BE YE NOT AS THE HORSE, OR AS THE MULE

This psalm highlights the problem of hiding sin, for that silence may affect us physically and psychologically, vv. 3, 4. The poet recognized that nothing good comes from silence. Instead, he lays his sin before the Lord: no delay, no hiding and no excuses. In such moments, God is present, the darkness disappears and the light of God’s forgiveness floods the soul, vv. 5-7.

Verses 8 and 9 may be an extract from the message the poet received from the Lord when he confessed his sin. Like a father speaking to a wayward, but now repentant, son or like a teacher leading the pupil in the right direction, the emphasis falls on the future, not on the past. It is here that the warning is given to move forward with the Lord in a joyful, spontaneous walk of obedience, not like untrained horses or mules that lack under­standing. Only with the bit and bridle could they be taught to do things spontaneously, that did not come to them naturally.

The horses we have seen on television are obedient to the directions of their masters. They prance along beautifully and jump over hurdles effortlessly. What we have not witnessed is the period of intensive training they underwent to achieve this.

There is, at least, a similarity between the ‘bit and bridle’ idea and ‘the yoke of bondage’ mentioned by Paul. There was a major effort in early Christianity to impose sameness on all. Some insisted on a need for circumcision and the keeping of the law. Paul stands out as the great champion of spiritual liberty for all, Gal. 5. 1. Spiritual life is not imposed on us by ‘bit and bridle’. Rather, it is the new life in Christ that expresses itself in obedi­ence, diversity, love - all consistent with God’s good, acceptable and perfect will. It is a diversity of beauty reflected in these exhortations by Paul: be kind to one another; walk in love; rejoice in the Lord; forbearing one another; the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God. This does not sound like the ‘bit and bridle’ of forced conformity.

A young man worked on a farm. At the noon meal all started eating - without giving thanks! Finishing the meal, not a person moved from the table until the farmer gave thanks to God for a good meal. The youth saw that day the beauty of diversity.