Walking in Circles

Word
Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain. – Deuteronomy 25:4

Observation
My observation is what a stinking odd command from God! Just before this, He’s speaking on a public flogging, and just after it about the family line and it not being blotted out from Israel.

God’s mind is so obviously above mine, because at first I REALLY didn’t get this. Could this just be a command put in place to assure obedience from His people? We shouldn’t second guess the Lord in His commands I know, but what is going on here? So an ox is doing work and treading on grain to separate chaff from kernels. If he’s muzzled what effect does that have on the ox? And there in lies the revelation.

Revelation
As the ox treads, it gets to graze on the grain. However, put a muzzle on the ox and it can no longer graze and enjoy the fruits of its labor. Take heed Christianity – do not muzzle the ox while it treads the grain! If all we do is work ourselves to death, strapped to a pole walking in circles, treading the grain, doing our daily “deeds” for the Lord but are muzzled, then the fruits of our labor are never enjoyed.

I know there is a time and a season for reaping and a season for sowing, but to be strapped in walking in circles doing hard labor while having our mouths forced shut so as not to graze is dangerous to our walk with God.

I believe more than anything this is a stab at pastoral care. I know I was born with a call on my life and will serve in a pastoral capacity soon. This is a wonderful lesson on how NOT to treat those serving under me. I should NEVER shut them up only to arduously work over and over with no return.

Devotion
Lord, thank you for such a wonderful revelation. I pray this be engraved in my spirit so that when I do have others serving under me I will have their interests in mind. You and your Will, will always come first, you cared for your people when you were on this earth and still do today. May I too do the same , and never muzzle the ox as it treads the grain. Amen.