Children have vivid imaginations. There are not really any limitations to what they can imagine. Almost every child has some animal that they especially like. In their imaginary playtime, they may transform into a lion, fox, eagle, or so many other options. It probably does happen, but a milk cow might be a rare choice as a child’s favorite animal to role play. It is not as sensational of a choice.

Who wants to play the part of a cow?

In 1 Samuel 6, there are a lot of people, Philistine and Israeli. They are all interacting with the emblem of the Lord’s presence on earth, the ark of God. However, everyone in 1 Samuel 6 fails to interact with the Lord properly, except two milk cows. Yes, you should take your cues about obedience from these two humble creatures.

First, notice their simple obedience. They assumed the role of service to which they were not accustomed. They were not yoke-bearing animals. Yet, the providence of their Creator directed them to fill this role. They were out of their “comfort zone,” but by fulfilling this role of service they became the exemplary model of simple obedience. We can easily become too full of ourselves and incapable of simple obedience because “that’s not my responsibility.” We can easily “disqualify” ourselves of a task because we “could never do that.” If the Creator says, “Go,” then we should exercise simple obedience. Whatever he has called us to do should be our next act.

Second, notice their serious obedience. These milk cows were not under some enchantment. The fact they were lowing the entire way signifies that they were aware of what they left behind—their calves. Since my wife grew up on a cattle ranch, I am aware that many times a cow will not tend to her calf. While this is out of the ordinary, it still happens with enough frequency to not be surprising. It may be frustrating, but not necessarily surprising. These cows marched the direct route to Israel. They didn’t turn to the right or left. However, they were lowing after their calves which meant that they were not irresponsible mothers. They left behind everything that mattered in their very small world at the behest of their Creator. Do you see any parallel to Jesus’ admonition to his followers to leave father, mother, wife, children, brethren, and sisters?

Third, notice their sacrificial obedience. They will arrive in Beth-shemesh and where they stop, their purpose is not complete. They are sacrificed for the glory of God. There are many followers of Christ who are willing to go along with God for a good long while. They are willing to forego everything in this world in order to obey the Lord. However, when it comes to personal sacrifice they draw back. Paul encourages believers to be a living sacrifice as a dedicated response to the ultimate sacrifice the Lord made for all the world.

If you research the background of Luke’s gospel, you will find that the image of the ox is associated with his account. Jesus engaged the redemption of the world with simple obedience. He had never been fashioned in flesh, but for our sakes, he was born into this world. As you read through the story of Jesus you find his connection to the Father intense. He was constantly talking to the Father. He was praying and you sense the yearning of his spirit even in the Garden of Gethsemane. His obedience was serious obedience. He left the glories of heaven in perfect communion with the Father and Spirit in order to rescue the world. He did not stop short of perfect obedience. He even obeyed unto death. He became the ultimate sacrifice.

We might not admire cows too often, but 1 Samuel 6 is one story where the cows are the only ones who get it right. We would do well to learn from them how we ought to obey our Heavenly Father.