November 27, 2002
Reading: Proverbs 21:21-31

 

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD” (31)

 

When horses were used in battle, they were treated like gold. In fact, they were more valuable than gold, silver or precious stones. An army without horses stood little chance of winning. When William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 A.D., he transported 3,000 war horses across the English Channel. At the Battle of Hastings, where he fought Harold, the king of England, the horses made all the difference. Harold’s army had very few horses, none of which were trained for battle. William did not use farm animals, but special horses trained for the rigors of warfare. Each soldier was responsible for his own horse and they were trained in three areas – identification, strength and obedience. The rapport the rider had with his horse was of the utmost importance. A good warhorse new the mind of its rider and vice versa. They identified with each other. With a different rider the skill of the unit was destroyed. These animals were bred and trained for strength. Speed was not an issue – endurance was. It was also very important that the horse obeyed the commands of the rider without hesitation – it was a matter of life and death. Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots (1 Kings 4:26), and 12,000 riders. Easy math tells us that each rider was responsible for at least three horses, for each “brought barley and straw to the proper place, for the horses and steeds, each man according to his charge” (28).

When the Israelites went to war, they were reminded that all the preparation in the world would not bring about deliverance from the enemy. “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD.” Christians are no different. So many Christians live defeated lives. Instead of enjoying the joy of the Lord, they spend every day discouraged and despondent, losing battle after battle The reason is they have not learned how to deliver themselves from the tyranny of the enemy. The lack of preparation is the cause for defeat. It is not that God is unable to deliver us from the wiles of Satan, but that we fail in our preparation.

When Joshua was about to lead the Children of Israel into battle against Jericho, he made sure they were prepared. He made sure they were all circumcised – the means by which they were identified as God’s people (Joshua 5:7). They then “ate of the produce of the land” (11), by which they were strengthened for the battle. Victory was secured because they obeyed the Lord to the letter. He told them to march around the city seven times – they obeyed. This was all a part of their preparation. Did this gain the victory? No! “And the LORD said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor” Josh 6:2. The people were prepared, but it was the Lord who brought deliverance and victory!

Defeat, discouragement and depression will always be our experience if we try to deliver ourselves from the power and subtleties of temptation. We must take the words of Jesus literally when He said, “Without Me you can do nothing” John 15:6. We are responsible for our preparation, and even then, we need His help. Prayer, Bible study, Christian fellowship are all means of Preparation. David, as mighty a king as he was, constantly prayed for the Lord to be his Deliverer. The only way to know victory and deliverance in our Christian walk is to be serious about our preparation. Neglect it and deliverance will be a dream. Take it seriously and we will say with all confidence, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” 2 Tim 4:18.