with Clarrie Schefe, Calvary Lutheran Church
IN the world of horsemanship, “join up” is well known and accepted. When the ‘alpha’ figure is established, the relationship between horse and person is clearly identified.
As an animal of flight, the horse seeks to escape from any danger. When trust is established, the horse sees its owner as the one to protect and guide it. Fear is removed and learning begins.
By nature, we are estranged from God. Upon realizing their sin, Adam and Eve hid from God. In the ‘flight’ from God, this Garden of Eden which was a place of care and beauty became something to be feared. God continued to care for them. His love never failed. In Genesis 3:15, God promises to send one who would not destroy, but rather would save. The serpent’s power would be crushed forever. But His presence remains today. Like the prey animals who attack the wild horses, and from whom they must escape, so the Christians today need also watch. St Peter gave a firm warning about this Lion: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
To carry on the analogy. God ‘joined up’ with us in Baptism. He established His covenant with us. In God, we have safety and security. Even though we may stay from God, he nevertheless draws us back to Himself. He gave us Jesus, the One to bring us back to God.
Jesus said, “I, when I be lifted up, will draw all people to myself”. There are similar signs of submission within the relationship between horse and owner. Trust in God will also show in the daily lives of believers. When we are safe and secure in God, faith will enable us to face our encounters with confidence and hope.
