Kicking against the traces
by Milton Eckermann
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See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6b).
Several decades ago, when horses and bullocks were the means of transportation and toil, harness straps, hobbles and traces were used to assist the animals in providing the best efforts for the task at hand. Of course, some people misused this equipment, which caused discomfort and prevented good results.
Another example of this is how good building construction requires solid foundations, and before concrete, strong cornerstones provided the basis for solid footings. If this did not occur, then over time, the structure would lean and eventually topple over.
Today, this basic advice – if not practised – causes embarrassment to the provider and is a stress and burden to the user. If we fail to operate equipment without proper precautions or construct without the correct foundations, we and others are often deeply affected, even to significant physical and judicial hurt.
God has richly blessed us through Christ to be living stones, privileged to be used in building his kingdom. This is his promise! What’s the alternative? We become a hindrance for other people.
But God chooses us. He gives us mercy, and who are we to deny that to others? What a right we have! And, of course, with every right, there is also responsibility. But we don’t do it alone; God is always here.
Here I am, God. Use me as you will, not how I want. Amen.
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