DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- MUZZLING THE OX

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – MUZZLING THE OX

"You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." (Deuteronomy 25:4).

One sentence. Twelve words. Seeming randomly stuck between judging and punishing the guilty, and rules about widows remarrying after they lose their husband. Now I don't want to question the inspiration of the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, but our text about oxen seems to be out of place.

The plain meaning is that a farmer was not to keep the ox who was treading out the grain from eating the wheat. Proverbs 12:10 says, "A righteous man regard the life of his animal." Most of us are not farmers and this verse does not mean a whole lot. But we can understand that the wise farmer will treat his animals well, especially if that animal is providing his livelihood.

It is not until we get to the New Testament that we catch the full meaning of this commandment as it pertains to us. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Church at Corinth, wrote, "Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.' Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope" (I Corinthians 9:7b-10). This is in the context that "those who preach the gospel should live from the Gospel (vs. 14). In other words, pay the preacher.

Writing to his protege Timothy, Paul used this verse again, writing, "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' and 'The laborer is worth of his wages' " (I Timothy 5:17-18). In both instances, Paul was presenting the truth that those who minister spiritual things should be supported financially.

Many pastors, especially in small churches, have to work in secular jobs to support their families because their salary from their church is insufficient. There is a place for that. Even Paul supported himself by being a tentmaker. But churches that are able should support their spiritual leaders with adequate pay for their labor, lest their ministry be "muzzled." This is God's word to us. Let us hear it.

Love, Dad