Service is a deeper thing than subjection, and implies, in addition, the ability and willingness to serve. A tiger is strong and may be brought into a measure of subjection, but it could never serve man; while a weak sheep is of the greatest service.
Very suitably, then, the label of service-the deeper thing is put not upon the outward form but upon the inward character. All the animals recognized as domestic are docile and easily tamed; all are physically and mentally fitted to serve man.
In Psa. 8, six classes are specified as being put in subjection under man; and six is the number of mastery. The sheep is mentioned first, the number of uniqueness, while the ox is second.
In subjection, the sheep is the most remarkable in all nature. They do not resist when slaughtered. Every animal will seek to escape, cry out, or make the greatest show of resistance, except the sheep. Even a worm will writhe; but a sheep will suffer in silence. Wolves and coyotes have learned this, and endeavor to chase a stray sheep out of sight of the shepherd and dogs before attacking, when the sheep lays its head along the ground and allows the wolves to tear it to pieces without a struggle or a sound. This test in the presence of death is the severest test known, and shows subjection and non-resistance to perfection. Men regard it as excessive stupidity, but the sheep has had strict orders from its Maker, written deep in the instincts of its nature. " Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves "is also the voice of the Master to His own, until He returns in glory. " Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
Why is this? except that the sheep otherwise would not be a living picture of the Lamb of God, which it is; who was brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. Suffering everything at the hand of man whom yet He served, was the only way to manifest the true character both of man and God. Only, therefore, as we submit ourselves to the same path, are we fitted for true Christian service.
It is evident what value God sets on such subjection and service, when in Rev. 5:6 Christ appears as a lamb as it had been slain; not as the patient and powerful ox. John's musings (John 1:36) seem to have been along this line. It is one of the loveliest traits of the Lord's character, shining out all through the Gospels, and it challenges our admiration and worship. It will give character to the worship of heaven throughout eternity.
A sheep is not harnessed for work. In labor the ox has manifestly the prominent place. It is by death the sheep has its chief value to man:furnishing him with the best of food and clothing. So the Lamb of Revelation 5:6 furnishes the food and clothing for all the saints in heaven throughout eternity. This indeed is the very perfection of service, and by one in the place of weakness (Psa. 109:24; 102:23; 2 Cor. 13:4).
In a previous article, we have seen that man as the lord of creation is upright, which is the mark of lordship. The animal creation, below man, is bowed down, which is the mark of subjection.
While since the fall these relationships have been sadly marred, man is still erect, and the animal is still bowed down. Of course it could not be otherwise; the mark remains as unchangeable as God's purpose itself-a witness to it, a guarantee and reminder of it until it is fulfilled.
Man can recover his lordship over creation only when he returns in allegiance to his Lord; and he can enjoy it only in the kingdom of his Lord, and in association with Him to whom it belongs.
The animal, with all creation, still groans and travails in pain, waiting for the new creation order of things, which will be characterized by liberty-"the liberty of the sons of God." Their subjection will then be manifest and still more marked, because it will be a willing subjection. The glory and blessedness of that day will transcend all men's wildest dreams (Isa. II:60 etc., i Cor. 2:9). Lord hasten that day! Thy kingdom come! T. M.