February 2024
Nougat 24
Part of my recent fascination with blessing arose from a commentary that said one ought not be eager to bless others, or to be blessed. On hearing Today’s Holy Nougat
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “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.”” Job 1:20-21 NIV
Blessing God Despite
Everything gone!
He was the most righteous man in those parts – visibly righteous, honest and family-oriented – despite his wealth. Some wondered whether his professed faith was for show. Over the years, his wealth continued to increase. (It’s uncanny how another wealthy with that name, walked a similar path). Then suddenly, with 0 warning:
The bottom fell out of his world!
No longer owner of livestock, or anything except the land on which his holdings has been housed; Job must have had to assess his faith. As is wont to happen, disaster arrived in droves. Before he could fully absorb the depths of his reality, all his children were dead!
Job’s response
He mourned. Publicly so.
With sackcloth and shaving off his head (the kind of mourning ritual practiced by one whose Nazarene vow was impacted by direct contact with a dead animal. He had not touched any of the things or the people who’d died, but Job did nothing in small measure, and he was like a priest in his community. Moreover, while he has not been in direct contact with dead animals; Death itself had chosen to touch him personally).
His grief was palpable and public.
More so was the act of faith.
Job poured out his whole being in worship before God. He recognized that God is the Author, Finisher and Giver of all (Psalm 24:1) and Job opted to praise God instead of being bitter. He knew Whose he was, and that was enough proof for him that he was well and truly blessed. Because of God – not the circumstances he faced!
If have said his response was impossible, except I’ve met Job’s 20-21st century kin. When faced with the reality of Death of their only child … Job’s kin grieved. And still continue to grieve. Their son has not been restored to physical human life, despite all the lives he’s impacted in life and in death. Yet, I recall Job’s kin testifying to God’s goodness, grace and generosity. Even at their son’s funeral!
Truly, we can learn from the Job’s around us. In the face of danger, trials and tribulations, we may need to recognize Whose we are, that is – we count the blessings, and opt to bless God. For it is the Giver Who blesses us, not the gift. A weird to the wise …
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May all we seek be found in Christ