Hebrews 1:1, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,” Have you ever thought about the “many ways” through which God spoke to people “long ago”? He even occasionally used animals to get His point across! For instance…

God used frogs, flies, and locusts to humble the Egyptians, Exodus 8,10 He used frogs, 8:1-15 He used gnats, 8:16-32 He used locusts, 10:1-20

God used a talking donkey to teach Balaam, Numbers 22 Israel had been released from Egyptian bondage, gotten the Law at Sinai, and were fighting their way to Canaan. God helped them and they slaughter Sihon and Og. They were camped in Moab opposite of Jericho, 21:33 – 22:1. Balak, king of Moab, persistently sought Balaam, a prophet, to curse Israel, vv.2-21 Balaam eventually went with those sent by Balak, v.21 But God used a talking donkey to get Balaam’s attention, vv.22-35

God used two milk cows to teach the Philistines, 1Samuel.6 In the last days of Eli’s judgeship, Israel fought against and was defeated by the Philistines, 4:1-2. The idolatrous mindset of Israel led them to think taking the Ark of the Covenant into battle would help, but the Philistines again won, and took the Ark, 4:3-11! The Ark brought plagues upon the Philistines, chp.5. They decided to send it back, and devised a plan, 6:1-9. The Lord used the cows to manifest Himself to them, 6:10-15.

God used a whale to convince Jonah, Jonah 1-3 God sought to warn Nineveh to repent through Jonah, 1:1-2. But Jonah fled the opposite direction on a ship, 1:3. So, God caused a great storm to batter the ship, and eventually Jonah was thrown overboard, 1:4-16. Then God made a whale to swallow him! 1:17 After three days and nights, God convinced Jonah to obey Him and go preach to Nineveh, 2:1 – 3:4!

God even used a worm to further teach Jonah a valuable lesson, Jonah 4:7 When the king and people of Nineveh heard God’s message through Jonah, they believed and repented, 3:5-9. Then God spared them, 3:10. But Jonah got angry and pouted, 4:1-5. God first made a plant to grow to shade Jonah, 4:6. Then God made a worm to eat the plant, 4:7-8. God used the worm to teach Jonah a valuable lesson, 4:9-11.

Now, if God can use: Frogs, gnats, and locusts to manifest His power to a foreign king and nation, A talking donkey to get His message across to a prophet, Two milk cows to give witness to a heathen nation, A whale to convince a rebellious prophet to obey, And a worm to show the worth of each and every person’s soul, What can he do with a Christian like you who understands all these things? cp. Matthew 10:31

The truth is: God can do a lot through each and every one of us, if we wouldn’t bury our talents, Matt.25:18ff. And He will accomplish His purposes through us, if we will just cooperate, Phil.2: Surely we, being in the image of God, can:  Manifest God’s power better than frogs, gnats, and locusts! Matt.5:16ff  Talk to someone about God’s wishes better than a donkey! Matt.18:15ff  Teach about the one true God better than a couple of milk cows! 2Tim.2:2  Help a rebellious person better than whale! Gal.6:1  Explain the value of each and every soul better than a worm! Matt.16:26

“Yes, we can!” But the real question is: Will we? Their souls and ours depend on it, Matt.10:32. Let’s get busy- time is wasting!