God Himself has implanted; yet if left to itself the seed would have no power to spring up. … There is life in the seed, there is power in the soil; but unless infinite power is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no return. … The life which the Creator has implanted, He alone can call forth. Every seed grows, every plant develops, by the power of God. … The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a figure of the development of character. There can be no life without growth.” God’s Amazing Grace, 197.

Nature – The Mountain Boomer

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The Collared Lizard is a North American lizard with a large head and powerful jaws that can reach a length of 14 inches. Black bands around the neck and shoulders give this lizard a collared look, hence its name. The mature males of this brightly colored species are green with the head often being yellow. They also have brightly colored throats of blue, green, or orange and may have blue patches on the belly. The females are generally duller with orange or salmon-colored bars or speckling on sides when gravid. Found from Missouri to Texas and west to the Pacific states and Mexico, Collared Lizards prefer hilly, rocky areas. They are diurnal, and are especially active during warm sunny weather. They bask on the warm rocks to regulate their body temperature. When the rocks get too hot they move into the shade to cool off.

Collared Lizards feed mainly on insects but will take small vertebrate prey, including mammals and other lizards, and occasionally some fruit and vegetable matter. When stalking their prey they often wave their tail like a cat. Males are very territorial toward other males and usually sit on a high rock to guard their territories and watch for danger. They go through a series of head-bobbing and push-up displays to intimidate other males that trespass and to impress passing females. Several females may live in and around a male’s territory. Females lay 4-8 eggs in loose sand or in tunnels under rocks or boulders.

The Collared Lizard is the state reptile of Oklahoma where it is fondly known as the “Mountain Boomer”. This name came from the early days when this lizard was mistakenly thought to emit a booming sound that was often heard echoing through the hills where these lizards were common. The real source of these booming sounds was probably the Barking Frog which often lives under the same rocks where the lizards bask. When fleeing predators, Collared Lizards have the ability to run bipedal on their hind legs, with their tails raised off the ground to reduce drag, making them look like tiny T-rex dinosaurs. They are relatively fast sprinters with recorded speeds of up to 16 miles per hour. When unable to outrun a predator, Collared Lizards will take shelter under large rocks and in rock crevices where they will inflate their body with air to wedge themselves tightly to prevent removal. If cornered they will threaten with open mouth revealing a black mouth lining. When captured they can bite hard and it is difficult to get them to let go. There is a regional saying that they won’t let go until it thunders.

Just as the Mountain Boomers depend on the rocks for shelter and protection, so should we Christians live in faith and depend on our rock, Christ. “He is the rock … Centuries before the advent of Christ, Moses pointed to Him as the rock of Israel’s salvation; the psalmist sung of Him as ‘my redeemer,’ ‘the rock of my strength,’ ‘the rock that is higher than I,’ ‘a rock of habitation,’ ‘rock of my heart,’ ‘rock of my refuge.’ … Isaiah describes Him as the ‘rock of ages,’ and ‘the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.’ That I May Know Him, 24. “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.” II Samuel 22:2, 3.

Nature – Rattlesnakes

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Occurring only in the New World, thirty-two species of rattlesnakes are found from Canada to Argentina, with the greatest variety of species being found in the southwestern U.S. Rattlesnakes belong to the class of venomous snakes known as pit vipers which are named for the heat sensing pits they have on their face between their eyes and nostrils. Rattlesnakes range in size from the large Eastern Diamondback, which reaches 8 feet and weights of up to 10 lbs., to the tiny Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, which only reaches 12 inches and weighs only 3 to 4 ounces. Unlike most snakes, rattlesnakes do not lay eggs but retain the eggs in their bodies until they hatch, then giving live birth.

The heat-sensing pits of a rattlesnake are very sensitive, allowing them to detect prey that is as little as a tenth of a degree warmer than their surroundings. Rattlesnakes kill their prey by injecting venom with a quick strike and bite. They defend themselves in the same manner, though they tend to inject less venom when defending themselves than when killing prey. Approximately 1/3 of all rattlesnake defensive bites are “dry,” with no venom being injected. The venom of most rattlesnakes is a hemotoxin which destroys tissue, degenerates organs, and disrupts blood clotting. Most tropical rattlesnakes and the Mojave rattlesnake of the southwestern U.S. have neurotoxic venom which affects the nervous system, interfering with the function of the heart and paralyzing the lungs. When delivering a bite, rattlesnakes can strike up to 2/3 their body length.

Rattlesnakes are most famous for their rattles, which are located at the tips of their tails. The rattle is used as a warning device when threatened with being stepped on or predated. When threatened, the snake vibrates its tail, producing a buzzing sound. The rattle is hollow and composed of interlocking rings of keratin which are actually modified scales. Each time a snake sheds it skin, a new segment is added to the rattle. The snakes can shed their skins several times a year, depending on food supply and growth rate. Older rattlesnakes tend to have longer, louder rattles unless some of them have broken off. There is one species of rattlesnake, the Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake, which does not have a rattle.

Just as the rattlesnake’s rattle warns of danger, so the Lord, through His word, warns His church of impending dangers. “Jesus is guarding his hearers from deceptions that would endanger their souls; and he warns them to beware of false teachers, who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. He would have every one for whom his precious blood is a ransom, constantly on his guard, comparing every man’s pretentious claims with the great standard of righteousness. The question is, ‘What saith the Scriptures?’ Human lips may utter perverse things, lying doctrines that have no foundation in God’s word, and souls may be sincere in accepting these erroneous doctrines; but will their sincerity save them from the sure and disastrous result? The Bible is the standard of truth and holiness. If they were carefully and prayerfully living by this word, they would not be deceived.” Signs of the Times, October 29, 1885. “God’s Word warns us that we have manifold enemies, not open and avowed, but enemies who come with smooth words and fair speeches, and who would deceive if possible the very elect. Thus Satan comes. And again, when it suits his purpose, he goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Man’s will, unless kept in subjection to the will of God, is as often on the enemy’s side as on the Lord’s side. Therefore watch unto prayer; watch and pray always.” Review and Herald, July 7, 1910.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.