As one of the ten plagues that God brought against
the Egyptians in order to get the release of the Hebrews, the
frogs that invaded the land made their mark in the minds of people
in ancient times. In modern times there have, indeed, been some
amazing "frog" stories. One sister in Christ told of
her experience as a little child in England when she and her family
witnessed frogs falling from the sky with the rain. She said it
was quite an amazing event and was talked about for many years
by the people of the area. As reports came forth after hurricane
Isabel, it appears that parts of the state of Connecticut had,
what appeared to be frog eggs, falling from the sky. These real
events show some of the strange things that happen from time to
time with the world that God has created. However, as we look
at the frogs, described by the Bible as "marsh leapers,"
we find some amazing features that show the creative ability of
God.
Frogs, from the skin in, are incredibly well designed
for existence in a wide variety of areas and in an amazing range
of niches. Starting with the skin, God made the frogs with what
may be their most amazing feature: skin that they can breath through,
drink through, and become invisible in, has served these creatures
well. The frogs do not have lungs, only, for breathing, as much
of the winter they will be under the water for long periods. During
these times, as well as times when they cannot get to the surface
to breathe due to predators, they just absorb oxygen through their
skin. This is one of the reasons the frogs have a slimy skin;
they need to keep it moist as these special cells are alive so
it can get oxygen through it. They also do not drink water as
all other animals by swallowing it; they absorb it into their
skin as they sit in the water. In addition, frogs that do not
live in water can get their water from fog, dew, and even wet
soil.
Beyond breathing and drinking through their skin,
frogs can hide in their skin. The skin of many frogs can change
color and has special cells that they can use to match the color
of their surroundings. Then they also reflect ultraviolet light
in the same amounts as their immediate surroundings. This serves
to make them invisible to many of the predators that hunt the
frogs for food. Unless the frog moves, it can sit invisible. The
skin colors of some frogs are exceptionally bright, and most of
these frogs contain some very potent toxins. These bright colors
are a signal to predators that they are very poisonous. Men can
use this poison to tip arrows and darts for hunting.
Frogs change this very important membrane very
often to keep it healthy. Some frogs shed their skin weekly and
others as often as every day. Finally, as the frog stretches out
of its skin, it will make one more use out of it: as food. It
will eat the skin as it is shed; this is why no one ever finds
a frog skin!
As Pharaoh and the Egyptian people fought to find
relief from the frogs of God, they probably were not much interested
in the amazing features of these animals, but today we should
marvel at the creative abilities of the God of heaven. Rt. 1 Box
116A, Belington, WV 26250. aedeverson@yahoo.com