Racing Cockroaches

Romans 1:20
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse…”

Scientists have been studying the different ways in which insects move, hoping to discover a better way to design mobile robots. In doing this they have inadvertently recognized the wisdom and creativity of the Creator, even though they may not care to admit His existence.

Insect locomotion uses a variety of methods to travel over terrain even humans could not cover. Think of how the spider walks up the wall and across the ceiling. Some insects walk on water. Then there’s the inchworm. Stomatopods move by curling up and rolling away backwards. To their amazement, scientists have found that whether a creature has two, four, six, eight or more legs, legs are always designed to attach to the body in a way that puts the least stress on them.

Many insects can change their method of locomotion to adapt to different situations. High-speed photography has shown that startled cockroaches race off by standing and running on their two hind legs only. In this position they can reach speeds of over three miles per hour!

Because scientists find the wisdom of good design in nature, they search to see how nature has solved the engineering problems they face. However, if everything was truly the accidental consequence of chance, wouldn’t scientists be studying accidents to find solutions to their problems? Though they may be embarrassed to admit it, scientists who look to nature are recognizing the wisdom of the Creator!

Prayer:
I thank You, Lord, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Forgive me for the times that I have failed to see Your wisdom and power in my everyday life. Help me to be more trusting of Your promise that You are always with me. Amen.

Notes:
E. Pennisi. 1991. “Scoot Scramble and Roll.” Science News, Vol. 140, Nov. 30, p. 363. Photo: Cockroach shortly after moulting.