GIVE AND TAKE AWAY?
Quite often we sing in church, "He gives and takes away." It is not the way I can picture God. He is the giver of all good gifts, but He is not the one that takes away. Who then is the one that takes away and makes us look as if we were the enemies of God? The Book of Job gives us clearer insight.
To begin with, we must be high on God's list for the devil to take an interest. To qualify, one must be like Job: blameless, upright, fear God and shun evil (Job.1: 1). Such people are thorns in Satan's eyes because they remain faithful to God even when circumstances are unfavorable (Job 2: 10). Job lost everything he had built: his wealth, his ten children, his health and his wife wanted him to curse God and die. Then his four friends treated him as the worst sinner that was being punished justly by God. Job could not recall what it was that could have angered God; nevertheless, he accepted his fate as coming from the hand of God. Only, it was not God but the devil that was robbing and torturing Job.
If everything is thumbs-up, then we too might be drifting away from God. Satan likes nothing better than when we take God for granted. As long as we keep our faith to ourselves, he has no reason to be alarmed. But, the moment we step out and live for Jesus and obey his orders, the devil with full force will be on our backs. Like Job and his friends, many among us believe that God is behind our misfortunes. God is the giver of everything that is good (Ja.1: 17). It is Satan that binds God-fearing people with misery and sickness (Lk.13: 16).
Does that mean Christians cannot have earthly riches? Jesus promised that his followers would receive a hundredfold in the new world and not in this one (Mt.19: 29). But the reward comes after they have proven themselves faithful to God. For Job, his life, the life of his children and all his goods were second to God and that is why he was blessed double than he was before (Job 42: 10-17). Riches kept the Young Ruler from following Jesus and many rich people out of heaven (Mk.10: 17-31). That is why Jesus refused the devil's offer and pointed out that God comes first (Lk.4: 5-8). God wants us to have earthy goods. He shall even multiply them when we are faithful (Mt.25: 14-30). But if we gain wealth for selfish reasons, He may not let us enjoy it (Lk.12: 13-21). And since God's reign is not of this world, good people like Job will endure Satan's fury (Jn.18: 36).
Dear ones, Selma and Pastor Dan,
We have sought out your web site because we are in great misery over the events of the past year.
Reading this entry has touched a nerve and we ask for your prayer and possible follow-up for my brother Mike.
He was diagnosed with leukemia almost a year ago. After treatment, he was given a clean bill of health in June. He called today and told us that he saw the Dr. and he is now terminal, a different and virulent form of cancer. He is seeking the pastor of his church in Rochester (a Lutheran Church) to repent and ask for counseling. He has not lost his faith, but has not been faithful. We thought of you immediately and covet your prayers for my beloved brother.
You are loved and we think of you so often, talk of you and miss you. We would love to have your phone number. I will share ours (303-660-9643) and Mike's (360-591-1535) His last name is McGinnis and the number above is his cell phone.
We recall from a conversation with Selma, years ago, that you--Pastor--have also gone through cancer. Mike's is terminal, and he still has children in high school. He is needing God's guidance and reassurance.
Thank you and much love to you both.
Paula and Bob