The Pilgrim Path---Exodus 23: 4, 5 

“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.”

“…YOUR ENEMY’S OX”

God’s people are to be different from those people who do not belong to HIM. Certainly, in the way we treat an enemy. Simply put---an enemy opposes you. Well, Moses spoke for the LORD and said if you find your opponent’s ox wandering in the road---take it home to your enemy. That’s right. Don’t keep it, shoot it, sell it, trade it---or leave it wandering. Get it back where it belongs. Imagine that: Someone might “see” what you’ve done and think you belong to the True and Living God. Again, if you “see” your opponent’s donkey under a burden---pressed down---help the animal (even though its owner hates you). Some people might think there is a God. More importantly: You will remember there is a God---and will act--- to please HIM. Hopefully, the right action will tend to “soften” our heart toward our enemy (think Romans chapter 12). The Lord Jesus Christ said,

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 13 – 16

If we have been birthed into God’s Kingdom by the Spirit of God, we are to be light bearers in this World. I will tell you a secret: There is already enough darkness. Plenty of people “add” to the darkness: killing their neighbors oxen and donkeys (at least by their attitudes). We need more saints “ready” to get folks animals back where they belong. Think about it: It’s never too late to shock the World in Jesus’ Name!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?” Matthew 5: 43 – 47

From G. K. Chesterton: The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and to love our enemies: probably because they are generally the same people…

From Richard Baxter: Take heed of hurting yourself by passion or sin because others hurt you by slanders or persecutions. Keep in the way of your duty and leave your names and lives to God!

From John Calvin: The person who loves his neighbor demonstrates that he is not looking after his own interests and is not selfish. Loving our neighbor is a sure and certain mark that we are seeking to obey God and to regulate our lives according to his Word.

From C. S. Lewis: Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor---act as if you did.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason