Today I have some thoughts after listening to Job.
I was first of all wondering if he was super over-protective over his kids. He sacrificed on behalf of them every morning. And this may have meant he was upstanding as a parent…..but on the other end it would have created (maybe) very lazy children who were covered even if they sinned without actually bringing an offering….its a thought to ponder and it kind of reminds me of us when we lean too far on the grace side ?
Continuing with Job – his wife also lost her children. I can understand her “curse God and die” statement. She had also lost. And her reaction sounds more human than Job’s. She also lost but she did what we do all too often….we run from God and not to God.
The Book of Job reminds me of concentric circles….ripples that continue to be felt long after the initial event. Job’s wife suffered even though this was his test. And Job’s friends were tested even though this was Job’s test. Families of addicts understand the negative aspects of concentric circles. What Job was experiencing was directly affecting all in his inner circle.
And the question that I hear under all his lamenting sounds so familiar ……”But I loved You God” and “I didn’t ask for this” ….we ask those questions over and over in many different ways just like Job…
I loved the community scripture he flung out in chapter six from verse fourteen to thirty (Message Bible). Community. Brotherhood. Speaking the truth in love. Not giving up on past bonds. I love it – bam ? – the hard part of community…
“…we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good…” This scripture from Romans is quoted often.
I am sure this takes circles, and some circles we don’t see, other circles others don’t see, we just have to know deep down that we trust God enough to believe it. I don’t think your circles are good if you have disobediently messed up your finances or your relationships or your health. When we do that we put ourselves on the throne and the circles that emanate are negative. But when our motives were on track and we can also say, “but I loved You God” ….then know that the circles that move from your hardship will be good.
Just like Job’s circles touched those around him as well as himself in a negative fashion, think how far the circles of his testimony of God’s restoration has reached. That in the year 2017 we can still rejoice with Job after crying with him ❤.
I have always believed in God as the God of restoration. I had always planned to name my first child with the same name as one of Job’s next children. I probably still will.
Never forget that what you do today affects your friends and family tomorrow. Never forget that when we go wrong there is restitution. Never forget that God hears every word we speak and also sees our inner heart. Know that life is tough. Know that God will visit with you in the toughest times if you cry out to Him. Never forget that He will restore. If it has been stolen it WILL be restored. Sit on the ash heap…but keep your gaze upwards while you’re there ??