PUTTING YOUR GOLD IN THE DUST

WEDNESDAY 16 FEBRUARY 2022

Job's friends who came to visit him were battering his ears with the misconception of how he was afflicted by God because he committed a hidden sin. In their minds, Job was suffering because God was paying him back for his sins. However, Job denied their persuasions and erroneous belief about the cause of his affliction. He also pointed out to them "many instances" in which the wicked prospers and yet don't get punished or afflicted like he had experienced as the righteous. However his friends held on to their opinion about Job's condition as a reasonable explanation to the cause of his affliction. But God was in control. Let's consider or find out more!

Reference: Job 22:24-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB) "And put your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks, Then the Almighty will be your gold And abundant silver to you."

To understand our referenced Scripture in its context: Eliphaz the Termanite was ministering to Job and telling him what to do because he thought that God was quite displeased with Job because of his evil ways. So he fallaciously admonished Job to forgo his ungodly riches, return to God and obtain hallowed riches from God. Here is the full message from Eliphaz:

"Be reconciled with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you. Please receive instruction from His mouth, And put His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored; If you remove injustice far from your tent, And put your gold in the dust, And the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks, Then the Almighty will be your gold and abundant silver to you. For then you will take pleasure in the Almighty And lift up your face to God" (Job 22:21-26 NASB).

Now watch this: According to record, Ophir is a biblical land of uncertain location but reputedly rich in gold. In those days, rich people also preserved their gold in that location. Job laying his gold of ophir in the dust or as dust, (and casting them among the stones of the brooks), is equal to giving something of important value up - sacrificially. In other words, laying your treasure down in the dust and the gold of Ophir among the rocks in the vadis imply forgoing them at various kinds of altars. However this is a principle that works in Kingdom giving and notably, sacred altars are located in the house of God, not necessarily on stones of the Brooks, rivers, rocks or seas. In addition, people also give outside of church building, especially to the work of charity.

So this Scripture is not limited to just Eliphaz preaching to Job to follow his instructions. We learn a serious lesson from it. For instance, if a Christian is led to lay the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brook, which is a metaphor or figure of speech that can denote sacrificial giving and financial offering of any kind and amount, the Almighty will receive it and become their gold, precious silver and adequate sufficiency, as well as grant them access to higher dimensions of favourable possibilities both "immediately" and "over time." So it literally means that God will show up for you in everything and also bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. And the truth is this: Many a time, we can't figure out how the Lord represents us in so many ways as we pay attention to His instructions or act on the principles about giving. It is always deeper than we think!

As a Christian stop getting angry about giving in the house of God. If you don't like or accept the grace of giving, that's absolutely fine although you need to be properly taught. However, it is a principle that undeniably works in the Kingdom. If you act on it, it will produce for you regardless of who loves the principle and who doesn't. For instance, a rich young ruler approached Jesus and in the process of their conversation, Jesus told him all he had to do. The young man replied, "All these I have kept, what do I still lack?" Jesus answered him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me" (Matthew 19:21 ). The next verse says, "When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth" (vs 22).

This very rich man had the right to be angry and walk away and also the right to be pleased with the Master's instruction. However we must understand that his anger did not change Jesus' teachings and references about giving, which are important part of the truth of the glorious gospel. Therefore, getting upset about some certain principles in the Word when its shared is unnecessary. In as much as there are people who despise or disregard the principle of Kingdom giving when taught and presented in its accuracy, it doesn't change the truth that the Kingdom of God has raised and are raising faithful Christians at various levels and positions in life - who have mastered the same conviction with unyielding faith - that no one can outgive God.

This is the reason 2 Corinthians 8:7 mentioned this as part of apostle Pauline commendation of the Christians in Corinth: "Since you excel in so many ways- in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us- I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving" (NIV). In this verse, why did Paul make it an encouragement and the last statement of motivation? It's because Kingdom giving is an action that requires the grace of personal revelation and inward conviction. So he cautiously says, "I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." Paul wrote them about other churches and their examples in giving and later continued in verses 11-12, to encourage them to give according to their means, "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have." Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 16:16; Proverbs 11:24; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:9.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I honour you today because you gave your best to me, Christ Jesus, offering him as a sacrificial lamb for all, so that I might have and experience abundant life. Your love for me speaks the extraordinary language and deeds of utmost sacrifice. Therefore, I thank you Lord for teaching me the true value of giving to your kingdom and work of eternal purpose, thereby positioning me to experience your best in my world in Jesus' Name, Amen!