In Parenthesis

(They think their prosperity is of their own doing, but I will have nothing to do with that kind of thinking.) [Job 21.16] 

I don't recall that I've ever written an article whose subject Bible verse/passage was in parenthesis. I digress to do so however...

Bur first, as I am coming to grips with the fact that God said Job spoke accurately about Him (Job 42.7-9), I must note that I am finding inner peace with Job's story. It does not matter one bit what my doctrinal or theological inclinations are. What matters is that God said Job spoke accurately about Him. The moment I defend what I believe against what Job said, I am arguing with God (again, because God said Job spoke accurately about Him). I find relief in this fact. But, this is just a side note...

What Job said in the subject passage above is profound. He is speaking of wicked people (verse 7). He is saying the wicked think their prosperity is of their own doing. And, because that is the way wicked people think, I, like Job, will purpose not to think that way. 

There is a problem, however, with another kind of thinking...

The problem with not thinking prosperity is of my own doing is that I must concur it is of someone else's doing. And then, herein lies a factor that once again causes a knot in my stomach. If prosperity is not my own doing, then whose doing is it? Is it God's? And, if it is not God's (because the wicked prosper), is it Satan's doing?

This causes me to wonder what "thinking" then Job was talking about. Was he talking about "thinking" where prosperity comes from (myself or otherwise)? Or, was he talking about "thinking" about prosperity period? What Job went on to say about the subject makes me believe the latter:

One person dies in prosperity, completely comfortable and secure, the picture of good health, vigorous and fit. Another person dies in bitter poverty, never having tasted the good life. But both are buried in the same dust, both eaten by the same maggots. [Job 21.23-26]

Regardless how imbalanced prosperity renders humanity, death is the great equalizer. And so, because everyone dies, everyone is equal. For me to compare myself to anyone else based on prosperity (or the lack thereof) is like comparing and recording the various shapes of pieces of ore going into a smelting furnace. The shape has no affect on, nor is discernable in, the outcome of metal. Thinking about the shape of the various pieces of ore and what caused that shape is of no significance whatsoever.

And now, I see I have already written too much on the subject of prosperity, giving it too much attention... Jesus said:

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. [Matthew 6.25-34]

I am dying. Maybe not today, but I am dying nonetheless - I am going to die. Dear reader, you are dying too. Unless Jesus returns and spares us, we will all experience death. We are all equal in this fact. In death we will all likewise see God, but, there is a distinction then that matters: we will either see God as Redeemer or we will see Him as Judge.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! [Job 19.25-27] 

Job did in fact mention judgement immediately following the statement above. He went on to say:

“How dare you go on persecuting me, saying, ‘It’s his own fault’? You should fear punishment  yourselves, for your attitude deserves punishment. Then you will know that there is indeed a judgment.” [Job 19.28-29] 

The kind of "thinking" we should all be focused on is the Redeemer. Associating my earthly circumstances; prosperity or the lack thereof, or health or the lack thereof is of no consequence to you (and the opposite is true) as Job said:

Even if I have sinned, that is my concern, not yours. [Job 19.4]

What truly matters is beholding God as our Redeemer and pointing others to Him through His Word, Jesus. As the subject passage above reveals, worldly wealth and even health are merely subjects worthy of mention in parenthesis.

Even in exploring this whole topic, I feel the need to say to God, as did Job eventually,

I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say. [Job 40.5]

I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. [Job 42.3b] 

Father, I know and believe that after this life is over with all its money and health concerns, that I will behold You, my Redeemer. I know this is all that matters to me. I know it is all that matters for everyone else. May my focus be Jesus - giving up my own way, taking up my cross, and following Him - also knowing He said You have all the other things taken care of... May my life demonstrate, in every way, singular devotion to and faith in Jesus. So be it.