by Salome Kalitas | 21 February 2020 08:46 pm02
What can we learn when we see the locusts in the wilderness?
Shalom. Let us consider another point regarding the Kingdom of Heaven.
When Jesus told us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, NIV), He meant that the Kingdom of God requires active pursuit. However, what we often overlook is that this Kingdom is not hidden in highly complex matters that require advanced degrees or great wisdom. Rather, the mysteries of God are revealed in very simple things—small, ordinary, everyday realities. These simple truths often conceal profound spiritual insight, which is why the Kingdom may not appear obvious to most.
For example, consider what Jesus said about the sparrow:
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” (Luke 12:24, NIV)
If you live in Dar es Salaam or coastal areas, you will have seen many sparrows. Without Jesus’ explanation, you might think they are merely ordinary nuisances, just living in the city. Yet within them lies a spiritual lesson: even a small, seemingly insignificant creature demonstrates God’s provision and care. The same principle applies to the Kingdom of Heaven: the profound truths are often found in the simple, everyday things that we might overlook.
Did you know that some sparrows can live up to 80 years? They survive in harsh environments, eating and drinking daily. Jesus used such ordinary creatures to teach about God’s provision and care—if He cares for the sparrow, how much more will He care for us (Matthew 10:29-31)?
Today, we reflect on a more extraordinary example: the locusts of the wilderness. In East Africa, these insects have become a significant concern, but what spiritual lessons can we draw from them? Are they merely a disaster to crops, or is there a deeper truth hidden in them?
The Bible describes locusts as one of the creatures with great wisdom:
“There are four things on earth that are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.” (Proverbs 30:24-28, NIV)
Unlike ordinary locusts, these swarming locusts act collectively. When they congregate, they move as one mass, traveling hundreds of kilometers in a day. Some swarms contain over 150 million locusts per square kilometer, with total numbers exceeding billions. Amazingly, despite the crowding, they do not collide in flight; they have no leader, yet they move in perfect coordination.
This demonstrates remarkable intelligence and organization. Theologically, God uses such examples to show us that unity, order, and collective purpose—guided by His wisdom—can achieve what seems impossible. Just as locusts can destroy vast fields, a united body of believers can carry the Gospel powerfully, leaving a spiritual impact across nations.
When Israel demanded a king, God was displeased because He desired their wholehearted service without human intermediaries (1 Samuel 8:1-22, NIV). Similarly, in the spiritual battle today, God calls each believer to act from their God-given position, using their gifts to advance His Kingdom. We do not need to wait for pastors or leaders to tell us what to do; each believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to fight the enemy and proclaim the Gospel.
Imagine believers operating like the locusts, united in purpose, moving in one accord under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Satan would be defeated, and multitudes would turn to Christ. The unity and coordinated action of God’s people can be as unstoppable as locust swarms—yet without human chaos, collision, or confusion.
Let us, therefore, reflect on this principle in the work of building the Kingdom of Heaven. God will continue to blessing us.
Maran Atha.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/02/21/let-us-reflect-on-the-locusts-in-the-wilderness/
Copyright ©2026 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.