Do You Trust in the Horse?

It’s nearly the new year, and the Chinese community will be celebrating the “Year of the Horse.” As Christians, we do not believe in zodiac signs and horoscopes.  However, we may enjoy it in a casual way, and we may even feel a special connection to our “animal sign.” Personally, I might say that it’s a special year for me because I was born in the year of the horse.

In relation to the year of the horse, there’s a famous saying: “马到成功.” Literally, it means “Success arrives as soon as the horse does.” You would probably hear this phrase “马到成功” often this year as people wish one another success for the upcoming year ahead.  Historically, especially in ancient warfare, the calvary (soldiers on horseback) were a crucial component of the army, and the arrival of the calvary usually decided victory. Hence the phrase “马到成功.”

As Christians, do we believe that the horse literally brings victory? Here is a verse for us to consider:

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7)

While many believe the battle is decided by the horse, we understand that it is really God who decides the ultimate victory. Today, in Singapore, few of us own horses. Nevertheless, let us consider some metaphorical horses that we may be tempted to be our trust in.

1. Reflection

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26)

“Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more” (Philippians 3:4)

There are those in this world who walk around with a proud heart, thinking themselves wise and powerful. Can we really trust ourselves all the time? How often have we let ourselves down by our own foolish decisions? (Proverbs 16:25). The apostle Paul, despite having accumulated much worldly achievements, put them all down so that he could put on Christ (Philippians 4:4-7). The sooner we realize how flawed we are, the better. God, on the other hand, possesses wisdom that is unrivalled and perfect (Isaiah 55:8-9). Hence, we should put our trust in God rather than ourselves.

2. Rulers

“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help” (Psalm 146:3)

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:9)

There are people in the world who possess power: kings, rulers, government, CEOs, and others in positions of authority. Such people often attract followers who desire to obtain some form of favour and gain. As Christians, we are called to submit to the government, and to be obedient to our bosses (Romans 13:1; Ephesians 6:5). Nevertheless, we understand that, first and foremost, God deserves our obedience and trust, not men (Acts 5:29). Men are limited and flawed; God is unlimited and perfect (Matthew 19:26).

3.  Riches

“And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24)

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17)

“He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch” (Proverbs 11:28)

In the world, wealth is power. Those with money can often get whatever they want in life. As Christians, we understand the necessity to earn money for a living (1 Timothy 5:8). However, we also understand the vanity of earthly riches (Ecclesiastes 5:10-16). We are reminded from the parable of the rich fool that, when it is time to meet the Lord, our earthly wealth will be utterly useless (Luke 12:16-21). Hence, we ought to put our trust in God rather than wealth.

4. Righteousness (of self)

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Luke 18:9)

Some take pride in how “holy” and “righteous” they are. Just like the Pharisee in the parable, they exalt themselves above others in their self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14). As Christians, we understand the importance of righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 5:9). However, we also realize that none of us can boast in our self-righteousness, because none of us really deserve salvation; rather, salvation is gifted to us by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Hence, we ought to put our trust in God’s righteousness rather than in our own.

5.  Religion (falsely so called)

“They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods” (Isaiah 42:17)

Many today put their trust in diverse kinds of gods. Many may claim that their god has the power to save them. Time and again, the Lord God has shown Himself to be the only true God and deserving of our obedience and worship (Jeremiah 10:10-11). In contrast, the gods of this world have no power (Psalm 115:4-8). Hence, let us not turn aside to any other god, but let us put our trust in the Lord God.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7)