Coffee With The Lord

I’m not Job, and I haven’t gone through what he went through as described in the Bible… The tragic death of his children and the loss of all his possessions and property in a single day… Incredible physical pain and suffering… loss of the support and understanding from his spouse… and then the ongoing, incessant criticism of former “friends” … an attack of Satan (a test, if you please) permitted by God but without explanation! Perhaps the silence of God was one of the most difficult things that Job had to endure!

This morning in my Bible reading, Job pours out his complaint and lack of understanding about what he was going through to God (Job 10)… (As you read it, I beg you to hear Job’s heart!)

Job cried out, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; yet You would destroy me? Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay! And will You turn me into dust again? Did you not…clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews? You have granted me life and favor, and Your care has preserved my spirit… If I am wicked, woe to me! Even if I am righteous, I cannot lift up my head. I am full of disgrace; O see my misery!” (From Job 10:8-15 NKJV)

I don’t know if you have ever felt that way, but in my years of pastoral ministry I’ve had to offer help and support to good, godly people who were going through trials and voiced feelings and questions like Job’s… They could not understand what or why they were experiencing the pain and suffering that was coming their way.

I do not know who I am writing these words to today – but you may very well be going through similar trials. Listen closely… God is patient! He is understanding! He loves you and is big enough to process your pain, your suffering, and your questions with mercy, compassion and grace! The silence you feel does not mean He has abandoned you! He has His eye upon you – He has confidence in you – He cares for you! He did not abandon Job – and He has not abandoned you! Trust Him… cling to Him… draw on the strength He provides… Job 10 is not the whole story… Job 42 is in the Bible as well and tells the rest of the story (and it can be YOUR story)! God was with Job before chapter 10 and was with him from chapters 11-41… and He will be with you all the way through your trial as well!

Just know that I paused and prayed for you – whoever you are – today!

Sometime the impact of something is lost with a lot of words… So today I’ve sought to keep it “short and significant!” (Perhaps “short and sweet” doesn’t necessarily apply here 😉)

The Bible reading from the Gospels in the Necessary Food Bible reading plan today?  Matthew 5:13-16

Here’s the “short and significant” version of it (let it sink in…)

“YOU are the SALT of the earth… Keep your ‘SAVOR’” (i.e. “savor” –  a characteristic taste, flavor, or smell.  Some translations use the word “saltiness”)

“YOU are the LIGHT of the world… Let your light so SHINE that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven!”

My response?  Oh Lord, I NEVER want to lose my “savor” as a Christian – a follower of Yours.  May my “light” ALWAYS shine in a way that glorifies You!

We often throw around phrases on special occasions (and even out of mere courtesy) and we don’t really think about what they mean! The big one that came to mind during my Bible reading time today in “coffee with the Lord” was “Blessings!” or “Bless you!” (People say it even when someone sneezes!)

The passage I was reading? The “Beatitudes” in Matthew 5:1-12 (you really ought to read it!).What people generally think of when those words are used, and what the Bible teaches, are two very different things! After all, who is REALLY “blessed” anyway? What does “blessing” look like? And finally, who (or perhaps, better “Who”) really is the source of blessing?

I would argue that “blessing” ultimately comes from God – “blessing” is really a “God-thing!

And who is “blessed?” Not those you might imagine based upon the popular view of things: In the “Beatitudes” Jesus taught it was, “The poor in Spirit…those who mourn…the meek…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…the merciful…the pure in heart…the peacemakers…those who are persecuted for righteousness sake… even when others revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely” because you are a devoted, obedient, follower of Christ!

And what does real “blessing” – God’s blessing – look like? Well, not at all like we often imagine… It’s not necessarily gaining riches, position, power or fame – not even necessarily being healthy… Instead, it’s gaining “the Kingdom of heaven,” experiencing God’s comfort, “inheriting the earth,” spiritual satisfaction, one day seeing God Himself, being called a “child of God” – even being able to rejoice in the face of persecution when it’s for the right reason!

So here’s the deal… After reading Matthew 5:1-12 (often called the “Beatitudes”) in my Bible this morning and reflecting on what Jesus taught there, I paused… and prayed… and then I told the Lord, “I really don’t care about the popular concept of “blessing!” – I want YOU to be able to “bless” me, and to bless me abundantly for the right reasons!

I just have a feeling I’ll be reflecting on that concept for a while… quite awhile! And then spending some time seeking to be the kind of person that God can bless!