God made both horses and humans. In fact, after creating this celestial orb and its creatures, God commanded humans to “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28, NASB). Our Lord delights in His own creativity, and He is watching the crown of His creation – people – employ their intelligence and strength in harnessing the creation for God’s purposes and enjoying it to His glory, just as He dictated.
I take pleasure in watching colorful birds fly through my yard, and I know many people who marvel at the beauty of horses. Once I was captivated by the vibrant patterns of a simple caterpillar. No doubt, God is pleased with His myriad, marvelous works. After all, He boldly declared, “It is good” after each step of His creation act.
So what does the Psalmist mean when He informs us that “[God] does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man”? (Psalm 147:10, NASB) The context makes clear that our Lord finds no joy in any part of His creation that is not properly yielded to Him; for as His creatures align rightfully under His sovereignty, then do they find favor with their Maker. In other words, though God made both the horse and the man, neither can delight God while opposed to God’s will. Man was made to obey God, and horses (for example) were made for man’s enjoyment and use, in alignment with righteousness. When a man or woman depends on the strength of a horse, or the size of a 401(k), or the results of blood work, or the influence of a career promotion, or the measure of an IQ, or the strength of his or her own body/will; that man or woman is out of line with God’s heart. God Himself takes no pleasure in the strength of the horse or the legs of a man.
Rather, the Psalmist goes on to say, “The LORD favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness” (Psalm 147:11, NASB). Although I exercise quite regularly, I cannot give in to the cultural tide. A fit body does not the woman of God make. Although a man may climb far up the career ladder, a powerful position does not the man of God make. A human being is favored by the Mover and Shaker of the universe when he fears the Lord and patiently places all his hope on the mercy of God. No matter how strong the horse we ride or the legs that carry us, our only hope is that God has everlasting pity on us when we honestly recognize Him for who He is. When we reverence God, He will show us His kindness – first in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin, and second in the expectation of all good things according to His grace. (Romans 8:31-32)
It is certainly wise, as long as we are able, to treat rightly the body God has given us; for it is His temple (I Corinthians 3:16). However, the temple is made for worship! The heart inside the temple needs to be in proper posture, one of reverence and hope in God’s kindness. Our feeble attempts to outrun tragedy or speed ahead of troubles are most certainly in vain. It is God alone whose favor compels the world and all its powers to work on our behalf as He sees fit. If my Lord wants me out of the pit, it is His power that shall lift me! My contribution is my genuine gaze into His eyes as my heart cries out, “I am waiting for your kindness, God!”
We know that God can delight in not only the legs of man, but the very feet of him. The prophet Isaiah declared, “How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” (Isaiah 52:7, NASB) Though our feet may be tired, dirty, and lowly depending on where we are in the journey, our feet are beautiful in the sight of God when we bring the good news of salvation to a dark and dying world.
What about your legs? And your “horse”? Is God delighted or disappointed? Are we depending on our strength or God’s kindness? Are we running to win for the sake of pride, or are we standing on the mountain of life proclaiming God’s plan for the sake of His glory?
As I write, I am now thinking of those among us who may have diseased feet, weakened legs, or no limbs at all. Remember that God favors the heart’s position, not physical or intellectual drive. Even if you have no legs, God pours His kindness on you as you look to Him. One day, you will have a right body because of His mercy! Amen!