“No 'Now' But Still Idea's There” (Job 1:9-12) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Job sub series - Chap1:9-12]

In Spanish text, unlike my English one,
There is no “Now”, but for the statement’s done,
Idea’s there – “You gave, how nice of You,
Now take away – see what old Job will do!”

I had not noticed “Now” there in my text;
When I went back, “Now” showed the meaning best –
It contrast raised twixt former, future times –
“You gave – how nice; now it’s withdrawing time”.

That the tallies with Job’s statement at the end –
Four tragedies transpire – then clothes are rent,
Great sorrow flows, but ends in worship scene –
“God gave; now takes – how blessed this life has been”.

As I reflect at this pandemic time
Here in the West, where life has been sublime,
That’s not the chorus folks lift up in praise –
“Oh woe is me!” – not thanks for glory days.

What Satan asks goes to the heart of things –
Entitlement to what tooth-fairy brings;
“A self-made man, or woman in our age
Is what I am, for I’m a business sage”.

For Satan knows Job’s blessings come from God;
God’s hedged around, his little patch of sod;
God blessed his work; made his possessions great;
Big question is, what does Job celebrate?

Does Job see God as giver of all life?
Protector from onslaught of daily strife?
Does Job love God apart from benefits?
Or does he just love Santa’s part in it?

“Just pull the plug, let blessings drain away,
And Job will curse, bemoan his better days”;
“Okay, you’re on, just leave himself alone;
Mess with his stuff; his work; his herds; his home”.

Lord, that’s so strange, though it was long ago –
What is the crux of story we should know?
Why at this time was story told once more –
Exile’s return – pandemic’s current blow?

Is such a yarn, useful at times like these?
It deals with change, a shift from gentle breeze
To hurricanes, cyclonic whirling fins –
Pin of the pinwheel’s calm we’re centered in.

Is that friend Job? Pushed through the quiet times
To better place; there, when the troubles find
Him doing life, quite wealthy at the first –
Aware of source, for better or for worse?

“Stu, it’s okay, the story will unfold,
Then you will see all flows of silver, gold,
Come from one source, like power to do life –
These both are chased by folks to increase might.

“I’m at the center of old Smith’s balloon –
Make it increase which yields more living-room;
It is one space, one world, one village small;
“How do you do?” – best question of them all”.

Okay Lord thanks for this.

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