His (Job’s) sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts’.
This was Job’s regular custom.
Job 1:4-5
It was Job’s regular custom to take his children to be purified for fear they’d sinned against God in their hearts. Considering that he had seven sons and three daughters, that was a lotta sacrifice for a father.
This amazes and humbles me.
Being the mother of four, I assure you, there have been times (plenty) when I’ve wondered about the state of my children’s heart. No point in trying to turn that part of my brain off. The Lord keeps turning it back on. And rightly evokes a heap of momma prayers on their behalf.
But back to Job. The man had developed a holy habit, a regular custom. It was something he did continually.
Did these sacrificial offerings for his children please God? I’m guessing so. Job had to believe it honored God because he’d made it his regular custom. And just maybe God placed the need in Job’s heart in the first place.
So, what is my regular custom? What might be said of me?
*It was Mary’s regular custom to provide healthful foods for her family.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to visit the elderly.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to attend Sunday worship.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to study scripture.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to pray for others.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to wash and fold the clothes and linens for her household.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to go to the gym before the rooster crows, 3-4 days/week.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to care for her adorable dog.
*It was Mary’s regular custom to complain.
*It was….
Hold it. What was that? Complain?
Lord, do I?
Careful evaluation of my regular customs, my rituals and routines, might reveal habits that, when examined by the Light, need to be broken. If so, do I have the courage to ask the Lord to change my heart, replace them with God-honoring habits?
For starters,
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
II Thessalonians 5:16-18
If, among a host of other God-honoring disciplines, rejoicing, praying and giving thanks become my regular custom, it’ll crowd out complaint before it germinates in my brain.
[bctt tweet=”As Easter approaches, it’s a great time to consider your regular custom(s).” username=”MaryAFelkins”] Go ahead, complete the sentence:
It was (your name)’s regular custom to…
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