God’s Special Gift to Salmon

Acts 26:18a
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins.”

Creation Moments has aired hundreds of programs over the years dealing with gifts God has given to His creatures so they could survive in the environment where He has placed them. But what is a poor animal going to do when it lives most of its life in one environment and then moves to a totally different environment?

Today I’m going to tell you about a special gift that God has given to salmon. The purpose of this gift will become clear to you when you consider that salmon live most of their lives in ocean waters, where the light is in the blue-green end of the spectrum. Later on, salmon travel to streams and inland waters to spawn, where the light is primarily in the red and infrared end of the spectrum. Scientists have long wondered how salmon are able to make the switch so they can see well in two entirely different lighting conditions.

Scientists have now discovered an enzyme in salmon that actually switches the fish’s visual systems. What this enzyme does is convert vitamin A1 to vitamin A2, allowing salmon to see perfectly in red and infrared light.

Like salmon, humans also need a new way of seeing when it comes to spiritual matters. The eyes we are born with just aren’t equipped to see Jesus in a favorable light. We need eyes of faith that God alone can provide!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will give unbelievers eyes of faith that can see Your Son and follow Him on the path that leads to life everlasting. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Author: Steven J. Schwartz
Ref: “Ancient gene triggers IR vision enhancement,” Photonics Spectra, January 2016, p. 106. Drawing: Atlantic salmon by Timothy Knepp. (PD)

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