The Face of the Ox
The face of the Ox as a face of God might seem strange to us?
Until upon thinking upon God’s Word and Work of Salvation!
Or upon His clear call to all who labour and are heavy laden!
‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me.’ His earnest invitation!
‘For I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest
For My Yoke is easy and My burden is Light.’ is His declaration!
And now we see the work and character of the Ox in Jesus Christ
A strong and patient labourer who steadfastly endures and obeys His Father!
An Ox is a treasure of help, to work the hard ground for precious seed!
To be ready for planting and to bring forth successfully the desired harvest.
The ground previously unyielding and hard or wet and muddy needs working
A heavy plough sinking and pulling up the ground by the strength of the Oxen.
Often a messy, hard, tedious, hidden work needing steadfast endurance.
Repetitive, boring and unglamorous demanding humility and steadiness!
Qualities that suddenly seem precious and rare and worthy of our admiration.
For without the ox in the stable the barns might remain bare without harvest!
Ox is the faithful labourer who lays down his life for his master
To serve not himself but others and their needs for he is a humble servant!
In the Body of Christ we might find a hidden intercessor ploughing in prayer
Faithfully holding on to God’s Word and Light for a lost soul’s salvation!
Or a person that does all the unpopular, unattractive work in the assembly
Not looking for thanks or praise, appreciation except for their Saviour!
Delighted to see what He wants done and being given the opportunity!
They put all their ability, might and strength into the task until it is finished!
Perhaps it is time to see this character of Jesus Christ in His Disciples?
Time to pray that as we are beholding Him, are changed into His Likeness!
Time to see death to our flesh life, take up our Cross and follow Him.
Trusting in the Power of the Holy Spirit to bring from our death, Resurrection!
Linda A Whiteley November 2021
