Amazing Animals: Man O’ War

Amazing Animals: Man o’ War

Bible Blast: Read Matthew 20:1-16

The last will be first, and the first will be last. Matthew 20:16 (NIV)

Maybe you’ve heard sportscasters—or your dad—talking about a “major upset” in which a team that’s supposed to win ends up losing. Did you know that turn of phrase started with a beautiful horse named Man o’ War? He won twenty out of twenty-one races, which is almost a perfect record. The story of that one loss at the Sanford Memorial Stakes is where the “major upset” began.

In the early 1900s racetracks didn’t have starting gates the way they do now. The horses used to just line up behind a webbed barrier until it was lifted. At this particular race when the barrier was raised, Man o’ War wasn’t even facing the right direction! All the other horses took off at high speeds, while Man o’ War was trying to get turned around. In spite of a late start, Man o’ War still came in second place! He only lost by half a length (about four feet) to a horse named “Upset.” Because of that, sports announcers now use the phrase “This is a major upset!” when they’re talking about a game in which an “underdog” unexpectedly comes up and beats the expected winner.

God’s Kingdom is a little like that horse named Upset.

Everything God asks of us is unexpected and upside down compared to what the world tells us we should do. It seems like we won’t “win” at life if we don’t have money, friends, power, and possessions. God’s wisdom points to just the opposite of that. Here’s what the Bible teaches:

Live to serve God and others (see Mark 10:43-45). Use your gifts to build and encourage (see 1 Corinthians 14:12). No matter what you do, do it with all of your heart (see Colossians 3:23). Don’t pursue power and greatness in life (see Luke 14:8-10). Go after loving God and loving others (see Mark 12:30-31).

May you live your life a little like Upset, embracing those things that are not of this world and that seem like they won’t let you win. They will!

Girl Gab: Do you think that being a servant means you shouldn’t do your best or try to be successful in life? Is it possible to serve others even if you’re a leader? God wants you to have the heart of a servant, no matter what you do every day. Ask God for a servant’s heart today.