I’m sure many of you have seen beautiful pictures of coral reefs like the one above and some of you have probably had the privilege to go snorkeling or SCUBA diving on a coral reef. They are magnificent structures, having a variety of forms and colors.
Zooxanthellae inside a coral polyp
There are different types of corals but the one most often seen on reefs are ‘reef-building corals.’ These corals secrete a hard substance called calcium carbonate which forms a protective skeleton. Without this hard skeleton they would be destroyed by waves, eaten by a variety of animals and would not survive. This process of producing calcium carbonate is very complex process and cannot be done without the help of microscopic organisms known as zooxanthellae (zo-zan-thel-ee). These tiny little guys are photosynthesizers (taking in CO2 and light and producing O2 and fixed carbon [glycerol]) and live within the tissues of corals. The products of the photosynthesis process are necessary for the survival of the coral.
Here are three ways the zooxanthellae assist the coral in survival:
1) They remove waste and other materials that would inhibit the coral from forming their calcium skeleton
2) They use the UV light from the sun to produce energy rich materials necessary to build the calcium skeleton
3) They remove carbon dioxide and produce oxygen which enhances the production of the calcium skeleton
None of this would be possible if there was not light. That is why corals are found in shallow, tropical waters, where incoming UV light is highest. One study found that in the light, the oxygen content inside the coral tissues was >250% the surrounding environment but in the dark oxygen reduced to <2% the surrounding environment.
Overall, the zooxanthellae need to bring in as much light as possible to help the coral produce a strong protective calcium skeleton and survive!!
Wanna know something cool friends?? Jesus lives inside of us and does the exact same thing for our spiritual survival 🙂
Take a look at this verse:
Ephesians 3:16-17–“According to the riches of his glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
It is God’s glory that strengthens us by providing power from our inner being. In Hebrews 1 Jesus is referred to as “the radiance of the glory of God.’ It is Christ that dwells inside of our hearts, building us strong and protecting us.
The way He does that is represented beautifully in the way the zooxanthellae provide strength for the coral.
In order for us to have a strong foundation and build a strong protection we have to remove the waste and the stuff that disrupts that process. Just as the coral can’t do that without the help of the zoxanthellae, we cannot do that without the help of Christ. Jesus takes away our impurities. He heals those who are “ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed” (Matthew 4:24). As we learned through the shark and the cleaner fish, he brings us to his cleaning station, the cross, to wash away everything keeping us from growing strong in Him. He not only removes those things from us, He actually takes them upon Himself. He bares our burdens so we can grow!
Ezekiel 36:26-“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Also, Jesus reflects the fullness of God’s glory and He is the light of God. When He lives inside of us that light produces an environment in our inner being that brings life. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Exodus 15:2-“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
When we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and He comes into our lives he does the same thing that the zooxanthellae do for the coral. He removes the waste, and provides the necessary components (i.e. grace, love and truth) for us to be built up and live a life full of hope and fulfillment. He helps build a strong protection around us so that we can resist Satan and the temptations of this world. “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure” (2 Samual 22:33) and “gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29).
Friends, if you don’t already have Christ living inside of you I would like to invite you to ask Him. He wants to have a relationship with you and take away your burdens and junk in your life that prevent you from growing strong and having hope in this life. If you do have a relationship with Christ I want to encourage you to use the ‘nutrients’ he provides for you to grow strong in your faith. Rely on His truth, His grace and His love!!
Psalm 68:35-“You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!”
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