Running With Horses
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles, uncategorized
In the Olympic Games, the greatest runners in the world compete for gold medals. Long before the Games begin, competitions are held in countries throughout the world to weed out those who are not fast enough to compete. At the Games, only the fastest of the fast qualify for the final competition.
The prophet Jeremiah was also involved in a fierce competition, but one of a different nature. His was with idolaters and wicked priests (Jeremiah 10:1-25; Jeremiah 11:1-23). He was responding to the Lord’s call to condemn Judah and predict her downfall, when he became so discouraged that he asked the Lord, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?” (Jeremiah 12:1).
In His reply (Jeremiah 12:5), God tells Jeremiah in essence, “Son, the competition has just begun. So far you’ve been dealing with minor issues (running with footmen). How will you handle it when the really tough issues come (running and contending with horses)?”
As Christians, maybe we’ve recently run into some difficulties, such as dealing with a cranky boss, an ongoing illness, or personality conflicts within the body of Christ. We’ve pleaded with the Lord for relief. But He may have said in response, “Son, grit your teeth, toughen up, and dig in. The situation may get worse.”
When He asks us to “run with horses,” let’s remember that He will always be with us, strengthening and sustaining us (cf. Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5).