Proverbs 14:4 reads, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”
This really got me to thinking about the birth of Jesus and the manger he was born in when I read this proverb. No oxen equals an empty manger. And in Luke, God gave the wisemen a sign- they would find the babe wrapped up in swaddling clothes in a manger. So in order for the wisemen to find Christ wrapped in his clothes in a manger, the manger keeper/owner had to have an empty one. I wonder how the little Bethlehem manger keeper felt on the days/weeks leading up to Jesus’ birth not having oxen. Punished? With lack? On hard times? Worried and anxious? Like a failure because he could not keep oxen in his manger? Were they stolen from him and he worried his head and heart with revenge? Did they die?
If he was anything like me, I’m sure he was really worried about not having the animals he needed to plow his fields and plant his crops. Because oxen equaled crops and harvest and status and wealth back then. I can imagine him thinking he wouldn’t be able to make ends meet because his means of wealth and status were gone.
BUT God knew his manger had to be empty. The emptiness made room for our Savior, Jesus Christ. His manger, home, career, and name were not being punished/tarnished. It was required his manger be empty so CHRIST could occupy the space.
What is God removing from your life that has you thinking you’re in a bad place? What “oxen” is missing from your manger? What do you feel God is emptying from your life, circle, grasp? Allow yourself to rest in knowing, God did it, because He’s making room for Himself. Just imagine the glory you’ll experience when He reveals the “why”. Jesus is coming on the scene. Trust God in these trying times. See God’s reality that’s yet to come even when you feel hard pressed on every side. Because this proverb reminds us if from the strength of an ox- a slow cow that can carry a lot of weight- comes an abundant harvest, just try to wrap your head around what comes from the strength of the Lord!
God is our strength! A very present help when we are in trouble. He’s your strength and shield and He’s made it His business to take up residence at your address. Embrace the emptiness with gratitude. Thank God He emptied your “manger” and have hope He will fill it with more of Him. You are indeed blessed among women! I love you. God loves you more!
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