Read Job 1:1-19
“And a messenger came to Job and said…and I alone have escaped to tell you…while he was still speaking, another also came and said… and I alone have escaped to tell you!”—Job 1:14-19
Job was as an upright, God-fearing man of great wealth. Then God allowed him to be tested and Job was transformed from one of the wealthiest men in the land to a man who lost everything, to include his children. But Job’s story would be incomplete without the contribution of four men, the messengers who were eye witnesses to the destruction. One after the other, these messengers came before Job to bear the unbearable news of his losses.
Beyond delivering these reports, the Bible gives no reason for these four witnesses being spared. Perhaps these four servants were spared for another reason. Perhaps they witnessed Job 1:20-21 when Job fell down to worship in spite of these tragedies. Perhaps they were witnesses to Job 42:12-13 when Job’s latter days were greater than his former days. Whatever the reason, they were clearly spared to be a witness.
God saved each disciple for a reason. While it is extremely important, there is more to our salvation than our own personal eternal life. If eternal life is a benefit of salvation, telling the salvation story is a responsibility of that same salvation. It doesn’t have to be a long, dramatic story, but simply telling others what God has done in our own lives.
If Job’s servants and survivors of tragedy and trauma can be faithful witnesses of horror and devastation, how much more should the people of God be joyful witnesses of all the blessings of being saved from a life of sin, hopelessness and eternal damnation? If survivors of trauma can see their survival as an opportunity and a mandate to do something meaningful with the life they’re given, shouldn’t disciples see their salvation as a mandate to give meaning to the lives of others?
“‘…Lord, I have heard from many about this man (Paul), how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.’ But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.’”— Acts 9:13, 15
Nat,
Timely strengthening as always! I primarily and purposefully do more listening than talking. However, just the other day, The Holy Spirit allowed me to share the examples of the goodness of God in Life to a co-worker. It was well received as intended and he sincerely thanked me for sharing. I felt great about the experience!
It’s always great to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and see how that simple act can impact others!–Nat