What’s a Jerk Line Anyway?
One hundred years after the invention of the automobile, they still measured the strength of an engine by its horsepower. And I love it. Of course, I’d be more fascinated seeing a ten-up freight wagon rig rather than the latest issue from Detroit. Now, that was real horsepower. Or mule power, depending on your preference.
Freight Wagon Setup
There would be five pairs of horses lined up in front of two heavily packed freight wagons. The driver usually sat on the nearer horse. Along with its partner, they’d be called ‘wheelers.’ Attached to the brake handle on the wagon would be a single, continuous rein that passed through the hand of the teamster. The line continued along the horse’s back and up to the left side of the lead animal’s bit. It never touched any other horse’s bit.
That horse was the leader. One steady pull on the jerk line told him to move to the left. And two short jerks on the line signaled him to move right. The other nine horses followed or else got quickly replaced. The driver may be forty feet behind but the communication between him and the lead horse couldn’t have been closer. All it took was the jerk line.
Out Front People
Now, it seems to me, every Christian church, organization, group fellowship, and Bible study requires a leader. God selects this person to be out in front. They’ve been chosen, but not because they’re the prettiest or strongest nor possess the best vision. They’re the most responsive.
The old freighter looked for a horse that would do what he asked him. It wasn’t the lead horse’s responsibility to get the others to follow. He needed to obey the command of the one holding the reins.
In talking of those God chose to be out front, Paul says, “If one’s gift is leadership, let him govern diligently” (Romans 12:8).
That means be quick and unfailing in response to God’s direction. The lead horse in a freight string doesn’t pick the destination, the journey, or the speed of progress. His value depends on obedience to the boss. It’s not much difference in Christian fellowship, no matter how many or few line up in the string.
Stephen Bly
Circa 1993
20-Mule-Hitch Jerk Line Mechanics
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“Jerk Line” audio podcast by award-winning western author Stephen Bly. Sponsored by BlyBooks.com Legacy Series.
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