I was reading this verse from the Book of Isaiah a few days ago.
The ox knows its master,
the donkey its owner’s manger,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.” Isaiah 1:3
If we ponder on this verse it is about memory.
The animals have a memory, God has a memory, however, alas the human’s memory
seems to fail. What does having a memory mean? It enables us to recognize
persons and places. The ox has a memory of its master and therefore connects
with the master. The donkey often the butt of jokes for not having intelligence
also knows where the owner's stall is. Despite grazing in the open freely their
memory takes them back to their owner’s and their place of stay.
“my people” indicates the relationship God has
with the people of Israel. While God is seeking out His people, his people are
not able to connect with their God.
The Ox is aware of who its master is, and the
donkey knows its dwelling place. The learning for us as Humans is to respond to
the call of our Master and be aware of our eternal home.
Can we recall the goodness of God, Recognize His
Divinity, and build our relationship with Him so that we are assured of our
Eternal Home.
Emmanuel David October 2023
