John Clay’s article, "Eight Belles Connections Trying to Move Past Tragedy," is an especially sad reminder of how fragile life is, even among such powerful and majestic creatures as horses. While the average fan may not remember who won Derby 134 (Big Brown, by the way), everyone remembers the tragedy during turn 1 of the Kentucky Derby one year ago today.
I moved to Kentucky in 1995 and soon began to appreciate the greatness of God’s equine creations. While I do not gamble on the sport, I do enjoy the strength they put on display.
I’m reminded of a verse in Scripture:
"Some trust in horses, others in chariots;
but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7, ESV).
While the original context is a warning against trusting in military might for your security, it also is very apropos here as well. Larry Jones mentioned how he is moving on–even with the great pain he is experiencing. He is being reminded daily of this tragedy.
Yet, even he was beyond surprised when this glorious creature had to be euthanized right there on the track–showing that no matter the strength, there is a limit. There is no way to prepare for it, no way to lessen the pain, no way to reverse the tragedy.
My prayer is that Larry Jones (and all others) will trust in the one who remains. Even though God made every one of us, our desire to stray from His will and way brought the curse of sin and death into this world. Yet God loved us enough not to leave us that way, but sent His perfect Son into the world to live perfectly before God (2 Cor. 5:21) so that He may atone for our sins by standing in our place before God, taking our sin and its penalty so that we may be made righteous before him (Romans 3:21-26).
While horses are majestic, there is One who is far more majestic and who accomplished more than our feeble minds could imagine. In the midst of a world filled with death and tragedy, there is hope. May it be in the name of the Lord our God through Jesus Christ!
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We hope you’ll come by Boone’s Creek Baptist Church here in Lexington and join us for one of our worship services. We are located just off Exit 104 on I-75. If you’re in Lexington, get on Richmond Road and drive toward the Interstate. Cross over the Interstate and go 1.5 miles into the Village of Athens. Turn left on N. Cleveland Road, and we are on the left. For more information, go to http://www.boonescreekchurch.com . To read Pastor Matt’s blog, click here.
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