OBSESSED WITH JOB
I am obsessed with the story of Job. On many different levels. But mostly because his story shows me so much of what can be wrong with my theology. It is hard to understand how we can read about Job’s life and still so badly misconstrue who God is.
Job’s story talks about God’s sovereignty. About suffering. About sickness. About our perspective, and how limited it is. About how we judge people. About self-righteous pride. About the battle between God and Satan. And about so much more.
Much of my theology, and the life that I live based on that theology, comes in part from my understanding of Job’s story. It is stunningly humbling to see how my life is not about me. All that happens in this life is about glorifying God. ALL that happens.
It is not about Job’s children, or their death, but about glorifying God. It is not about Job’s righteous life. It is not about Job’s reputation. It is not about Job’s health. It is not about Job’s wealth, but about glorifying God. On one level, none of that matters, (though God in his grace cares about us in these things.)
Do we really get that, or do we get so focused on those things that we get side-tracked and forget it’s not about us? How we see all of this matters, and I think it matters a great deal. For if I misunderstand this truth, I will not understand when, (and not if, by the way) these things come into my life. Friends and loved ones will die. I will get sick. I may face financial hardship, slander to my reputation, all manner of hardship and pain. And it will be hard...gut-wrenching, sobbingly, knock me to my knees hard. Job tells us not to smile and pretend it’s not. (Job 9:27-28) But how will we respond?
The cry of my heart is that my life will glorify God. That I will understand just a little of who God is, and how I should respond. Do I fail? Trust me, you have no idea how often. All I see is the mirror. I think it’s all about me. I worry and wring my hands about stupid stuff. I am so pathetically weak and human. As, I suspect, are you.
Join me in becoming obsessed with Job. We have a lot to learn.
Ken, like this perspective. it's the truth. It is all about glorifying God and not about me. And my little day to days are not what should be earth shattering to me. Not even my huge to huges. But have I done what the Lord has commanded me to do to glorify His Name. Thanks, Ken. I am glad God gave you wisdom. Nance Nix
ReplyDeleteLarry Glazner Amen, brother. Good word and well expressed
ReplyDeleteYesterday at 7:03am · Like
Melinda Rose Lilley As a "Job's Daughter" in high school, I had to memorize a lot of his story - not pretty and definitely makes you humble. I like your take on it.
Laura Gantenbein Amen, Ken. I am grateful - on several levels - that this story is included in scripture. Thanks for eloquently sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWow, Ken, what an insightful commentary. Thanks for sharing the wisdom God showed you in Job in a masterfully written blog. Vicky
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