Lessons from a Scarecrow - Pests and Insects

Exodus 10:14-15 (NIV)

14 they invaded all Egypt and settled down in every area of the country in great numbers. Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again. 15 They covered all the ground until it was black. They devoured all that was left after the hail—everything growing in the fields and the fruit on the trees. Nothing green remained on tree or plant in all the land of Egypt.

As I stand here taking my job very serious I can’t help but notice the bugs that scurry around attacking the plants eating the leafs and eating holes in the vegetables. The good news is as of yet I haven’t had a bird land on me.

Insects and pests are the gardener’s number one enemy.  One of the worst is slugs.  Long, slimy, ugly looking little creatures (like snails out of their shell) that do all their damage to the crops at night.  They work like the devil does, in the cover of darkness.  They hide by day in the shadow of the leafy plants, in places that are damp and dank.

Also, once the plants begin to mature, one has to watch out for birds, which will peck away at the fruit of your labors.  Birds are compared to demons, which nest in the branches of our lives, waiting to devour whatever fruit of the Spirit we can grow to maturation.  As you look you can find tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables half pecked, and left to rot.

We can see birds of prey, and other pests represent the judgment of God.  Pharaoh found this out when he refused to listen to Moses to let the children of Israel go from their captivity.

When I first plant my seeds, and the seedlings sprout, I take protective measures against the bugs.  bugs will devour all tender shoots of the new seedlings if left unchecked.  It is important to use a product that will kill the bugs when they crawl over the soil it is spread on but doesn't harm the good vegetables.  We can liken the bug bait to the word of God.  If we surround the good plants in our hearts with the protection of the word of God, the slimy creatures the devil sends our way will not destroy the work that God has done in us.

We must be like gardeners in our lives and walk with God.  We must look ahead, and realize that we have an enemy named Satan who seeks to devour us as we walk steadfast in the faith.

Dear Lord, we pray that we will be diligent in protecting our heart from the evil one that is trying to destroy the fruits of our heart. Help us to stand firm with You today with our heart protected. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.