On a Tether
Over the years, I've seen all kinds of animals on tethers. I wouldn't even guess how many dogs on chains or leashes I've seen, but I've seen many kinds of critters confined to the end of a chain or rope: cats, monkeys, rabbits, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and turtles. I've even seen toddlers at the mall in a harness with their care-givers hanging onto a leash.
There are two reasons why people tie up their animals. The less common one is to keep a potentially dangerous animal confined so that innocent people or perhaps property are not harmed. I once parked my vehicle within range of a tethered goat and came back to find the bumper permanently marked by repeated charges with his hard, sharp horns.
The more common reason to keep an animal confined to the end of a tether is to protect it from potential harm. I suppose there are more animals killed by straying onto busy roadways than by any other potential danger.
Let's take dogs as an example because they are probably the most common species to be confined on a tether or leach. Immature and unresponsive animals are closely confined. Their owners don't want to take chances with them getting into trouble, so keep them on the proverbial short leash.
As an animal gets older, settles down and learns to obey voice commands, the restraint is lengthened. Eventually, the animal may be entirely unconfined other than by its own desire to please its master. It understands where the boundaries are both territorial and behavioural. When the master speaks it responds instantly.
I've observed that the people who enjoy the most freedom are those who are most responsive to God. "The Law" we read about, particularly in the Old Testament, had a similar purpose as a leash or tether. It was designed to restrict human behaviour. It kept them from harming others and from harming themselves by going against God's intentions for them. Sadly, much of the Bible is the account of humanity trying to slip the collar, chew off the rope or pull out the spiritual tether stake so that it could follow its own interests and passions.
In the New Testament, the concept of grace is amplified. We find people whose hearts have been changed. Their goal in life is no longer to lunge at the end of the tether, trying to get free, but rather to stay as close as possible to the Master, anticipating his wishes and attentive to His voice.
These people are truly free. No tether for them. They are free to roam as far as they want from the Master, yet their love for Him and desire to please Him, keeps them close. If you want to experience real spiritual liberty, draw as close to God as you can. “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Ron Hughes
© Febuary 2009
