THE CASE OF THE SPECKLED COWS

 

There is an interesting story in the Bible that has given me much reflection. It is the story of speckled cows. You will recall that upon arriving in Haran, Jacob committed himself to serve his uncle Laban for 14 years for his wives Leah and Rachael but after twenty long years of service the Lord instructed him to return to Canaan (31:13).

Laban was reluctant to let him go admitting that the Lord had prospered him because of Jacob, nevertheless, he asked him what wages he can give him for his service (Genesis 30:27). Anticipating this question, Jacob devised a marvellous plan, one that would recompense him for years of Laban's treachery (Genesis 31:6,7).

He told Laban that all he wanted were the speckled and spotted cows out of the flocks of cattle that he tended for Laban. And here unfolds Jacob's clever and miraculous plan. The plan was to make rods out of the green branches of hazel and chestnut trees and carve them randomly so that they appeared speckled. Jacob then placed the rods in the watering troughs so when the cows came to drink, the speckles would be constantly before their eyes (Genesis 30:37-42).

He did this especially with stronger cows. When the cows conceived, they conceived and delivered speckled calves. When Jacob's time came to leave, he was far richer than Laban had ever been. I don't know anyone who would think of such a clever plan or have the foresight and faith that this would work. Some have speculated that this was common superstition of the day and that there is no explanation of it by modern science. It is clear however, that divine intervention played the part since Jacob gave God the credit for this plan and since God instructed him to return to his ‘country’ and promised to ‘deal well with him’.(Genesis 31:7-9; 32:9; see Old Testament Student Manual Part 1 p 88)  

But yes, I do have an opinion on this….Jacob knew we become what we consistently focus on….

I am reminded here of the ‘speckled water’ we drink on regular basis. This water has a far greater image in it. Mirrored in the sacramental emblems is "the bread of life" (John 6:35) and "the fountain of living waters" (Isaiah 12:3; Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:6-15; John 7:37; 1 Nephi 11:25; D&C 10:66; 63:23).  Like the cows who came to drink of the "speckled" water, we drink the sacramental water in which is the image of Christ.

We come to the sacramental table to figuratively eat Christ's body and drink His blood. The Saviour confirmed this when He said: "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me and I in him...he that eateth me, even he shall live by me...he that eateth of this bread shall live forever." (John 6:51-58).

Like the speckled calves that were products of speckled water, may we drink the living water that we may receive the image of Christ in our countenance.  

 

To my lips I take the cup

With bitter taste I drink it up;

In remembrance of blood spilt

My sins increase the bitter still.

 

The sorrow rends my weeping heart

The contrite spirit hope imparts.

You reach for me with tender touch;

“Weep not, I wept for you so much,

The price was paid, your soul was won

Our hearts now beat as we are one.

 

The price was paid, your soul is mine

Two hearts united in love divine.

 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Fill My Cup Lord by Danny Hahlbohm)

LOVE OF GOD IN OUR COUNTENANCE

 

When I study the scriptures I become enthralled by people enshrined in holy writ. I am amazed at their capabilities, their sufferings, their level of endurance, their skills at handling life, their talents and their very beings. What evokes my utmost admiration, however, are the people whose lives reflect their devotion to and love of God. My scriptures are littered with my pencilled hearts where passages of such evidence have touched me to the core. I am presently captivated by Joshua, the son of Nun, who led the host of Israel into the promised land. Like Moses before him, he constantly gave credit for ALL to Jehovah and never lost sight of the one true and living God. When I read of all he did, I feel that I know Joshua because his heart is laid bare on the pages of my scriptures. 

 

We are an amazing assortment of humanity. I marvel at our uniqueness, our creativity, our intelligence, our very essence and all that we are and are yet to become. I imagine if there were no mortal days of probation I might never have heard of Joshua, son of Nun, or a man called Abraham Lincoln in the vastness of the Universe or been moved by music written by Mozart or heard Renee Fleming sing Casta Diva. What an amazing gift it is to be a witness of someone's unique expression of self and of the mark they leave on this world. Most of us will not earn a page in the annals of history. Most of us will never become another Abraham Lincoln or Mozart or Helaman or Isaiah but all of us have it within us to excel as children of God and thereby become a shining beacon of righteousness.

 

Alma spoke of having the image of God in our countenance (Alma 5:14). Imagine our unique talents, gifts, capacities and personalities, our very soul, enhanced by an image of an exalted God. Imagine the beauty that would exude from us if we truly loved God and possessed the Saviour’s attributes. Moroni thought it was possible. He admonished us to pray for the pure love of Christ so that when He appears we shall be like Him and thereby know Him (Moroni 7:48). Imagine the hearts we could reach if they saw the Saviour in us. Imagine how many souls we could influence and bring home with us if we bore the image of Christ in our countenance. I long to bring my children and grandchildren to the foot of God’s throne. I imagine you are the same.

 

In the realms of heaven when your glorious destiny hung in the balance, the Saviour saw you and your worth and your potential. Besides His overriding desire to bring glory to the Father, this is what propelled Him to the cross. In the words of Dr. Seuss: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You". How truly magnificent are you!

- CATHRYNE ALLEN