February 28, 2020
Psalm 32: “Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.” vs. 9
Humans, horses, and mules all reflect the goodness and presence of the Divine Creator, but according to our Scriptures, only humans have been created in the image of God. We bear the stamp of the Divine DNA in our genes and act in this world as the hands and the feet of God. It is our call and our mission to infiltrate the world with goodness, and reflect the mercy and love of God to all who are broken and needy. Horses and mules don’t have that call. All that they are required to do is to act in accordance with their being. They’re supposed to behave like horses and mules, and that’s about it. They have no understanding about any larger purpose–it’s doubtful that they have any concept of God–they certainly don’t worship. In like manner, humans are supposed to act like humans and reflect their special relationship to God in their stewardship of creation, but often we don’t do that. Instead we act like horses or mules, and think only about living out our base desires. We like to eat and drink and will behave only when our actions are curbed or limited. Without rules to govern behavior, some would just run wild. The Psalmist believed that humans have a higher calling and are expected to lead principled lives, motivated totally by kindness and love.
Thought for the Day: What keeps me from “running wild”?
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