The Scarlet Worm

A Muddy Bootprint for March 3, 2025

“But I am worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and despised by the people.” ~Psalm 22:6

God became a worm. And He made it plain for everyone to see.

God paints perfect pictures using plain things to make things perfectly plain.

There is a worm that is found mainly in the Middle East. The female dies giving life to her young. She gives birth only once. Before she does, she attaches herself to a tree or a fencepost. Permanently. When her young are deposited, her body dies. As it dies, it protects them from enemies and feeds them. She also releases a dark red fluid that stains the wood … and leaves her young red. For life.

Coccus Ilicis, “The Crimson, or Scarlet, Worm”

Even today, men harvest this fluid and make scarlet colored cloth from it. But they must harvest it within three days for it to be usable. On the fourth day, her corpse turns into heart-shaped wax … and then turns from scarlet red to snow white.

Tree wood stained by Coccus Ilicis

Until today, I didn’t think about – or very much of – worms. But now that’s changed … at least how I think about the Scarlet Worm.

O, what love God shows for me, a man who deserves to be treated like a worm. Instead, He allowed His Son to be treated like a worm so I could be loved like a man.

I simply need to be covered in Jesus’ blood.

Attack Point: There’s life in Jesus’ blood. Be covered in it.

Orienting Your Map:

[Key Verses: Psalm 22:6, 14; Also: Exodus 16:12-21; Leviticus 17:11; Job 25:6; Psalm 51:7, 10; Isaiah 1:18, 41:14, 49:7, 53:2-5; Matthew 6:11, 26:26-28, 27:39-43; John 1:1, 14, 6:53-54; 2 Corinthians 5:21, 13:4; Galatians 3:13; Philippians 2:5-10; Hebrews 2:10, 9:22-28, 10:19, 29, 12:24; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7-9; Revelation 1:5]

That is all.

Carry on. 😉