Humility first – most people know at least some of the story of Job. He was a great man whom God actually named as a shining example: “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” (Job 1:8)
Can you imagine God calling your name out as an example? Yeah, I can’t imagine Him calling mine out either…
Satan wants to make Job blaspheme God, and is allowed to destroy everything that Job has – buildings, fields, livestock…even to the point of killing all his children! Like any one of us, Job clearly and deeply grieves over this - but then we read this amazing verse:
Job 1:20: Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
He what? Okay, the 1st half of that verse makes sense – he’s broken and messed up and grieving over losing pretty much… but then he worshiped? Wow…
Job 1:21:
And he (Job) said:
‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Can you imagine? Losing your possessions and all of your children (and this dude had a gaggle of kids – seven sons and three daughters…. That’s a fielded baseball squad - with one pinch hitter to boot!), and then worshiping God anyway? No wonder He picks Job as an example!
Let's be honest: For most of us, it is relatively easy to worship God when the blessings flow (as they do so often if you’re paying attention). But when our world erupts, and the trials and tribulations come (which are guaranteed to come if we are doing our walk with the Lord correctly – see John 16:33), may we too follow Job’s example and praise the Lord, for He gives so much more than He takes away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!