When It Comes In Threes / Read Job 1

We’ve always been told they come in threes.   It seems a bit superstitious-- but trouble does seem to strike in a trifecta.  Take a look at Job.  First the livestock and servants, then the sheep and the servants, and finally the camels and the servants.  As each messenger appeared, their message multiplied Job’s heartache.  In a matter of minutes he lost his livelihood.  At least he still had his family...he could handle trouble in threes as long as he had his wife and kids.  His daughters could bring beauty into his life and his sons could help him rebuild.  

Then the fourth messenger shared every parents fear.  Job’s children were tragically killed.  Job would have settled for three.

What was Job’s response?  He expressed his grief in worship.  Job fell to the ground and worshipped the Lord.  The Hebrew for “worship” is shachah (שָׁחָה).  It means to bow down.  Emotionally, Job was about as low as a person can get.  Physically, he was already on the ground.  But, if he was going to get up again-- he would have to worship, bowing to the mysterious, but righteous sovereignty of the Lord.  Wrestling in worship drew three truths out of him:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of God be praised.” Job 1:21

1. I entered and will exit without anything (or anyone)
2. God’s goodness remains intact through the giving and taking
3. Praise is the antidote to our pain

Put that verse in your arsenal and the next time you get hit with a trifecta of trouble, you will be ready to worship.  This is not ignoring the reality of pain-- it’s rising above by bowing down. Invite a friend to join you this Sunday for worship :)

-Live for Jesus, Pastor K