In the books of both Revelation and Ezekiel, the writers each have a vision in which they see an image with four faces.
Biblical scholars believe they saw a physical manifestation of the glory of God. Since God’s glory is impossible for us to behold as it is, that glory was represented in an image and likeness that John and Ezekiel were able to both see and understand in their respective visions.
And since the Bible tells us that we have been made in the image of God, it’s important to note that the same beings that John and Ezekiel saw are each able to be visible in our lives as well.
In both Revelation 4 and Ezekiel 1, it’s noted that this particular being had four faces: that of a lion, an eagle, a man, and an ox.
My life is a sacrifice. I’m a technician who serves so others can reap. I have the face of an ox.
Looking at each, they offer a bit more insight as to what our lives can also be like.
A lion typically represented power or boldness in the Bible. And thanks to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we all can access that power in our daily lives to accomplish things beyond our own natural means.
An eagle represents honor and excellence and, in a way, royalty. We have been described as a “royal priesthood” that is the most esteemed of all God’s creations, and we have the ability to achieve excellence in our own lives through the gifts, abilities, and purposes that God has placed in our lives.
The face of a man stands for relationships, and the understanding that since God’s kingdom is built relationally, there are arguably few things more important than our focus on others. This was obviously the main foundation of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and to pursue selfless lives and loving people is a reflection of God’s glory in us.
But what about the ox? Why did livestock become a physical representation of God’s glory and image?
Well, think about an ox. It’s not exactly a glamorous animal, even on a farm. It doesn’t get turned into food, it’s not a pet, and it’s not nearly cute enough to result in glamor reels on TikTok.
But in many cultures, an ox may be one of their most valuable possession. Not because of what they aren’t, but because of what they are.
Oxen are unflappable. Whether there’s rain or 20 mph winds, they don’t really ever seem to notice. They’re beasts of burden who do their jobs day-in and day-out regardless of the conditions.
I think we all like the faces of an eagle and a lion. Who wouldn’t want to be powerful and excellent problem solvers?
They’re consistent, hard-working and are the key to all other forms of productivity on many farms. They move heavy things, they plow fields, and they can even help with transportation. So even though they aren’t glamorous, much of what happens (even in a Biblical era) on a farm wouldn’t be possible without that ox doing its job
And, in many cases, the ultimate use of an ox was as a sacrifice.
Just like Jesus, an ox is a picture of a servant. Not coming to be served or to be glamorous or to be the center of attention, but to live its life every day doing the best it can to serve the purpose of another, to help enrich someone’s life for the better. And to eventually understand that its highest calling would be not just to serve others, but to lay its life down as a sacrifice to its Creator.
What a powerful image for such a lowly animal, but it’s also a perfect image to which we should all aspire as technical artists.
Our role will never be seen as exciting or sexy, and very rarely (if ever) do we get the attention or platitudes we probably deserve for working so hard. Instead, we trudge on, week after week, silently doing our job.
Our job is, like an ox, to faithfully strive to help others achieve their vision. Technology isn’t the goal of a ministry; technology exists to help ministries achieve their vision to reach people. It’s a means to an end.
Plowing a field just to furrow the dirt isn’t the ultimate goal for an ox; the goal is to do the hard work so someone else can plant a seed and reap the harvest. The harvest would never be possible if the ox didn’t help prepare the ground in the first place.
Oxen don’t get to take a day off if it’s not perfect weather or if the conditions aren’t ideal. In fact, the conditions may rarely be ideal. It could be too hot or cold, too windy or rainy, too dark or lonely or muddy, and on and on. But the demeanor of an ox never changes.
No matter how many flies buzz or raindrops fall, no matter how deep the mud is, or how many times it has to bear the frustrations of a master who’s having a bad day, the ox will still trudge on. Silently, consistently bending its back to get the job done.
Sound familiar?
We are not called to be silent doormats who willingly serve under abuse or manipulation; that is beyond this particular topic. But, like an ox, we are all in a position to bend our backs every day, week, month, and year to do the heavy lifting so others are in a position to succeed.
But have I accepted and embraced that? I was made in God’s image, which means whether I like it or not, I have the face of an ox that was part of my core being when I was formed in the womb.
It’s then a question as to whether I choose to display that face or not.
I think we all like the faces of an eagle and a lion. Who wouldn’t want to be powerful and excellent problem solvers?
And even though many of us may be introverted, we all at least understand the importance and need for cultivating healthy relationships.
But an ox? Who wants to willingly choose every day to do the heavy lifting in an unglamorous role? To have to sometimes do their job in difficult conditions with challenging expectations?
Someone who understands that an ox’s ultimate role is to be a sacrifice to his Creator; that’s who.
When I’m a slave by choice and have chosen to follow the Lord, not only in ministry but also in life, I understand that I don’t necessarily get to choose what happens to me and how. I’ve made my choice to follow, and part of that is trusting that in whatever position I find myself, God is going to give me the strength, power, and grace to carry me through.
And that everything that happens in and through me is done ultimately to bring Him glory.
My life is a sacrifice. I’m a technician who serves so others can reap.
I have the face of an ox.
