Ox in the Ditch
My friend Phyllis recently had an ox in the ditch. She and her husband dressed for church. Then they noticed a cow having trouble birthing its calf. Their cow needed help. Putting first things first, they helped their animals. They arrived at church late but with an attitude of gratitude for a healthy cow and calf.
An ox in the ditch is not usually an ox.
Examples of an ox in the ditch include:
- Sick people who need a doctor
- Crime victims who need the police
- Buildings on fire that need firefighters
An ox in a ditch means an emergency.
The need demands:
- Immediate action
- Total attention
A great need replaces a good plan.
The Bible says Jesus healed a sick person on the Sabbath. Work was forbidden on days of worship. However, Jesus asked if people would not pull an ox from a ditch (or well) on the Sabbath. Another time Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27 NIV).
God expects people to rest and worship one day a week. However, God also expects believers to put feet to their prayers – to meet needs when they arise.
“Then [Jesus] asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” (Luke 14:5 NIV).
Thanks to Phyllis Patton for the suggestion and Bart Woodrum for the photo.
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