The title of this story is part of a verse from the Bible which compares us to a mule. When we think of a mule, we usually think of something being stubborn. Mules and stubbornness seem to go together. But boys and girls and men and women can be stubborn, too. Nobody likes to be called stubborn. The Bible says that “stubbornness is as iniquity (sin)" in 1 Samuel 15:2323For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1 Samuel 15:23). But what is stubbornness? It is being unreasonable and not willing to submit. It is the same as not being willing to change your mind or what you are doing, even when everyone says you should change. God says you are a sinner, and if you don’t believe Him, you are being stubborn. Won’t you listen to what God says and believe it? If you don’t, your stubbornness will lead you all the way to hell, where there will never be an escape. Perhaps a story about Donny and his two mules will help explain about listening and being stubborn.
Donny lived on a farm many years ago, before there were any cars or trucks. The only way that supplies could be carried from the stores out to the farm was on a wagon. One day, Donny drove his two mules to town. He stopped at a store and loaded his wagon full of heavy supplies. Now came the hard part, to see if his two stubborn mules would pull the heavy wagon.
“Giddap,” ordered Donny. With lots of scolding and coaxing by Donny, the mules slowly started down the road.
“Whoa,” called a man who was standing along the side of the road. The mules came to a sudden stop.
“Giddap,” ordered Donny again.
But no sooner had he coaxed them into starting again than the man called, “Whoa,” and the mules came to a dead stop again. The man just laughed at the trouble he was causing, then walked away.
Donny had to coax and prod his mules some more to get them moving. They finally made it all the way home.
Do you think the mules knew the man’s voice was not Donny’s voice? I’m sure they did. But they wanted to obey that voice, so that is just what they did.
The second voice is Satan’s which says, “You’ll be all right. Don’t worry about it right now. There is lots of time to get ready before you have to meet God.”
If you’re listening to the second voice, you’re just like Donny’s mules. Won’t you listen to the true voice of God? Don’t be stubborn; listen to God who is the only One that can help you.
“How do I prepare?” you may be thinking. You only need to believe, because all the work has been done. The Lord Jesus Christ did it all for you on the cross. He loves you so much He took the punishment for your sins. Now the way has been opened for you to go to heaven. Won’t you listen to His voice and accept Him as your Saviour right now?
ML-07/26/1981