Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away… The affliction and the patience of Job are set before us as an example, and there is scarcely any case that can occur but something in his complicated trials will be found to correspond to it. His afflictions were sent, not so much in consequence of any particular sin, as for the trial of his faith. However painful any affliction may be, while we are exercised by it, yet when it is over we often perceive that all was wise and good; at least, we see it so in others. In Job's trials, a particular, God was glorified, Satan confounded, and the sufferer comes forth as gold. That which supported him under all was the power of religion, the value of which is never more known than in the day of adversity. This is the armour of God, which enables us to stand in the evil day; and having done all, to stand. I. THE SPIRIT OF SUBMISSION UNDER BEREAVING PROVIDENCES EXEMPLIFIED IN THE CONDUCT OF JOB. There are several particulars in this case which serve to show the greatness and severity of Job's affliction, and the aboundings of the grace of God towards him, which enabled him to endure it all with so much meekness and submission. 1. The degree of his afflictions. The objects taken away were more than were left, and seemed to leave him nothing to comfort him. 2. His trouble came upon him suddenly and unexpectedly, and completely reversed his former circumstances. It was all in one day, and that a day of feasting too, when everything appeared promising around him. Prosperity and adversity are like two opposite climates: men can live in almost any temperature, if but inured to it; but sudden reverses are insupportable. Hence it is we feel most for those who have seen better days when they fall into poverty and want. 3. Though Job was eminently pious, it is doubtful whether his children were so in any degree, and this would render the bereavement far more severe. 4. His submission also appears in a holy moderation which attended his griefs. A man of no religion would have been distracted, or have sunk in sullen despair. A heathen would have cursed his gods, and perhaps have committed suicide, being filled with rage and disappointment. 5. Amidst all his sorrow and distress he preserves a holy resolution to think well of God, and even blesses His holy name. II. THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH JOB'S SUBMISSION WAS EVIDENTLY FOUNDED. There is the patience of despair, and a submission to fate; but Job's was of a very different description. 1. He considers all that befell him as God's doing, and this calms and quiets his spirit. 2. He recollects that all he had was from the hand of God; that it was merely a gift, or rather lent for a time, to be employed for His glory. 3. He feels thankful that they were once given him to enjoy, though now they are taken from him. We may see reason to bless God that ever we had property or children or friends to enjoy, and that we possessed any of them so long as we did; though now, by the will of providence, we are deprived of them all. 4. Even when bereaved of every earthly comfort, he considers God as worthy of his gratitude and adoration. Job could bless the hand that took away, as well as the hand that gave; and this must have been a special act of faith. Reflections — (1) How wise and how heedful to choose the better part, which shall never be taken from us. (2) Afflictions, if not sanctified, will only tend to aggravate our guilt. (3) The example of Job teaches us that a spirit of despondency and discontent in a time of trial is utterly inconsistent with true religion. (4) While we admire the patience of Job, we cannot but abhor the unfeeling conduct of his friends. (J. Haman.) Parallel Verses KJV: And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. |
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