Job 19:25-27
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me”
Have you ever thought about what you will leave behind when you leave this world? Let me phrase it in another way: What comments will people make about you when they hear you have died? A bit morbid, But worth thinking about.
Several years ago I officiated at the funeral service for a man who had been married four times and had been divorced by all four of them. The family had requested time for people to share their remembrances during the service. When I asked for remembrances, three of the man’s former wives came forward.
They cried and spoke such endearing words that people in attendance began to have amused looks as if to ask; “If he was so wonderful, why did you divorce him?” But one of the ex-wives remained seated and did not comment.
At the graveside, the ex-wife who had not made comment came up to me before the rest of the entourage had gathered. Quietly she whispered: “Did you notice I did not comment during the chapel service?” I remarked that I had noticed that. She continued: “There was nothing good I could say about the man. He was the most disgusting man I ever met. I only came to make sure he was dead and gone!” Wow! How do you respond to that kind of comment? I simply replied: “I’m very happy that you did not share that with the group in the chapel.”
In today’s Scripture we are treated to the response of a righteous man who was under intense trials. Job had lost all of his wealth, virtually all of his servants, all ten of his children. He was wracked with painful sores and finally, was surrounded by friends who accused him of hiding some secret sin that caused God to send these plagues upon him.
I marvel at the integrity of this man who had suffered such calamity. His wife was not at all understanding. She urged him to curse God and die. (Thanks for that support, Honey!)
Here is how Job responded to her: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
That, my dear friend, is absolute trust in God. Job did not look at the circumstances to determine whether he was being treated fairly or not—he praised the Lord in the midst of the most devastating circumstances.
How about you? Are you critical of God for the things you are going through? I would urge you to read the book of Job and discover why he was tempted and tried and how he was rewarded for his faith—then make his proclamation of faith in today’s Scripture your own.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil