Job!
To many, that name is a byword, an identification of troubles, and
trials in life that rings down through the ages. But it is a powerful
reminder that bad things really do happen to good people, and
sometimes it is hard to understand why, or for what purpose.
In
his case, Job was a righteous man, highly blessed of God whom he both
knew and served. Unknown to him was a trial coming his way that
easily transcended the mastery of man, but that is not what it was
all about. It was a testing for time and eternity to friend and foe
that the grace of God is sufficient in whatever temptations, trials,
and illnesses life may bring.
God held Job up as an example, but
Satan insisted that it was all because of the blessings of God upon
him. Take those away, he said, and Job would curse God. (hum, sounds
like Satan had already witnessed human failure.)
The contest
began. Job lost his sons, all of them. He lost his great herds of
cattle, camels, and other animals. Last but not least, Job broke out
in severe boils all over his body. He could stand no clothing so he
sat in a pile of ashes, covering himself with them, and scrapping his
wounds with shredded pottery. To say that he was one extremely
miserable character would be a gross understatement. This went on for
days, then weeks, then months. His friends who came to console him
only succeeded in making matters worse through their lack of
understanding.
Misery was piled upon misery! So much so that all
generations after him recoil at the bad things God allowed Satan to
cast upon him. So, what did Job do that was so right?
Job
resisted temptation to sin with his lips. Even when his wife in
doubtless pity urged him to cast off his integrity, and curse God and
die. Job blessed the Lord.
Job exalted God in praise, avowing
that he knew his Savior and that He would stand in the latter day
upon the earth. He testified that even though he should die and skin
worms destroy his body, yet he would see God with his own eyes and
not those of another.
Although Job did not have scriptures to
bolster his faith as modern mankind does, he remained true to God,
and to the faith he had been given. To put God first, and as one’s
only hope beyond this vail of tears is always the right thing to do.
Job did just that, and you., dear reader, should follow that example
because it is so right!!
WHAT DID JOB DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?
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