The Strength Of An Ox

Monday, December 16, 2024

The Hebrew word for father is av. It's made up of two Hebrew letters: the aleph and the bet, or our "a" and "b." The aleph, in ancient Hebrew, represents an ox; the bet represents a house. So a father is the ox of the house. He's the strength and the ultimate burden bearer. An ox's strength is a great blessing. But the ox is known for its stubbornness as well. So if you're a father, you're to be the strength of your family. That strength is given by God. But be careful that your strength doesn't turn into blind stubbornness. Be stubborn for good and for love, but never in anger, bitterness, pride or domination. For the stubbornness of a father for anger and pride has destroyed countless families and lives. But the stubbornness of a father for love, compassion, godliness, and mercy has protected and saved countless families and lives. Be tender in heart. Be willing to say "I'm sorry." And be strong and stubborn in your love for those who are weaker than yourself and who need your strength, just as God is, in the same way, stubborn in love for you.

From Message #683 - The Ox in the Stall Principle