The Parable of The Faithful Servants

UPS delivery on Mackinac Island

As my wife and I sat eating our dinner in one of the many downtown restaurants on Mackinac Island I was impressed be the faithful behavior of two of the animals we saw.

One was an old, grey-muzzeled black lab who was walking along the sidewalk with his master. The leash was limp. There was no need for it really. Wherever his master went, he went. Whenever his master stopped, so did he. The dog was an amazing example of obedience.

The second example was a pair of horses hooked up to a freight wagon in front of our restaurant. Their driver was loading up empty LP tanks which the horses would then be hauling somewhere to be filled.

The horses just stood there, patiently. There were hundreds of people and bicycles flying around them in every direction, yet they stood still. Just their tails and heads moved to swat away the occasional fly.

When the load was ready the driver climbed aboard and with a quick click of the tongue and a tap with the reins, the horses were plodded off, pulling the wagon down the street. They had clearly done this before. They new the drivers commands and the obeyed.

Can we say the same in our obedience to God's commands? Are we always that obedient as we wait for God to answer our prayers or to tell us what He'd like us to do in a certain situation? Yeah, probably not.

I think we have a lot to learn from the example of obedient animals.

When the dog lies down at night he is fed and petted on the head. The horse is fed his oats and watered. They are both excellent examples of obedience. Their masters are also excellent examples of our Father in heaven - caring, loving and appreciative as they guide and train. So God is with us.

There are all kinds relationships. Husband and wife, the relationship between two best friends, the relationship between a servant and his master. Our relationship with God is ALL those things. May our relationships with Him be one of love, respect, obedience and faithfulness. If it is, our relationships, ALL relationships, will flourish.

"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.' - Jeremiah 7:23

Obedience - An Essential Part of The Christian Life - Sade Burrell