“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 14:4
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Before you accuse us of being irreverent, foul mouthed or scatological this week, please note that a) our text this week refers to the subject, and b) this is part of creation, ( we had no opinions on how bulls should digest their food or get the waste out) so please feel free to take up any issues directly with the Author of todays passage ? ! There is much humor in practical wisdom in even the pithiest of sayings… ( e.g. don’t “—-“ where you eat ) and the same is true for the wisdom in this book!
Anybody who has mucked out stables, or cared for cows in a barn, knows all too well what a job it is — to not only feed them, but also to keep their living area clean and free of disease. This is a DAILY task, feeding the animals, only to clean up their droppings the next day….. a lot of work !
That’s what the text says… having no domesticated animals to share in the labor of farming ( a.k.a. fighting the curse on the earth on the frontlines …) means you have a really neat and tidy manger ( /food crib, /stable ), but you are missing out on all the benefits an ox could provide.
There is a simple truth here, and a larger one.
The simple truth —- if you want to leverage the strength of an ox, prepare to deal with bulls—— daily, quite literally !!! ?
The larger truth —- every success/benefit comes with a price tag…. here is a spiritual law!!
Want a deeper walk with Lord? Spend time with His Words in the Bible. Want a place at Christs right hand, or to inherit eternal life? Sell all your goods and possessions, give them to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven … just follow Him! Want to be a disciple and apostle for Jesus? Be ready to encounter beatings, imprisonment, torture and death for your beliefs!
On a more practical level … want better job prospects? You will have to devote the time and effort to learning new skills, actively looking for those prospects, and being ready to pounce on the opportunities that present themselves…
Dealing with Bulls—- is part of the human experience. It is necessary, and we have to rise above it … the payoff … ? A calmer and more serene existence, resting secure in the knowledge that afflictions strengthen us, trials build our character, challenges present opportunities for us to step outside our comfort zone.
Even dealing with difficult people —- those are opportunities for us to pray for them, to love them while firmly holding to what is right and true, and THAT, is building STRENGTH in the inner man.
In the book of Revelation four animals are represented … (man, lion, eagle, OX) in the descriptions of strange creatures we see around the Throne, and commentators have interpreted those representations as representing the work of Christ, as a man, king, a exalted and majestic bird, and a humble, toiling, OX!
The strength and power of Christ is ours to have, and yes, there is hard and difficult work ahead. But there is much Revenue to be had!
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matt 11:29-30
Hallelujah!!