Strength in Numbers
Today’s Verse
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; ~Proverbs 30:27
Solomon spoke of four animals that are small but exceeding wise. We saw the ant and the coney. This morning, we are considering the wisdom in locusts. They speak to us about the strength in numbers and unity of a group of people. Let us see how locusts are valuable lessons on the wisdom of federation, or banding.
We see their community.
They have a close-knit community. That’s what a local church is: a close-knit community. It is a community that consists of saved, baptized individuals of like-precious faith: not people who bite and devour one another, but people who build up and are devoted to one another. Acts 2:41-44 describe the community of the church. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common.”
We see their congruity.
Locusts have unity about what they do. Locusts have instinctive synergy. Locusts all do their part when they go forth in bands. Bands means “to divide” or “divisions.” They have unity through divisions in their swarms. They have no king: this is not teaching that there is no leadership. This is teaching that there are no big egos trying to push their way around. Instinctively, they know that they have a job to do and it must be done well and thoroughly! They have unity.
We see their conviction.
“Go they forth all of them….” This speaks to me of their commission. Going forth speaks of the preaching of the gospel and winning of souls. They strive together for the faith of the gospel, like Peter and John going together into the temple. What a wonderful day it will be when all the church goes forth! Members of churches need to be like locusts when it comes to going forth: we must go forth, all of us!
We see their capability.
Think of what locusts are capable of. When locusts swarm, they take over an area. When locusts swarm, they finish the job. When locusts swarm, their presence is felt. When locusts swarm, they leave a path! They are capable of changing an area!
Locusts have federation. They go forth, all of them, in bands. Be someone who is a team player. Be someone who does your part and helps the church go forward.
Have a team-spirited God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 3-5