"Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of the ox. " Proverbs 14:4
I've heard this verse before, and ran across it again today.
Pastor explained it as "what you should expect when oxen (the people of God - in a church setting) get together... that there will always be a mess somewhere."
My experience has proven his theory correct. :)
The trouble with oxen is that they don't clean up after themselves.
As a mommy of three little people, I can TOTALLY RELATE. As long as you have them, there will be something that needs to be cleaned up, a mess left somewhere.
There will be a cost to maintain them, and feed them, keep them healthy, and it is likely that they will inconvenience your life more than a time or two.
But, the better part about oxen?
Oxen are nothing more than TRAINED cattle.
Imagine that... an ox is just a steer or heifer that has been "taught to work."
Bless the Lord. :)
Even better… the Word promises that MUCH increase comes by the strength of the ox.
This gives me hope, because I know that though a young ox be feeble, he can gain strength if he will remain teachable. And further, there is blessing in the gaining of strength.
Man, that'll preach.
So, I'll preach, or maybe pray?? a little bit of it here. *wink*
Thank you, Lord, that You have taught us to carry our cross, by carrying it first. You teach us on a daily basis that we can walk, and we can learn of You, and we can have the mind of Christ if we will but walk alongside You. Because, in deed, we are not unequally yoked with You, who came, wrapped Your glory in this skin, and were one of us - our Emmanuel. Because You were the firstborn of every creature, and because we can look to You for instruction. You speak with grace, "If any lack wisdom, let him come…" Let us hear Your voice today, and find strength in Your instruction.
Amen.
As a mommy of little ones, in a place where the mess is quite literally EVER PRESENT, I am thankful that my "young oxen" can be taught. And that with their learning comes much increase, both for them and accounted to me as mom.
I am MORE thankful that this gal can be taught… and is learning (daily) to plow under the wise instruction of the Master, and the eldest of oxen, who plowed this life PERFECTLY - the One Risen Jesus.
Thank you Lord, for ever walking by my side.
May this life, in all of it's messy glory shine bight a light that draws Your
lost treasure back to You. May my eyes see the Reward heaped
upon the necks of my little oxen as they learn to carry your yoke.
Help me to be a faithful teacher, to imitate what I have learned from You.
My heart, and my neck are ever yoked to You, my risen King.
Amen.
