Animals of the Bible
6. The Ox – Serving Faithfully
“The ox knoweth his owner, and the
ass his master’s crib: but Israel
doth not know, my people doth
not consider”
(Isaiah 1:3)
Image: © FreeFoto.com
The Jews under the Old Testament were greatly favoured by God. They alone of all the nations had the Word of God revealed to them. The Scriptures told them of the worship and obedience which God required and showed them the Saviour by whom their sins might be forgiven and through whom they would be reconciled to God.
God had entered into a covenant with Israel, promising to be their God. Moses reminded the nation, “the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deut.7:6). God was their Maker, Redeemer and Friend. The Jews were a very privileged people indeed.
The Jews professed their belief in God when they said “the Lord our God is one Lord” (Deut.6:4). They proclaimed their trust in him when they sang “this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death” (Psa.48:14). But here God complains that his chosen people do not truly know him!
It is a fact that many who have every opportunity to know the Lord are spiritually careless. They are happy with “a form of godliness” (2Tim.3:5) but do not want the gospel’s life-changing power. They are like those in the church in Laodicea who were “lukewarm” (Rev.3:16). As Jesus taught so clearly, hearing the word is one thing but doing it is another (Matt.7:21-27).
The ox is an animal which teaches us the importance of sincerity in doing the Lord’s will. It does not labour for its own good but solely for its master’s benefit. How much more then should we who are saved from our sins by the grace of God and taken into his family serve him gladly!
The ox is another name for the cow. In our country cattle are used for food but in other lands they not only supply milk and meat but are also put to work. In Bible times oxen pulled ploughs (1Kings 19:19), drew wagons (Num.7:3), carried loads (1Chron.12:40) and threshed corn (Deut.25:4). What makes the ox such a good servant?
Firstly the ox is obedient. Though it is a dull beast (and the ass more so!) yet it is not so foolish as to ignore its owner. It knows that his hand provides its food each day and gives it shelter. And the ox knows its master’s voice when he calls and follows him wherever he leads, performing whatever duty is demanded.
When our eyes are opened to the things of God and we are brought to repentance a great change takes place in our lives. In our former state we served Satan and sin but now we have a new and kind Master. Like Saul of Tarsus we have met the Lord Jesus Christ and we say, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6).
The ox is not perfect in its obedience. At times its owner must use a sharp stick or ‘goad’ to correct it when it strays off course. If not the furrow will be crooked or the cart will be in danger. Likewise the way in which the believer is lead to eternal life is the ‘narrow’ one of true holiness. In love the Lord chastens his children to keep them out of the ways of sin and walking in the paths of righteousness.
Secondly the ox is diligent. It toils earnestly for its master. When the oxen were busy in Israel food was plentiful but when they were not put to work there was no food for man or beast. As Solomon said, “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox” (Prov.14:4).
How valuable to the Lord are willing servants! Jesus says to each one of his own, “Son, go work to day in my vineyard” (Matt.21:28). You ask, What is there for me to do in the kingdom of God? Well, every believer is a witness for Christ, first by a holy life and then by holy lips, confessing his wonderful Name. This is our great work. All must pray and some will preach. Sadly many make great promises to serve the Lord but then break them.
Did you know that oxen often work in pairs? Two oxen may be yoked together to pull a heavy plough or cart. It is good for Christians to labour together. We must first take Christ’s yoke upon ourselves by coming to him for pardon and peace. Then we shall find fellowship with those who have been given the same “precious faith” (2Pet.1:1). We can then encourage one another, as Jonathan and David (1Sam.23:16).
Finally the ox is patient. It has strength and endurance and can be relied upon to work day after day until old age, even though it has no great honour or reward. It has a share of the grain which it treads out and it is content with that.
The Lord’s people know that even when they do what God commands they are unprofitable servants (Luke 17:10). Because of their sin they come short of his glory. Yet how blessed they are! They are serving a gracious Lord who has promised them a reward in heaven.
Because of the debt we owe to God for our salvation we should offer ourselves to him each day. Paul plead with the Romans, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom.12:1).
This is the right thing to do. Do not be like many in Israel – more stupid than the ox!
