That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
Psalm 144:14 KJV
Before the invention of the tractor, the ox was an indispensable animal for farming. These creatures were able to pull heavy loads and would help plough fields for farmers. Proverbs 14:4 says that the presence of the ox brings much increase to the harvest. The oxen in scriptures, therefore, represent the ability to labour and labour without getting tired. In scriptures, oxen often represented prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. They are able to bear heavy burdens. Paul likened those who laboured in the word to Oxen in 1 timothy 5:17-18. For this meditation, the emphasis is on labour in the place of prayer.
Oxen are symbolic of intercessors. Like Issachar, they are those who bow their shoulders to bear the burden of their brethren and the Lord, Genesis 49:14-15. They are able to take up intercession for nations and their brethren without getting tired. As a result, they are watchmen, understanding the time and knowing what the church needs to do at every instance, 1 chronicle 12:32. The place of intercession and prayer cannot be overemphasised. Psalm 115:16 says the heavens belong to the Lord and the earth He has given to the sons of men. Christ, after his death and resurrection, raised up a church which He called His body. This means he relegated all doing aspects of the rest of His ministry to the church. It is therefore outside God’s order to do things on earth without going through man. This is why Jesus taught us to pray for the coming of the Kingdom. Men must demand for it. Jesus mentioned that there was a great harvest and few labourers and the solution was that men pray for labourers, Luke 10:2.
Acts 12 shows an example of the importance of oxen in the body. Herod was provoked to vex the church and he took James and Peter. He had James, the brother of John killed. This was a man of wisdom, full of the spirit and a great asset to the church, however, he was killed without much thought. When the church saw this, they began to pray, knowing that Herod also sought to do the same to Peter, another pillar in the church. Herod may have succeeded if the church remained in its laid back state. Peter himself was not scared of death and was ready to die, however, this would have been a huge loss to the church in Jerusalem at that time. Hence, prayers were made night and day for Peter and God sent an angel to release him. Peter had no idea what was happening until he found himself among the saints who were praying for his release.
The church is in dark times and breaking of the hedge is not an option. The enemy is looking for any entrance to strike the church and pull many out of the way. Men must pray without ceasing to prevent casualties and keep the body united. For murmuring, which has the ability to provoke the wrath of God like the case of Israel, to be removed from the minds of the people in the church, especially in perilous times, Men must pray. For the much-needed increase in the conversion of souls, the anointing of the Spirit and the ministry gifts in the body, men must pray. Prayer demands spiritual exertion and needs the Spirit of might as Samson had. It takes intentionality to pray the kind of prayer needed in these times. The good news is that the Lord has passed the decree that His house is a house of prayer, Isaiah 56:7. This decree is backed by the power and ability to do. We have the Holy Spirit in us who is able to teach us to and help us to pray. We simply need to take on the strength of the Lord in faith and pray, there is much grace available. As Jesus said, men ought always to pray and not to faint, Luke 18:1.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, forgive my prayerlessness. Your Word says I am a house of prayer. I now know that for the increase spiritually, physically and all around I desire in my life, Your church and in my nation, I must pray. Lord raise me as a watchman and teach me to pray. Deliver me from slothfulness and help me to take on Your strength in the place of prayer. Lord raise up watchmen who will not give sleep to their eyes until Your Kingdom is established in their lives and all around! May our Oxens be strong to labour!
0 Comments