Devotion for August 4, 2008

Be Thankful for the Oxen

“Where no oxen [are], the trough [is] clean; But much increase [comes] by the strength of an ox.” (Proverbs 14:4 NKJV)

The idea here is there is no produce because there are no oxen to produce it. The manger is clean. It is also clean of the dung produced by the ox. Matthew Henry refers to this in his commentary on this passage. Seeing the oxen as a burden makes sense when you consider the use of the contrasting conjunction “but.” The trough is clean; but!

Truly, the oxen require attention to keep them healthy and productive, but they provide a great deal of labor for minimal care. This writer has been digging footings and mixing concrete for a couple of days and some power equipment came in very handy. Yes it cost something, but I am still alive to write about it.

However, let us return to a more serious subject. The Scriptures use this imagery to describe the labor of an elder. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer [is] worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:17-18 NKJV).

Believers should be thankful for men who labor in word and doctrine. The passage does not say give double honor to those who do a lousy job ruling and are usually ill prepared to teach. However, those who do a good job should get double honor.

That is not to say that those worthy of honor will not make messes. They will make messes for no one is without sin. Therefore, let us remember to be gracious with those who take on the difficult task of leading and teaching. They have a greater judgment to face, and God will deal with them properly.

Now if you will allow me to expand this just a little. You who are employers and supervisors remember this principle also. Those men and women who work for you take a tremendous burden off your back. Take care of those who provide for you. The place might be nice and clean without them, but nothing would be done if they were not there.