The Lord Gave"

 “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.” (Job 1:21 ESV)

The Book of Job is one of my favorite books. I think it is because this book identifies exactly who we are in the order of creation. It is real, the tragedies that befall Job happen to many. It is Job’s faith that is uplifting. Despite his brief questioning of God, to which God gives the greatest place setter for humanity, Job never walked away from God.

“Naked I came,” and “Naked I will return.” We come with nothing, and we leave with nothing. Everything we have is given to us by God. I find it humorous when I hear a Christian talking about how much money they make or how many advanced degrees they have. They have nothing that God has not given or has given them the ability to achieve in their life. Any skill you possess, along with the level of intelligence you have, as well as anything that drives you, was given to you by God. It is the arrogance and narcissism of humanity that is its downfall.

Jesus often exemplified this in His teaching. The parable of the rich fool, Luke 12:16-21, is an example of this teaching as well as the parable of the young rich man. Both reveal the one who revels in his riches, neglecting his relationship with God. Funny how money seems to be the root of all evil, truly. No one is saying a Christian cannot be wealthy, but it is how they treat their wealth.

“The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away.” Taking away does not always mean what you have will be taken from you. It also means that while you may have much, you will be taken away from what you covet the most. Jesus taught this most clearly in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). We are to share in our bounty. It is like what John the Baptist said: “And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”  And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (Luke 3:10-11). Be a cheerful giver; this is what God desires. Even giving in our poverty is seen as a great act by God (Mark 12:41-44).

We are but a part of creation, and creation was designed for God, by God. We, as a part of creation, are to glorify God in the way we live. It is hard, yes, there is no doubt, but all things are possible through God. It is when we place our complete trust and faith in our lives that the burdens of this world are released. Living a Christ-centered life, which involves aligning our thoughts, actions, and decisions with the teachings and example of Christ, is crucial to our growth in sanctification. As we walk closer and closer with the Lord, the more He changes us into His image.

Where are you in your walk with the Lord? Do you know Him as your Savior? If you do know Him, do everything you do for the glory of God. If you do not, seek Him now. Naked we are born and naked we will leave. Each breath is a gift of God; only He knows if our next breath is our last.

Call on the name of the Son of God and ask Him to save you from your sins. No matter how bad you think you are, all things are possible in the name of Christ.

Grace and Peace.