• He uses obscure people (farm laborer who rescued 6-yr.-old John Wesley)
• He uses the young (colt)


3. His Attitude

Even though his nature is stubbornness, we see here something quite different:

• He was available (vs.32)—willing to be used
• He was submissive (vs.30)—to his owner (tied up) and to the disciples (went with them) and to Jesus (let Him ride him).
• He was faithful ---a two-mile trip from Bethany to Jerusalem.


Illus.: “Man of War”

It was said of the great racehorse: “Some horses led him at the backstretch, a few led him at the far turn, but no one ever led him in the homestretch.”

Blessed is the man who makes a good finish. Some who are running the race of faith are quick out of the gate; some do well half-way; but God longs for those who have “spiritual stamina.” Able to subsist on limited food and water.
• He was useful. Known as a “beast of burden.” Job had 500 of them. Are we not called upon to bear our burdens of the Lord? Verse 34 says, “The Lord has need of him.” Consider some of the uses of a donkey:
- carries supplies
- carries wood and water
- carries children and women
- pulls simple plows
- grinds corn
- pulls carts
• He was sure-footed—able to traverse the roughest terrain. Pastor Paul Ciniraj of India wrote these words:
“I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the power of the Holy Spirit. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labour by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. l have a great hope of His coming back. So I preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me; for my banner is clear !!!”

CONCLUSION


It’s amazing the things you can learn from a so-called dumb beast! Like a donkey, I might not be much to look at, my nature may be obstinate, my usefulness may appear of no consequence, but remember…

The Lord has need of me and you! Doesn’t that make you feel good?

And one more reminder: Whatever Jesus touches, He dignifies.