The Harness of the LORD (Conclusion)

The Harness of the LORD by Bill Britton

The scene changed, and I saw the other colt standing on the side of a hill, nibbling at some grass. Then, across the fields, down the road came the King’s carriage, drawn by six horses. With amazement, he saw that in the lead, on the right side, was his brother colt, now made strong and mature on the good grain in the King’s stable. He saw the lovely pom-poms shaking in the wind, noticed the glittering gold bordered harness about his brother, heard the beautiful tinkling of the bells on his feet… and envy came into his heart. Thus, he complained to himself: “Why has my brother been so honoured, and I am neglected? They have not put bells on my feet, nor pom-poms on my head. The King has not given me the wonderful responsibility of pulling his carriage, nor put about me the golden harness. Why have they chosen my brother instead of me?”

And by the Spirit, the answer came back to me as I watched. Because one submitted to the will and discipline of the King, and one rebelled, thus has one been chosen and the other set aside.”

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Then I saw a great drought sweep across the land, and the green grass became dead, dry, brown and brittle. The little streams of water dried up, stopped flowing, and there was only a small muddy puddle here and there. I saw the little colt (I was amazed that it never seemed to grow or mature) as he ran here and there, across the fields looking for fresh streams and green pastures, finding none. Still, he ran, seemingly in circles, always looking for something to feed his hunger and quench his thirst. But there was drought and famine in the land, and the rich green pastures and flowing streams of yesterday were not to be had. And one day the colt stood on the hillside on weak and wobbly legs, wondering where to go next to find food, and how to get strength to go on. Seemed like there was no use, for good food and flowing streams were a thing of the past, and all the efforts to find more only taxed his waning strength.

Suddenly, he saw the King’s carriage coming down the road, pulled by six great horses. And he saw his brother, strong, with muscles rippling, sleek and beautiful from much grooming. His heart was amazed and perplexed, and he cried out: “My brother, where do you find the food to keep you strong in these days of famine and drought? I have run everywhere in my freedom, searching for food, and I find none. Where do you, in your awful confinement, find food in this time of drought and famine? Tell me, please, for I must know!” And then came the answer in a voice filled with victory and praise: “In my King’s house, there is a secret place in the confines of His stables where He feeds me by His own hand, and His granaries are never empty, and His well is never dry!”