“Life Amidst The Ruins” (Job ch 1 and 2; 42:7ff) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Job sub-series - # Job chapter 1; 2; 42: 7-16] [Pandemic series]

Disaster has its aftermath in ruins to clean up;
From Exile days and Job’s collapse, we know things can be tough;
Pandemic in these past six months has devastated life,
And way of life for modern world, as we set things to rights.

But people do not learn from this, it’s seldom we change fast;
And changes we saw needed, now are visions that don’t last;
Some are confirmed in former ways, that’s oft destruction’s role –
To reinforce the growth we’ve gained, ’fore struggle took its toll.

We know much more than we live out, disaster gives a push –
“Decide this day – you in or out?” For gardens can be lush
If you pick up the tasks you’ve got, into new futures stride,
New endings on your life can be, join Jesus’ merry ride.

For He’s about the clean-up job writ large in universe
Where forces, principalities, and powers have done their worst;
To put an end to all of that is what He’s doing now
And He invites us to take part, His way, as we allow.

Mom used to say when cleaning house or packing for a trip,
To always keep a chair uncluttered, as a place to sit
To rest up in the midst of chaos – Kingdom-layer for me
Is what provides that quiet place to in perspective see.

Since Jesus to the stable came, no doubt exists for me,
That Spirit’s into chaos of creation – we can see
It all around us when disaster strikes, and we are left
With remnant of our former lives, and choice of what comes next.

So maybe Job is for the folks who head back to the ruins,
To hold their leader’s arms up in the fight that’s starting soon;
The foe’s within, in attitude; without in group despair;
But in this story we have learned, God knows, and He is there.

So that’s how much I know right now, as I look deep within
The central part of book of Job, the heart of it begin
To hear anew – pandemic’s word? Where homes are wrecked like this?
Lord, open eyes, and ears, and hearts – shift chaos into bliss.

“Stu, it’s okay, just press on through, it works out in the end;
You cannot see the road ahead, or if and when it bends;
So enter into life today as baritone whose notes
Fill in the gaps for tune they sang, bring harmonies to folks.

Okay Lord thanks for this.

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