Naked and Bald-headed

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. (Job 1:20-22 ESV). I find myself returning to Job often. I suppose that’s because I have come to appreciate it more and more the older I get. In our reading today we find Job naked and bald-headed in grief and suffering. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? I often tell folks that if nothing bad has ever happened to them, just hang around a while and it will. Tragedy is a part of our human existence in this sinful world. However, the tragedy is not the real issue; it is how we react to the tragedy that becomes a defining moment. Usually we find ourselves on one of two paths: either we will have our faith strengthened, turning to God for comfort; or, we will become angry at God, turning away from Him. Someone has said, hardships in life either will make you better or bitter. That’s often true. Character is not made in the moment of crisis; that takes place throughout our lives. It is true that during a crisis we are able to put our character to the test. In the case of Job, we see him being exactly how God said he was: "a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil" (cf. Job 1:8). Some people have told me they thought I must have a great deal of faith to have handled all the physical issues over the last twenty years. Truthfully, it really has seemed to be much of a challenge. I have seen many others with a far greater challenge. But, I can say I have found my reaction to be one of common sense. After all, where else am I going to turn? I can turn to the empty promises of the world or the One who actually can support me at times like those. He is the One who promised to give me what I need. The Bible records a time when many people turned away from following Jesus. So Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, "Do you also want to go away?" Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life . . ." (cf. John 6:68). Loosely paraphrased it could read: "Lord we don't always get You. But this much we know. You are the One, and we will keep following you." This is one of the good things that can come out of crisis and suffering. You turn to God with dependence like you have never had before. This has the result of gaining a faith that produces patience and longsuffering. It is a faith that points us to the great glory awaiting all of God’s children. It gives us a hope that can never disappoint us. That’s where Job turned; that’s where I want to turn. How about you?