Lessons From The Male Goat

-September 30, 2022-

Good morning, happy Friday,

“A greyhound. A male goat also. And a king whose troops are with him.”

(Proverbs 30:31).

The male goats are the leaders of the flock. They are rivals with each other, always trying to gain the upper hand. Male goats have strong horns with which they can fight and defend themselves and other members of the flock. Often, two male goats will butt their horns and fight until one is vanquished and made to submit or one of them dies. It is a picture of leadership, pride, and self-reliance. Male goats are leaders not followers.

Jesus taught us to be first, we must be last; to accept the low, humble place; and be leader-servants. When we humble ourselves we will be exalted, but when we exalt ourselves we will be humbled. True strength of character is love, humility, and sacrifice for others. In the NT, we as Christians are called God’s sheep. We are never called goats.

There is a story told of two goats each trying to pass a steep mountainous trail that only one could safely pass. Neither would give an inch and they began to fight one another by butting heads with their horns. Suddenly, one goat said to the other, “If we continue like this, neither one of us will survive. We will knock each other over the side and down to our death. I will lay down and let you walk across my body. Then you can pass first, then I can safely pass across.” “Great idea, said the other. Thank you so much for your willing sacrifice on my behalf.” The two became lifelong friends from then on.

This story originated with Aesop and there are many variations of it. It has great implications for us as brothers and sisters in Christ. If we argue, demand our own way, and fight amongst ourselves we cannot show the love of Christ. We need leaders among us who are men of steel (strength) and velvet (tenderness, love, and kindness). This is where true greatness lies. It wasn’t easy for the first goat to lay down and let the second goat walk over his body. 1 John 3:16 says, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Jesus set the example for us to follow.

Have a blessed day of humility and sacrificing for others. The stronger always helps the weaker, and ducks under. Stay safe and healthy.

In serving the Greatest Master,

Dean