Lightning From The Sky

One day Job's sons and daughters were at their oldest brother's house. They were enjoying good food and drinking wine.

During that time a messenger came to Job. He said, "The oxen were plowing. The donkeys were eating grass near them. Then the Sabeans attacked us and carried the animals off. They killed some of the servants with their swords. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, a second messenger came. He said, "God sent lightning from the sky. It struck the sheep and killed them. It burned up some of the servants. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, a third messenger came. He said, "The Chaldeans separated themselves into three groups. They attacked your camels and carried them off. They killed the rest of the servants with their swords. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

While he was still speaking, a fourth messenger came. He said, "Your sons and daughters were at their oldest brother's house. They were enjoying good food and drinking wine. Suddenly a strong wind blew in from the desert. It struck the four corners of the house. The house fell down on your children. Now all of them are dead. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

After Job heard all of those reports, he got up and tore his robe. He shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. He said, "I was born naked. And I'll leave here naked. You have given, and you have taken away. May your name be praised."

In spite of everything, Job didn't sin by blaming God for doing anything wrong.

Job 1:13-22

When you go to someplace really majestic, like the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls you should be struck with the majesty of God’s creation. Watch the sun come up and go down in those same places or on an ocean cruise, and just say, “Thank You Lord.”

As we learn from Job, bad things do sometimes happen to good people. We, as Christians, are not protected from that. We can be sure that God will never allow us to be tested beyond our individual abilities. Rejoice in what happens to you. Grow in your faith.

Disaster can strike at any moment, but nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ. No disaster can separate us from God’s love.

God’s love still stands when all else has fallen.

Our Daily Bread – November 12, 2009