Scriptural Reverence: The Book of Job-Chapters 1-2
Wikipedia defines the word syndrome as “the collection of signs and symptoms that are observed in, and
characteristic of a single condition. ”As a simple citizen of society and a
fellow life-traveler I can say that I have the Job syndrome. I have a collection of signs and symptoms that
can be easily observed and are characteristically part of that single condition
Job suffered called Calamity.
When calamity arrives on my doorstep, I try to recognize the
asset of self-admittance of my frailties but this philosophy isn’t well
received! Many on this plane walk in
such a way as to avoid discussion of such things as “syndromes” and personal calamity, and I get that! If life’s troubles are not avoidable then
they are certainly deniable. Deny! Deny!
Deny! We present the façade that all is
well and we do it so well that even our answer to the polite inquiry “How are you doing?” is automatically
answered with a “Fine! How are you?”
This compunction to remain neutral is one of the signs in the collection of
symptoms that make up the Job Syndrome!
Perhaps we don’t function this way with our friends. Unfortunately, Job had a wife and friends who
didn’t quite get him, support him or even trust him. His friends decided to ask him what he may
have done to anger God, Almighty. That’s
a fine Howdy do! Job searched his heart
and remained steadfast in faith to God.
Interestingly, Job’s plight with personal plagues began even though he “was blameless and upright; he feared God”. (Job 1:1) I wonder what we would have done or
what we would do if faced with a colossal calamity that is undeserved and beyond
our control? That is what we are looking
at here!
It is generally our main goal to tread far away from even
just one of the calamities that Job suffered so we set out to juggle well and
avoid it all. We do not want to be
distressed financially so we work hard. We
do not want the stress of social pressure so we stand back and sit alone! We do
not want the distress of pain or death anywhere near us- so we play it
safe. We do not want to be hit with
life’s circumstances or society's judgment calls, so we strive to cover all the
bases in order to fit in, win approval, be neutral, socially acceptable or
simply to save face! Hey, I can admit I do some or all of these things. Like I said before, I don’t mind admitting my
frailties. I find admittance liberating! (Perhaps not redemptive-but freeing!)
On the other hand, when we refuse to look in the mirror and
face truth we become a prisoner to our own façade. With this style of life-management we reserve
no space for the distress of personal reflection or revelation. Losing here is not an option. But, then this Job
Syndrome creeps in, as if out of nowhere, and with its calamity destroys our
façade. There is no way around it; we’re
down for the count and our failure and loss stand before us in seeming
victory!
I know first-hand that this type of loss comes, like a tidal
wave, into the lives of those who run a tight ship; just as it does with those
who don’t. It’s as if the pain of this
life tracks us down and slams the trap of reality in front of us that is inevitably
unavoidable. This is, in fact, the truth of it!
Here is the spiritual truth of it: Scripture says that the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for whom he can devour. (1 Peter 5:8) That is a frighteningly simple
explanation. Evil prowls! That very same evil played a part in Job’s syndrome
of calamity and loss. God, himself,
asked the fallen angel Satan “Have you considered my
servant Job?’ (Job 1:8) In great confidence God asked that question! God permitted Job to be tested and Job was forced to face many challenges
and eventually lived up to God’s expectations despite all costs and received
recompense. Scripture tells us “The lord blessed the latter part of Job’s
life more than the first.” (Job 42:12) May it be with us as well!
God says:
“I am the beginning and the end!”
Revelation 22:13
Revelation 22:13
God also says:
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
Exodus 20:3
Exodus 20:3
When humanity tries
to interject our will or way into any aspect of those two statements
calamity
ensues! It’s that simple!
Overview: We can trace the original calamity of loss back to Adam and Eve. Their fatal decision became known, worldwide, as “Original Sin”. To believe in the Biblical explanation that one choice can be that fatal is to be willing to simplify even the most in-depth issue down to godly obedience….and in that we find the genesis of the Calamity of Man.
Song Recommendation:
All I need is You
By: Jesus Culture
No comments:
Post a Comment