Last week we learned that we need
to cleanse our hands and our feet in our daily walk. Not to be
saved or to obtain favor from God, but to free ourselves from this
world. He came and He gave us access into His Kingdom, now it is up
to us to decide whether we want to make His Kingdom our primary
concern, or do we still make the world and all its intricacies our
primary concern. Jesus opened up the way for us to walk in freedom
from the effects of this world. We now need to take up His offer
and walk in the liberty that it brings.
Today we are going to look at the
sea of bronze in more detail. The sea was cast in bronze and it
stood on a unique footing. It was twelve oxen:
"It stood on twelve oxen: three
looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three
looking toward the south and three looking toward the east; the Sea
was set upon them, and all their backs pointed inward." 2
Chronicles 4:4
Okay so there were twelve oxen
divided in four groups looking in each direction. Let us have a
look at the significance of the numbers today.
First of all there were twelve
oxen. This number is significant as it portrays the twelve tribes
of Israel and also later the twelve apostles. Therefore this number
refers to the governmental authority of God. The twelve tribes each
had leaders and the twelve apostles were the leaders of the new
covenant, and they represent all of God's children from both
covenants.
Secondly there were three oxen on
each side. The number three refers to a number of things. But today
the following stands out for me: It refers to the perfect Trinity.
It can also refer to being formed into the likeness of Christ.
And thirdly, four refers naturally
to all the directions in this world. The number also represents
comprehensiveness, therefore all encompassing.
So if we take all of these numbers
together we come to the following conclusion. The perfect Trinity
wants His children (all in the old and new covenant), to be formed
into His likeness so that they can go into all directions and
spread His Kingdom and Word, everywhere, all encompassing. Isn't it
just awesome?
God wants to use every single
believer to reach out and touch those in desperate need of Him.
These oxen are not below the sea by accident. As we saw last week,
God wants us to cleanse ourselves from this world and only then can
we be equipped to turn a broken world to Him. We cannot be equipped
if we are so part of this world. It will be difficult as this world
can easily entrap us.
No matter what your occupation is
or in which way the Lord leads you. ALL our goals are the same, to
lead others to Christ. Whether it is in the boardroom, in the
classroom, in the corporate world, in your daily walk with your
kids, even in praying from the retirement village, all our goals
are the same! Reaching others for Christ! Our methods may differ,
but our goal is the same. And therefore not one occupation is more
important than another. They are all equal in God's sight. It is
what we DO with what God has given us that is important!! And
therefore no one can look down on what God has placed on their
hearts or even someone else's. If they follow their calling and do
what God asks, there are treasures in Heaven and a party amongst
the angels and God is smiling from ear to ear.
Thank you Father that You have a
job for each of us to do. Thank you that You have handpicked us to
walk in Your ways. We love You and we rejoice in all Your goodness.
Help us to close our ears to this world and to rather follow Your
Voice. You know best! Amen