“después (after) The Barbecue” (Job 1:3; 42:10; Jer. 15:19f; Mt.7:24f; 11:28f; 6:19f) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Job sub-series - # 1:3; #42:10]

I noticed Job got back his stuff,
Two times his loss – and that’s enough
To get attention – doubled up
(Just like Jacques said) – God changed Job’s luck.

That’s right – cambió (that means a change);
Suerte (luck) (friend’s “Spanish Main”);
Duplico (duplicated) – wow!
Right after barbecue, somehow.

The barbecue? Why yes, that’s right –
For God – smells good to Him, and sight
Of giving up the best one has
For such a purpose – works like “mass”.

God told Job’s friends He was displeased –
Their words to Job did not God please
Because they were from worldly view,
Not those of God – Job’s passed review.

And just like Jeremiah’s chat
With God – said, “Jerry, don’t say that;
But rather, just be as My mouth –
Do not your own words start to spout.”

Then God told Job’s three friends to go
Take sacrifice, so all would know
Mistaken actions – words this time –
Had taken place of acts sublime.

So they (three friends and Job) appeared
Before the Lord – as they drew near
Three changed their hearts – aligned with Job,
And sacrificed to let God know.

And that was barbecue with smoke
Which rose to God, with prayer Job spoke
To ask acceptance of such change
Of hearts, now they’d been re-arranged.

God gave accepting nod to this,
And after barbecue gave kiss
Of change to Job’s afflicted life,
With better luck to Job and wife.

I notice that possessions grew
To double, but ten kids were new –
Not twenty (doubled) – quality
Much better was (in girls we see).

So what’s the word in this first line
Of text – past intercession time?
“Just watch your lip there in the crunch,
’Till fortune changes after lunch”.

To me that speaks of ser – estar –
“To be” – two Spanish forms there are –
The first says Job “was” (permanent),
Not second – “Something came and went”.

So lesson in all this, at base?
Make living-choices in each case,
Such that they’re ser, quite permanent,
So in the storm they’re like cement.

Why this word now, at exile time?
Or when return to home’s in line
To be fulfilled with “valleys raised”
And “mounts brought low”, when God is praised?

Well, change of country (border-lines),
Is challenging – for changing times
Leave old behind; and luck renewed
Gives rise to “Self-sufficient” view.

That’s why old Moses said, “Say grace
At meals, while poor, or in disgrace –
For God resources rich and poor;
It’s not just luck, with its allure.

“If you don’t change your attitude
To what God gives by way of food
While things are bad – acknowledge source –
It’s still as bad with more resource.”

So disconnect your “Life with God”
From “What goes on”, though it seems odd
Sometimes – hang in with God, always –
Reject “Believing always pays”.

Build solid, ’fore the storm comes near;
Assume the storm, to me that’s clear;
Day at a time, live life, like Job;
Yoke in with Christ, He’ll bear your load.

To me, as well, climb on the ice
Of Kingdom-layer – “That’s good advice”,
That lady said at her life’s end;
Skate over obstacles, and spend –

Your last remaining days of life
Above the obstacles and strife;
Then grace of God helps us to move
Around the Kingdom-layer that’s smooth.

Thanks Lord for this.

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