Many great times can be spent around a campfire. Making s’mores, singing
songs, and telling stories. But when that fire rages out of control, and causes
neighborhoods to burn, then fire is a much different story. Having been close
to too many fires while living here in SoCal, and even having one at my home, I
know first hand how devastating a small one can be, let alone one that takes
everything. And the consolation given from well meaning others, “well, it’s all
gonna burn any way,” is of no consolation. Where were these people when you
were building your home, starting your career, and on the way up. Was it’s all
gonna burn your encouragement then? Or were you trusting God instead of bad
advice to be successful? Yet many feel that they must console others with
quoting scripture out of context. Maybe the only time these Christians quote
the Bible, or at least think they are. They are like Job’s friends, who mean
well, but end up making it worse. What are friends for, I’ll let you know when
I make some. But yet some stick close, and help you through the situation. Led
by the love of Christ, rather than self gratification, they know Jesus, and well
enough to know when to listen, and when to speak. They praise God in the good
times, seek Him in the tough ones, and never lose sight of Him. They are the
ones who may have wood, hay, and stubble in their lives, but when it burns, have
the fruit of a faithful relationship with God to show for all their time. They
are the ones who saved for a rainy day, like we were told to do as kids, but
when a fiery night comes, are not taken by surprise. They know who to turn to,
and it is always God.
How many remember that God was bragging on Job, when He was confronted with
accusations about Job’s loyalty? Maybe explaining why bad things can happen to
good people, it is just a chance for God to shine, and brag. Just think, God
may want to brag on you, are you ready? Will you stand the test? Or do you go
yuppie, knowing the price of everything, but don’t know the value of anything?
If you lost it all, would you still have everything in Christ?
Many years ago while still in high school, I met a girl my age. Come to
think of it, we probably are both still the same age. We were both getting our
BMW’s serviced at the dealer, and she was with her mother, quite upset. She was
crying, loud enough to get attention, and I just had to know, what’s the
matter? Her mother answered first, “we just bought her a new BMW for
graduation, and all she does is complain about it. I don’t get it.” And she
didn’t. Then Miss Teary Eyed joined in, “mother how good you get me a red car,
you know I wanted blue?” And she obviously didn’t get it either. I wonder how
she would have felt about my green 1600, bought with money I made delivering
papers? Would she have even shared the same waiting room with me? Maybe the
one time Ralph Kramden’s advice was needed, “POW! Right in the kisser!” “To
the moon Alice!” And away we go!
How would Job have handled her? Maybe a good example was how he responded
to his wife, who told him to “curse God and die.” Not the quote I would like to
be remembered for for all time, but stop and look at her condition. She too had
lost everything, including her kids, riches, and possessions. Would you have
consoled her by telling her it’s all gonna burn? But yet Job, showing his true
character simply tells her, “you aren’t being yourself.” In essence, you are
acting out of character, not a fool, but acting like one. He showed her
compassion in the depths of their loss. And although we never hear from her
again, she did get to enjoy all the same blessings Job did when God replaced
everything Job had lost with twice as much. Except for his wife. I wonder if
she drove a red or blue BMW?
So it will all burn, Jesus says so. Yet we cling to that we cannot keep,
yet deny that which we cannot lose. Job knew God, not just about Him. He lived
a godly life, and when the storms came sought refuge the only place he knew-the
Lord. Today you may be facing a rainy day, a fiery night, or trouble with your
red car. The color change won’t fix anything about your attitude, only turning
to Jesus will. Let go of your valuables, and learn of the values of Christ.
Things that cannot be lost, so valuable they cannot be replaced. Things so
expensive they cannot be purchased, even on time. They are love, joy, peace,
and patience. In the midst of the storm, Jesus is there providing them. Yet
many just want to curse God and die, and for them it’s all gonna burn. And
sadly so will they, not a choice I care to make.
Share a s’more with someone you love tonight. Tell of all the great things
God has done for you. Do like John did in Revelation, and bear testimony of the
things you have seen. And be prepared for joy unspeakable, and encourage others
who may need a lift. It’s all gonna burn may be true, just make sure it isn’t
your s’more. For as Job found out, there s’more to God and His riches than we
can ever imagine. BMW’s come and go-only Jesus will remain. How sweet it
is!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com