The Wild Ox

I was treading water. As I turned to someone for counsel, they turned my heart towards something in scripture. Oxen.

It may sound funny, but my heart skipped after it and I've been meditating on it, since. The symbolism of the wild ox has been bringing God's peace and endurance to stand in the midst of excruciation and the fear that stalks it.

“God brings them out of Egypt, He is for them like the horns of the wild ox." Numbers 24:8

I love God's poetry.

Oxen are a symbol of the strength of Israel and the salvation of the Lord.

The adversary projects intimidation. But, he's completely full of it. Even when he inflicts real pain, compared to the vindication of God's ferocity on behalf of his bride, it's just noise. Perhaps this will minister to your heart, too.

But You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil."

Psalm 92:10

The wild ox is ridiculously strong and unmovable … gentle, until it needs to be swift and powerful. Which is great, when circumstances threaten to crush and I feel weak, fragile - hearted or afraid.

Job marvels at the mystery of man's inability to tame it (Job 39). There are no yokes on that baby, which is what we are instructed to guard ourselves against, if we are in Christ (Gal. 5).

Have you ever really looked at the ox horns? No, you haven't. Seriously, look them up. I don't know how they hold their heads up without falling over. They are incredibly beautiful, majestic and fearsome. Like our God, who works justice and righteousness for all the oppressed. (Psalm 103)

Illustration from 6th Art Studio