Were There Are No Oxen

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.” (Prov 14:4)

Where there are no oxen, life is simpler; no expense, no mess, and no caring for the animal.  Yes, the manger is clean and empty, but there also is no harvest.

Some people say that they are going to simplify their lives by getting rid of possessions, and doing less.  Eventually, they increase their recreation.  Sadly, hospitality seems to be an imposition on them.  Most likely these people thought that they were being over-run with the cares of the world, and that caused them to want a change; they decided to do less. However, their changes really came from a heart that had grown tired of caring about other’s needs. They forgot that their lives would produce a harvest.

To put this lesson into perspective, there are certain things we need for a harvest, and giving up needless clutter is not wrong.  But in the above scripture, men needed oxen to produce a harvest.  In our days we do not use oxen, and our harvests may not come from crops that we have planted.  But if we need a financial harvest, we may need a car to drive to work.  The car would be our oxen, you might say. If we did landscaping, we would need a truck to drive the tools of our trade to work and back home again, or we would have no work, and no financial gain. If we had a ministry, we would look for a harvest that involves people, and either they, or we ourselves, would need to get together.  Our vehicle would provide that transportation, so that we could have a harvest through our ministry. Although our life would be simpler and more care-free without a car, the financial responsibility and care of our vehicle is something we take on in order that we might bear fruit, and reap a harvest.

It’s been over 10 years since my husband and I moved back to my hometown from Hawaii.   There we had helped build our own home, and it was often used for hospitality.  It was a lot of work to build, and a lot of work to clean, plus extra money to care for those who stayed with us.  We often provided transportation and food. We had extra sheets and towels, dishes . . . you get the idea.    I use the word “extra” because, if I had had a simpler life, I myself did not need these things. However, the Lord brought people to stay with us who are still friends to this day.  One couple is part of ministry at times.  What a rich experience giving hospitality was for us, and it brought a bountiful harvest.

I do not think that God always intends for us to have a simpler life. Instead, He may entrust us with possessions to be used for His glory … or people who enrich our lives.  In the parable of the minas (Lk 19:12-27), the steward who had been faithful with what his Lord had entrusted to him received the most in return; he was set as a ruler over cities.  It does not look like life got simpler for him.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9)

Let us remember the harvest.  In all that we do, God will strengthen us.  If we do not try to give away our oxen, whatever they might be in our present life, we will accomplish what the Lord has set us on this earth to do.  Amen.