How Can We Compete With Horses?
Good Morning Friends,
There is a certain beauty in the movement of racers in the heat of the sport. We honor it at events like the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. People spend their lives engaged in its drama of life condensed into a couple of minutes’ movement. The history of it though, I imagine, tracks back to the use of horses in battles and the serious reality of conquest, war, famine and death. How Can We Compete With Horses?
Scripture: If you have raced with foot-runners and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? And if in a safe land you fall down, how will you fare in the thickets of the Jordan?
Jeremiah 12:5 (NRSV)
Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures call out, as with a voice of thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there was a white horse! Its rider had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering and to conquer. When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature call out, “Come!” And out came another horse, bright red; its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people would slaughter one another; and he was given a great sword. When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature call out, “Come!” I looked, and there was a black horse! Its rider held a pair of scales in his hand, and I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a day’s pay, and three quarts of barley for a day’s pay, but do not damage the olive oil and the wine!” When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature call out, “Come!” I looked and there was a pale green horse! Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed with him; they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, famine, and pestilence, and by the wild animals of the earth.
Revelation 6:1-8 (NRSV)
Message: Growing up in Illinois I learned about a man who failed in business at age 22 and ran and lost in a bid for the legislature at 23 and again failed in business at 24 and the finally was elected to the legislature at 25, only to have his sweetheart die the next year. His response was a nervous breakdown at 27 and more political defeats at 29 and 31 and 34 only to be elected to Congress at 37 and then lose other political races at 39 and at age 46 and age 47 and 49. Then Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States at age 51. Not only did this man look like a horse he ran like one too. A picture of resilience. He undoubtedly knew today’s passage from Jeremiah and its meaning related to his time.
I wonder how this nation of ours, the people, would fair, if faced with similar times of misfortune today, for it would seem for many that we get exhausted during times of prosperity. Jeremiah’s point is that people cannot hope to survive a war or time of trouble when they get weak and weary during a time of peace. What if another Great Depression or World War broke out? How would the nation, individuals, churches, and families respond? If in time of peace we have been wearied, how can we hope that we would not just falter and fail completely during a time of trouble? The principle that Jeremiah espouses here was meant for Israel but it is universal and timeless as well. It prods us to ask ourselves if we are going to live cautiously or courageously. God knows it is easier to sit in the stands. It is easier, I know, to be fearful. It is easier to be dependent and opportunistic. It is easier to relax in the embracing arms of the mediocre. It is easier, but not better, more significant, nor more fulfilling. Friends, we were created to run with horses. God expects it. Horses are strong, fast and have endurance and stamina. They even rest standing up. God awaits our response, so I am going to believe we would fair extraordinarily well.
Pray we gird up our loins. Pray we synch up the saddle. Pray we are spiritually prepared to stay in the race. Pray we never get weary. Pray we live at our best, pursuing righteousness with a sustained drive toward excellence. Pray we live a life of purpose far beyond what we think ourselves capable of living. Pray we realize the connection between revival and prosperity. Pray we believe that God has promised us adequate strength to fulfill our destinies. Pray that at the first sign of difficulty we are not ready to quit. Pray we run with the horses. Pray we live adventurously and spontaneously. Pray we weigh the options. Pray we count the cost and let our life become the answer. Pray we get up and get going. Pray we realize that we can do all things in the strength of Christ. Pray we realize that God is in charge.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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