“He Fell To The Ground In Worship”

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

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.”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:13-22

God is always good to us. He is always faithful. Even when we face surgery, we know God is with us and He will be faithful to us.

Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health. Yet Job1:20 tells us “he fell to the ground in worship.” When he was advised to curse God, his response was, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Job complained, ultimately he accepted God had never changed. Job knew God was still with him.

For most of us, praise is not our first response to difficulties. Sometimes the pain of our circumstances is so overwhelming we lash out in fear and anger.

God is still present, still good. He will help us through hard times.

Even at our lowest point, we can lift our eyes to the Lord.

Our Daily Bread – February 6, 2018