Category: Animals, Plants
Speaker: Ian Taylor
Tags: worldview, devotional, creation science, christian radio, creation moments, ian taylor, biblical proof, today’s creation moment, aspilia africana
When penicillin was first used as an antibiotic, it was considered a wonder drug. Infections which had been fatal for thousands of years were suddenly curable. Without antibiotics, I would not be here today, and many of you would not be reading this.
Man has long known that some natural substances have a natural ability to fight infections. But recently modern medicine had to step aside and acknowledge that not all medical breakthroughs are made by doctors—or even human beings.
For years, it has been known that the roots and leaves of the Apsilia shrub are used as a traditional African treatment for wound and stomach aches. Researchers also observed chimpanzees swallowing the leaves of the shrub. This led them to investigate more about the leaves. They learned that Aspilia leaves and roots contain a chemical which kills some infectious bacteria, as well as fungi and worms. Researchers hope to learn whether this chemical is safe and effective for humans when taken orally.
However, the mystery remains. How did the chimps discover the antibiotic nature of Aspila? We need to look to our Creator Who appears to have given the chimps this knowledge. While disease and death are not part of His original design for the creation, He was loving enough to provide medicinal help for these consequences of human sin. But the permanent cure for sin and death began with the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:20-21
"For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."
Prayer: Dear Father, disease and death were not Your plan for the creation, but the result of man's rebellion against You. Let the wide scope of Your mercy in providing us with some earthly remedies for the results of sin fill me with even greater appreciation for Your boundless mercy and love to us in Christ. In His Name. Amen.
Image: Aspilia africana plant, Peter B. Phillipson, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons + Aspilia africana flower closeup, Peter B. Phillipson.