“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.” (Psalms 32:9).

Sophocles who was born in 490 BC said this, “Stubbornness and stupidity are twins.” We do not know which comes first and which precedes which. It is true both look like twins.

A farm owner has different types of animals on his farm. Sure mules and horse that has no understanding would not respond to the loving call of the owner to come home in the evening. In those times, the owner goes after the mule and place bit and bridle over it and force it to come to his barns. Bible says do not be like a mule and horse that has no understanding. In other words, do not be stubborn and foolish. God says this in Isaiah 1:2-3, “I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” In contrast to mules and horses that has no understandings, the understanding ox knows it’s master and understanding donkey it’s owner’s manger. However, God says people who are stubborn and stupid would not even have the understanding of an animal, regarding the one who truly feeds and provides them every day.

Beloved, it is the loving God who gives health and strength to earn your living. Don’t say you are a self-made man and all you have is made by your smartness and ability. It is the God who gave you life- who knit you together in your mother’s womb. It is God helped you to grow. How many children died and become unhealthy? It is the Lord who gave you the strength and wisdom to achieve what you have today. Think about the people who did not have the strength and health to get what you have today.

You came to this world empty-handed and you will leave from this world empty-handed with nothing in your hand. God is the one who gives you all in between these two empty hand experiences-from cradle to grave. Be thankful to Him and listen to what He asks you to do.

It is the God who makes the sunrise every day. It is because of the sun coming up every day, you have food and nutrients available for your body. Your breath comes from God. He can stop your breathing; however, he did not do it as of yet. You are still living just because of the mercy and love of God. James 1:17 says this about God, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

The normal wisdom would say only a foolish child would not honor and listen to the loving instructions of his or her parents. How much more the stupidity and stubbornness of the one who does not obey the Father of all- the God in heaven who created all that you see, experience and enjoy?

The context of today’s insight is the blessedness of forgiveness by God. It says “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them.” Asking forgiveness from God opens the door for true blessings in your life. When you come to God and admit your sins and shortcomings, God covers your sins. He does not count it against you anymore.

Do you know how God does it? Because He already did it all for you in love and justice. He placed all your sins on the body of Jesus Christ, His Son. Jesus carried it to the cross and died in your place for all your sins. He was buried and rose again from the dead. He paid in full all the debts of your sins. The only tomb that is not closed but yet open in the whole wide world is the tomb of Jesus Christ. It is still a silent witness for you to verify and believe. This is how God paid in full all your sins. Now when you come to God in the name of Jesus Christ by believing Jesus as your savior and Lord, God covers your sins and does not count it against you anymore. You are ready to live in heaven with God and Jesus all throughout eternity. An old hymn sings like this, “what can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus?

You see, you can be a horse or mule and remain stupid and stubborn. Alternatively, you can respond to the loving invitation of God and come to Him in the person of Christ Jesus. God loves you and calls you to come to Him. He has a beautiful plan and purpose for your life.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I know I came into this world with nothing in my hand. One day I will leave this earth with nothing in my hand. In between, all I have is provided by your loving hand. I am thankful to you for all the blessings you gave to me. Lord I do not want to be stubborn and foolish like a horse or mule that lacks understanding. I want to obey and honor you. I heard you sent your Son, Jesus Christ so that I can come to you and become whole again. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. I invite him to come to my life. Please forgive and save me today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”