Perverse and Foolish

Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?
JOB 39:5

All creation, with a proper, Biblical interpretation, is a spiritual textbook. In every realm of nature there is a message for our souls. The Lord directs Job to consider the characteristics and abode of the wild ass.

The wild ass is a powerful example of a nature that cannot be tamed or governed. The whole tenor of Gods description of this beast shows its nature to be one of unrestrained lawlessness and unbridled licence. It will not be subject to rules and regulations. Even when captured, it cannot be entirely domesticated. It is noted for its stubbornness, obstinacy, and perverse determination. To the surprise of many, the Bible uses this animal to picture the state of man before God (Exod. 34:20). Under the law of the firstborn, some kinds of animals were declared unclean and could be delivered from death only by being redeemed by the sacrifice of a lamb. One of these animals was the ass.

It is with good reason that we see in the ass a picture of the perverseness of man. The carnal mind [that is, the natural mind of man] is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be (Rom. 8:7). When faced with the commandments of God, man behaves like the wild ass. He rebels against divine authority and, with dogged perseverance, pursues his own way. Moreover, if left to his own devices, he will always remain in a state of enmity against God. Like the ass, he is doomed to die unless he is redeemed by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. It is only when the precious blood of Christ has been applied and the Lord Himself has entered into the human heart that it can be conquered, its perverseness rendered powerless, and its service freely given to God.

(Eagles Wings)

Getting light on the path of duty

"My own experience is, that if I believe a certain course to be warranted by the Word of God, I must go forward, although I have not light given me on probable issues and consequences. If, under a sense of my weakness, I stipulate for light and liberty before I go forward, the Lord may withold it, because I am not yet in the actual need of it, and would most likely abuse it if I got it. It is usually in the peformance of duty, and not before it, that the Lord vouchsafes that light and strength which supports the poor weakling, and confirms him in the all-graciousness of Him "under whose wings he hath come to trust."

(Hugh Martin)