Read Job 1:20-22
"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21
The hosts of heaven and of hell watched to see how Job would respond to the loss of his wealth and his children. He expressed his grief in a manner normal for that day, for God expects us to be human (1 Thess. 4:13). After all, even Jesus wept (John 11:35). But then Job worshipped God and uttered a profound statement of faith.
First, he looked back to his birth: "Naked I came from my mother's womb" (Job 1:21). Everything Job owned was given to him by God, and the same God who gave it had the right to take it away. Job simply acknowledged that he was a steward.
Then Job looked ahead to his death: "And naked I will depart" (v. 21). He would not return to his mother's womb, because that would be impossible. He would go to "Mother Earth," be buried, and return to dust. Nothing he had acquired between his birth and death would go with him into the next world.
Finally, Job looked up and uttered a magnificent statement of faith: "The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (v. 21). Instead of cursing God, as Satan said Job would do (vv. 9-11), Job blessed the Lord! Anybody can say, "The Lord gave" or "The Lord has taken away"; but it takes real faith to say in the midst of sorrow and suffering, "May the name of the Lord be praised."
Applying God's Truth:
Do you think Job's worship during his great tragedy suggests that he was in denial of his situation? Explain.Do you think Job's actions were appropriate? Why or why not?What are some less effective responses to tragedy that people use today?
Devotions for Patience and Wholeness ©2005 by Dr. Warren Wiersbe. Used by permission of David C Cook. May not be further reproduced. All rights reserved.