MULE HEADS

Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle.

Psalm 32:9 (read 32.1-11) – NIV

Those poor mules! They are placed among people who consider themselves to be superior to mules and who assume the right to exploit them. Even after doing all that is required, mules are looked upon as dumb animals. They spend their lives being guided by bits and bridles. They cannot be their own boss and have to do what others command them to do. They are very useful but are under the command of others. They are condemned to live according to the demands of others and to be looked down upon. Poor things!

To what extent are we equal to mules? Do we live according to the expectations of the majority? Do we accept the bridle of popular materialistic values, and are we guided by the bits and bridles of social expectations?

We are surrounded by instruments of social manipulation - all in the name of happiness, popularity and well-being. But in reality, these pressures have a single purpose - economic and political profit to those who are already privileged.

There are a variety of forces in our society that strive to place bridles and bits on the population. They are in the realm of politics, economics and religion. Politicians use the discourse of justice, freedom, security and equality, but in practice they often are really representing special interests and looking out for themselves at the expense of the general population. Economic interests promote consumerism by creating new "needs" and project the image that these new products and fashions bring happiness. Many religions promise the salvation of the soul, prosperity and deliverance from evil. They may attract many followers, but collect offerings from the faithful in order to build sumptuous temples and create economic and political empires. Ironically they make little impact on society. Wars, economic exploitation, social violence and corruption continue as usual. While the temples are being filled to overflowing by faithful seekers, the real demons are loose in society and free to take the general population to self-destruction and doom.

All these forces want the people to have the head of mules and accept bits and bridles. They use people to achieve their own goals and for their own profit in both religious and secular circles.

The great sin of our society is to have unthinking and uncritical heads that accept bits and bridles and do not dare to be different from the majority. The way out is for us to wake up and see where we are being conducted and then change our way of thinking and acting. We need to take the bit between our teeth and go our own way toward a world with peace and justice for all.

Jesus did not accept bits and bridles, nor did he place them on others. He gave to Caesar what which belonged to Caesar but did not submit to Caesar. His commitment was to his heavenly "Daddy" and to all of His creatures in the world. He voluntarily took upon himself the yoke of humanity, but was always his own person. He took the place of a servant without being servile. He gave an example of how to serve without having the head of a mule.

PSALM 32 – NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)

Blessed is the one

    whose transgressions are forgiven,

    whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the one

    whose sin the Lord does not count against them

    and in whose spirit is no deceit.

When I kept silent,

    my bones wasted away

    through my groaning all day long.

For day and night

    your hand was heavy on me;

my strength was sapped

    as in the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you

    and did not cover up my iniquity.

I said, “I will confess

    my transgressions to the Lord.”

And you forgave

    the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you

    while you may be found;

surely the rising of the mighty waters

    will not reach them.

You are my hiding place;

    you will protect me from trouble

    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Do not be like the horse or the mule,

    which have no understanding

but must be controlled by bit and bridle

    or they will not come to you.

Many are the woes of the wicked,

    but the Lord’s unfailing love

    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;

    sing, all you who are upright in heart!