A Tragedy: An Evil Under The Sun.
Job 19:14-16
NIV
[14] My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me. [15] My guests and my female servants count me a foreigner; they look on me as on a stranger.
[16] I summon my servant, but he does not answer, though I beg him with my own mouth.
A sorrowful incident was screened on a social media handle that I watched which resonated with the above words! It has to do with neglect.
A man who once commanded admiration and respect in his youthful and adult working life was reduced to a nobody in his old age. In his heyday, he had many who waited on him. His office and home were like a beehive!
Suddenly things changed when he left office and went into retirement, All his friends deserted him, even his family especially those he cared for were nowhere near him.
His calls and cries were not heard by any of them. He was left to struggle on his own It was these that brought to my mind these scriptures;
Job 19:14
NIV
[14] My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me.
Even his servants who waited on him when he was active looked at him like a stranger. They hear his call but will attend to him as and when they feel like. He is no longer of use to them. Yes!
Job 19:15
NIV
[15] My guests and my female servants count me a foreigner; they look on me as on a stranger.
This is a sad reflection of who we are and how we treat people we once adored but when they age they become despicable to us. No wonder the proverb writer said;
Proverbs 19:6
NIV
[6] Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.
Ours is a society/culture of “ use and dump “. You are of benefit to us so long as we can get something from you.
Yes, even today that is called “ Father’s Day” How many of the men who have helped you have you said a word of appreciation to?
How much will it cost you to text a simple well-wishing message? Nothing. But you’ve not done it because they no longer feature in your mind!
Years ago when they were of benefit to you, you were the first to send them messages! Not today. Yes, you “used and dumped them”. They once brought joy and happiness to your life. What a tragedy.
Read it again;
Job 19
KJV
14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.
15+ They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.
16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
A sad reflection of who and what we are to the aged. May God grant us the spirit of discernment to know those who are “fair-weather friends” whose reason and purpose for being around us is to “use and dump” us.
My lamentations!
John Franklin Tamakloe