Chariots and Horses

The chariot in the ancient times was a light vehicle usually of two wheels, drawn by one or more horses often carrying two standing persons, a fighter usually with his bow and arrow or javellins, and then his driver or charioteer.
 From ancient history, the chariot was the supreme or ultimate millitary weapon in the great empires of the past like ancient Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. it was used majorly in warefare, racing, processions, hunting and in sporting contests like the olympic games in Rome and also in circuses.

Chariots and Horses were also a symbol of authority and power and were quite expensive. Julius ceasar is often depicted as riding in one.
In warefare, the chariot was of inestimable importance because of the speed with which it could be driven against the enemy
According to Gills exposition of the bible, chariots and horses in battles terrified the enemies and were greatly trusted  in by those who owned them. In fact, they constituted a major reliance in determining the outcome of a battle.

Do you remember the biblical narrative of the crossing of the Red sea? (Exodus 14:22-26)
When the Israelites were crossing the red sea, escaping from the egyptians, bible records that the egyptians; pharoah's horsemen,  chariots and horses pursued  them, following them into the sea. But God looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud and threw the egyptian army into confusion. He made the wheels of their chariots come off so that they had difficulty driving.
Then the egyptians said ''Let's get away from the israelites, their Lord is fighting for them against us''. But it was too late, for God made Moses stretch out his hands over the sea so that the devided waters flowed back and swallowed the chariots, horsemen and the entire army of pharoah, none survived. OMG! I so love this story!
No wonder the psalmist said  ''some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright''  (ps 20:7-8).

I learnt alot from this story. Even Jesus said that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him (mathew 28:18). Thus, if God is for a people, no man or power can stand against them. Why then should one rely on the arms of the flesh? Here, I chose to call all our human arms, resources and instruments 'chariots and horses' because they would fail us.

These chariots and horses are always available to us, they are those things or people we put our trust in, to take us where we want to be. These could be your leaders, influential parents or relatives, god fathers, some political connection you have somewhere, your official position, wealth, bank accounts and chain of bussinesses.
If God blesses you with somethings, it is so that you can rejoice in him and use them to serve him, fellow men, and to help the needy. some will prefer to use these privilledges to pursue their selfish interest, commit atrocities and oppress the poor.These things will fail you some day, if not now, may be someday when you'll be standing before the judgement throne.
Man can fail you anytime, your most loyal friends, your parents, even that person that once promised you heaven and earth. Everything on earth is temporary.
whenever you are helpless or in need, remember the past instances of God's goodness and power. It may seem like God is silent concerning your situation but he's working it out for you. Do not listen to the lies of the devil, he has NOTHING to offer you. Blessed are those that put their trust in the Lord, for they will NEVER be put to shame.
by Chioma