Horses are a wonderful breed of animal—sleek, sure-footed, tireless, gentle, majestic, and patient. The horse is often the illustration of humility or meekness, which is “power under control.” We are called to be like them in the sense of being humble and allowing God to direct our lives. He said, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” (Psalm 32:8–9)
You can surprise or frustrate a horse and learn the hard way just how strong they are. (I was kicked once by my sister’s horse. I learned my lesson after that. You shouldn’t try sneaking up on one from the back.) Usually, though, they are very docile and make lovely animals for the mentally challenged to ride. Horses seem to have a sixth sense as to who is riding them.
But we aren’t to take their gentleness with those riders as a sign of weakness. When God was questioning Job’s knowledge of creation, He asked about the fearless qualities He put within horses. “Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword.” (Job 39:19–22)
The horse is a remarkable creature, but for all its strength and fearlessness, it is not worthy to be an object of your confidence in battle. Just as we expect our first responders and military to be trained for any situation, they are not to be our source of confidence. We have doctors and hospitals that we expect can fix almost anything, but neither are they worthy of our ultimate confidence. We may call on those people and their equipment, but our real confidence is the Lord. A friend of mine would often quote the proverb, “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31)
What he meant was that we can prepare for every scenario we can think of, but even our best planning is no guarantee that things will go as we hope. Victory depends on God’s decision. “Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.” (Psalm 20:7–8)
Horses and chariots were military advantages at one time. However, these verses apply to people of every age. When we are delivered out of a tight spot, the tendency is to take the credit, thank our lucky stars (whatever that means), or look for some other person or invention to praise rather than thank God. Because He works behind the scenes, remaining invisible, He often doesn’t receive the credit due Him.
What or who are you trusting in? To what or whom do you show appreciation? What is the foundation of your life? The psalmist wrote, “Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory— for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.” (Psalm 33:17–19) God gets a lot of blame for the sins that man is responsible for committing, but He doesn’t get much praise when things turn out favorably.
The last verses of Jesus’ sermon indicate that only those who trust in Him will stand on firm ground. Jesus said, “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24–27)
When Jesus returns, He will be riding a white steed, as will His armies. My opinion is there will be a far greater variety of animals in Heaven than here on earth. (Hopefully, no mosquitos, wasps, or snakes, though.) “I saw Heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. The armies of Heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Revelation 19:11,14)
The main point of this blog is to be humble before God. Give Him credit for your victories and don’t blame Him for your failings. His mercy and patience are great, but not an indication of weakness or unconcern. Acknowledge that Jesus paid for your sin when He died on the cross. Let the resurrected Lord Jesus lead your life. Become one of His followers.
No Comments
Leave a comment Cancel