Saint Clement of Alexandria, a Greek theologian and philosopher once remarked: “... So then, you rich who have wisdom, apply yourselves to this business... Why let yourselves be transfixed by diamonds and emeralds, by houses that fire devours, time destroys, or earthquakes throw down? Aspire for nothing other than to dwell in the heavens and reign with God. A mere man, a beggar will gain you this kingdom!” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 confirms: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It can be regarded as a state or condition of meeting definitive expectations that have been striven for over a period of time. It may include actualization, extreme wealth, triumph, victory or notoriety amongst many ascendancies. However, the one thing that it can’t guarantee by itself, is an eternal life in heaven. Matthew 19:24 reminds us: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Prosperity should never be taken for granted, as life can be precarious. Those who appear to have everything, may suddenly find that they have nothing. Personal suffering or hardship could be encountered as a result. However, we need to remember that everything happens for a reason. It may be a test from God to assess our strength and belief, or the works of evil. No matter what its cause, we need to have faith and trust in God. Job 1:1-22 reminds us: “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”
While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
When misfortune strikes, especially after a fruitful state of affluence, lessons or meanings may be learned from the devastating impact, chaos or destruction caused. Poverty can never be anticipated and can strike without warning. Tenacity needs to prevail as the front runner in life to overcome the despondency or heartbreak invoked. In addition, seeking the help, or forgiveness of God in troubled times, can fill an empty trough with nourishment and liquid refreshment. Ann Caroline Sherry, an Australian public servant and businesswoman once remarked: “Be tenacious. The world will change, things will go wrong. Life is messy.” Mercifully, after several problems had been resolved, Job not only has his wealth restored to him by God, but succeeds in doubling his original assets. Job 42:10 confirms: “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
Having the wrong comforters or friends in times of adversity is not a recommended practice. However, one should never remain an independent or sole survivor. Life is not meant to be lived in solitude during adversity. With God’s presence and assistance, we will never feel alone. Joshua 1:5-9 reminds us: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Amen.
