"You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain."
Deuteronomy 25:4 NKJV
The apostle Paul takes the text from Deuteronomy to encourage the younger Timothy to support those "elders" who toil in speech and teaching (1 Timothy 5:17-18). The same text also addresses believers in Corinth, writing to them, "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" (1 Corinthians 9:9-10). Martin Luther commented that the text of Deuteronomy was not written for oxen, since "oxen cannot read." So if God cares for creatures "without reason," all the more reason God cares for the thinking creature. The quotation is in both cases part of a discourse on the duty to support those who do the Lord's work, for he who plants a vineyard eats its fruit and he who shepherds a flock feeds on its milk. Yet despite the fact that it is the Law that supports this, the apostle's words are not tied to a demand for reward, as Paul decides to forgo it:"But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void." (1 Corinthians 9:15).
Although it would be more than fair "that those who proclaim the gospel should live by the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14), and they would also have the right to take their wives with them as Peter does (1 Corinthians 9:5), Paul chooses to support himself and not be a burden to anyone, with one exception, when he accepts the support of the church in Philippi (Philippians 4:15-17). The only thing he cares about is proclaiming the gospel, whatever the cost. Those who voluntarily set themselves up for service will not do so expecting any kind of reward. Whereas when one is called to perform a task, it would be appropriate for him to receive the necessary support. These reflections would merit more in-depth consideration of ministry as a dimension of service, and would not remain without criticism. It remains inescapable that one should never expect anything of man, but respect and consideration is of civilized people. I believe that recognizing the effort of others and honoring those who serve us in the name of the Lord will do good to all. As a humble servant, I make it a point to never lose sight of the High, because the most excellent service toward others must always honor the Lord, and that is why it must be modeled on our person like the glove on the hand.
Therefore, I would like to dwell on the action of the muzzle toward the ox. Those who proclaim the Gospel are like "oxen," subjects of strenuous labor and burden, who willingly allow themselves to be subdued by Christ, whose yoke is gentle and light. The subdued ox is a symbol of patient submission, peaceful strength and meekness. Singular is the fact that in the Old Testament oxen pulled the chariot that carried the ark of the covenant (1Samuel 6:7; 2Samuel 6). An animal that works meekly in threshing has the right to eat, otherwise it will not be able to continue the work over time. The muzzle, if applied, not only prevents eating, but also deprives freedom of movement of the mouth. Referred to a minister, who toils for the sake of the field, it could be considered a form of conditioning that limits his action and/or expression. And this is why Paul favors not being supported, so as not to have any form of muzzle, which could condition his action. Unfortunately, often the choices of "freedom" are misunderstood by the same believers who do nothing to lighten the load, but are always ready to further weigh down the load to be hauled. Instead, we should work to ensure that the Christian life is never reduced to an oppressive tangle of duties that subjects the servant, as much as the believer in general, to exasperating strain.
Weekly Bible Reading Plan # 33
August 12, Psalms 87-88; Romans 13
August 13, Psalms 89-90; Romans 14
August 14, Psalms 91-93; Romans 15:1-13
August 15, Psalms 94-96; Romans 15:14-33
August 16, Psalms 97-99; Romans 16
August 17, Psalms 100-102; 1 Corinthians 1
August 18, Psalms 103-104; 1 Corinthians 2
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