This morning's message was from Acts 4-5. You know me. I always listen to a sermon like a sleuth. I assume the role of a biblical detective. Just as Sherlock Holmes could sometimes be found on his hands and knees inspecting the floor for footprints, a biblical exegete will often be found searching for clues as to the meaning of the text.
I didn't have to search very far this morning before I found a real gem. In Acts 4:25, we read "Why do the nations rage?" The Greek term for "rage" struck me as highly unusual. It's found only here in the entire New Testament. The verb is phruassÅ.
This term was originally applied to the ferocity or excitement of an untamed or high-spirited horse. We might render Luke's words, "Why do the nations snort and stomp?"
This got me thinking about my own horses. I happened to prefer what are known as hot-blooded breeds, namely Arabians and Thoroughbreds. On more occasions than not, before riding my horses I would have to settle them down by lunging them. Here's someone lunging their Arabian.
Both Cody and Traveler were highly excitable animals. You couldn't ride them unless they were able to burn off some energy before being mounted. I suppose some people thought they were being insolent and unruly. But it's too easy to personify horses and hold them to our human standards. They can be great partners when they feel respected and cared for.
I was really lucky with my horses. I was blessed to have such amazing friends.
A lot of what is labeled as disrespect or insolence can just as well be miscommunication. All horses really want from us is kindness, understanding, and patience. Wrong behaviors in horses are easy to correct with patience, consistency, and persistence. I always talked lovingly to my horses. Occasionally they would flick their tail at me, which I assumed to be slightly aggressive. Sometimes they would nudge me with their bodies to try and make me back up. When that happened I simply put my hand up and said "Stop" or "Back up." I always tried to be cautious yet firm to get their cooperation and assert that I am in charge. My Arabian would put his head up when I went to bridle him but he wasn't being disrespectful. He probably learned that behavior from his previous owner.
Like people, horses communicate very subtly with body language and many times we don't notice until they're almost shouting at us. It's important to remember that the horse is probably not being naughty but just having trouble doing what you're asking. With time and patience you are able to show more domination, in a respectful way, so that they understand that you aren't a bug to be scraped off their back but a friend and in charge of the situation. Many people punish a horse when they should watch the horse and figure out what they're trying to communicate to them. Many of their behaviors are caused by human handlers. We are the ones who are often the issue. Watch and listen to your horse. Don't just react and retaliate like so many handlers do. A horse not trusting paints a far different picture than a horse not respecting. The goal is to find ways to allow individual behavior where both you and your horse are comfortable, safe, and happy.
I guess if you're not a horse person you're not all that interested in what I just said. That's okay!
Have a wonderful week!