“Though man be born like a wild ass’s colt” (Job 11:12). “Every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem” (Ex. 13:13).
Were you contemplating two ways when the Lord needed you?
How meekly you turned and obeyed His calling;
When they loosed you from the ties of self,
How humbly you bore the Lord on your back.
But did those shouts scare you?
Did the din cause doubts in your heart?
Did you think about turning back?
Did memories of that other way seem pleasant?
But didn’t you hear the Lord’s quiet reassurance,
His whispers of love?
Weren’t your doubts stilled,
Your fears subdued as you listened?
As you trod on those garments of old habits,
Laid down before the Lord,
Did they seem to rise up and trip you?
What about those branches of distraction, hindering your way,
Did you stumble and want to balk,
Plant your feet in the ground and say, “No more”?
But didn’t the Lord gently guide you,
And, with His hand upon you, steer you safely through?
You appeared so calm and serene in spite of the tumult:
Did you know of the homage paid
To the Lord as you obeyed Him?
Did you only think of Jesus as you finished going His way?
E. L. Roach (February 2003)