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bishop's perspective:
Celebrating Thanksgiving in Job's House
It's almost impossible to imagine the lavish feasts in Job's house. The bounty of earth with its grains and fruits. . .the banquet tables spread with finest meats. . .the décor of the great dining hall. . .the elaborate dinnerware, gorgeous flowers and fine linens. . .all were elegant and extravagant. The musicians who played during the banquet and the servants who served were well bred and carefully trained.
Yes, a thanksgiving meal in Job's house was an exquisite and memorable experience. Toasts were offered in gratitude for the bountiful harvest of wheat, figs, dates and pomegranates. Prayers were lifted to the Creator God in thanksgiving for the gifts of health, security, family and wealth. Life was good, full, rich, safe.
But the biblical narrative does not end there. Over time, Job lost his family, health, financial security, mansion, servants. He lingered on the precipice of losing his faith and hope. I wonder what it would have been like to go to Job's house for Thanksgiving dinner when life was reduced to bare existence. With nearly all he valued stripped away, what was left for Job to celebrate?
The answer to that question is as profound as the meaning of life itself. Job declared, in the abyss of his utter despair and desolation.
For I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last, he will stand upon the earth, and after my skin has been destroyed, then in my flesh I shall see God whom I will see on my side! (Job 19:25-27)
Had I been in Job's house that thanksgiving day, I believe I would have gone home convinced of the authenticity of hope. It is a hope ultimately rooted not in things, security, health, or even family and friends but in the eternity of God. Even death does not have the last word. God does.
And that is the primary reason we celebrate Thanksgiving.
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Bishop Ray W. Chamberlain
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