The octopus is the smartest invertebrate in the world. And because of their amazing skin, they are masters of disguise. Within milliseconds, octopuses can alter their skin to render textures, patterns and colors so they look exactly like their surroundings. Invisibility is the goal and they ably imitate sand, plants, rocks, and pebbles instantly. The mimic octopus even morphs its shape to look identical to a less tasty marine animal to deter a predator attack.

Octopuses have three hearts, each heart having a slightly different role. The two peripheral hearts pump blood past the gills where oxygen is picked up. Then the central heart circulates this blood around the body, providing energy for muscles and other organs.

All octopuses contain 9 brains. There’s a central brain that is wrapped around the esophagus and contains about 180 million neurons. Then eight other brains exist in each of their eight tentacles that allow each arm to function autonomously and independently.

Therefore, the arms of octopuses have a mind of their own, even though the central brain can still exert full control and give general commands. One benefit of these for octopuses is that they can react very quickly in dangerous situations since each arm doesn’t need to communicate with the central brain to receive instructions. Octopuses can regrow their limbs. Remarkably, the new tentacle is as good as ever, possessing its brain.

A fossil discovered in Montana’s Bear Gulch limestone formation in 1988 possessing 10 limbs was actually a squid which is a cousin of the octopus.

Who made the octopus? We’re not just talking about design but incredible nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is materials science involving the manipulation and manufacture of devices on the scale of nanometers (billionths of a meter). Our human bodies are more complex than a supercomputer. Time and chance play no part. The designer of life is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Just like an engineer has a purpose for something he builds, God has a purpose for you. First, God wants you to find him. He gave you a conscience. Your soul is going to live forever in one of two places. Your destiny is either the lake of fire or heaven with God.

Are you ready for God’s justice? Want forgiveness? Your judge, Jesus Christ, offers his own shed blood as full payment for your every sin. While there is still time, repent and trust him.

Marilyn Sager

Houghton