Job 1:13-22 Common English Bible
Job passes the test
13 One day Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house. 14 A messenger came to Job and said: “The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys were grazing nearby 15 when the Sabeans took them and killed the young men with swords. I alone escaped to tell you.”
16 While this messenger was speaking, another arrived and said: “A raging fire fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and devoured the young men. I alone escaped to tell you.”
17 While this messenger was speaking, another arrived and said: “Chaldeans set up three companies, raided the camels and took them, killing the young men with swords. I alone escaped to tell you.”
18 While this messenger was speaking, another arrived and said: “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 when a strong wind came from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people, and they died. I alone escaped to tell you.”
20 Job arose, tore his clothes, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshipped. 21 He said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb; naked I will return there. The Lord has given; the Lord has taken; bless the Lord’s name.” 22 In all this, Job didn’t sin or blame God.
The Word of God for the Children of God.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
A messenger came to his door … your livestock has just been stolen and their tenders were found dead – about a hundred yards away – they put up a fight.
Another messenger follows the first about an hour later. Marauders had also struck where your sheep were being sheered for their wool and your goats are being milked – these marauders stole all of the animals, took all of the wool and milk you were going to sell at the market next week. The workers were killed.
Then while that messenger was talking, another messenger came running to the door with the news that a sudden wind storm destroyed the home of your children while they were celebrating the arrival of another child – all now dead.
The Lord Giveth … The Lord taketh Away … Blessed be the name of the Lord?!?
What is Job talking about …
Bless the name of the Lord when I have suddenly lost literally everything, up to, including my children and grandchildren? What is all that supposed to mean?
I would not be the first person to walk up to Job to repeat that line with my hand upon his shoulders – this just seems to be adding more grief, pain at a bad time.
Praise God or Curse God…What Comes Next?
Asking the Question; What comes next … praising God or cursing God begins a monumental self examination of the strength versus weakness of their faith?
Psalm 139:23-24 Common English Bible
23 Examine me, God! Look at my heart!
Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts!
24 Look to see if there is any idolatrous way[a] in me,
then lead me on the eternal path!
From here, I am going to back away because what needs to take place here is not subject to even 1% manipulation through my wisdom and personal experiences.
This is where we are to engage God with all hard questions we want to shout.
This is where you and God can authentically, honestly, come together eye to eye face to face, heart to heart, in full weakness strengthen what’s left of your faith.
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 119:25-32 Common English Bible
ד dalet
25 My life is stuck in the dirt.
Now make me live again according to your promise!
26 I confessed my ways and you answered me.
Now teach me your statutes!
27 Help me understand what your precepts are about
so I can contemplate your wondrous works!
28 My spirit sags because of grief.
Now raise me up according to your promise!
29 Remove all false ways from me;
show mercy to me by means of your Instruction.
30 I’ve chosen the way of faithfulness;
I’m set on your rules.
31 I’m holding tight to your laws, Lord.
Please don’t let me be put to shame.
32 I run the same path as your commandments
because you give my heart insight.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 