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)
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