Year of the Ox

GUNG HAY FAT CHOY!!!  Happy Chinese New Year (year of the Ox).

Though I do not adhere to this celebratory, astrological event, I did find it interesting in that it’s a year dedicated to the ox.

Proverbs 14:4 says, ‘where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.’   By the ox is meant labor, and by the crib the barn, meaning, without labor there is no profit.

 

Ever since the genesis of CCM, waaaay back to our times at Taylor Ranch, we always celebrated the Day of the Ox. On a specific day of the busy annual commitments and rigors of ministry, the church leaders would trade places with all of the servants (the church’s oxen, if I may) for one evening.   On this distinctive evening the oxen would be seated and served food and beverages, and be publicly recognized by all the pastors and ministry leaders as acknowledgement of appreciation.

 

To be referred as oxen within the realm of church service is a great honor. But from outside the biblical meaning it can be interpreted as a derogatory term.  I mean, who would be gleeful over being called an ox?

Tomorrow I'll discuss the benefits in being an ox for the Lord...