Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Uncles/Aunts (04/17/08)
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TITLE: The Other Aunt Jemima | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tessy Fuller
04/23/08 -
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This aunt Jemima was the first-born daughter of Job after God restored his prosperity. “The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first….And he also had seven sons and three daughters. The first daughter he named Jemimah….Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.” Job 42:12-15
I am sure her chubby baby cheeks nested a smile that reminded Job of God’s promise of peace in his life. Her birth represented the changing of the tide from bitterness to sweetness in his life. I can imagine Job holding his first-born daughter in his arms, drinking in the fingerprints of God that showcased her beauty. There is just something about looking down at a newborn baby that fills you with a sense of peace. I believe this Aunt Jemima represented that in the life of Job.
Her title as an aunt resonates from the mention of her several brothers and sisters who would give her nieces and nephews to dote on. I envision that her family was close, knowing how much their dad had endured. Job lived to be 140 years old and watched his family tree grow into the fourth generation.
Her name Jemima was drizzled with meaning. The name Jemima translated in Hebrew means a dove. How significant this was. Doves are notably one of the most precious sacrifices that were offered in the Old Testament. If only one bird was required for the sacrifice, a dove was preferred. Jemima came into Job’s life as a bittersweet reminder of the sacrifices of his other daughters. I think the name was significant of the new chapter in Job’s life. Job had sacrificed much for God, but now God was giving him rest. Psalms paints a lovely picture of this restoration. "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then would I fly away, and be at rest" (Ps 55:6). Job was flying from the past and creating a new family.
Though it was not the custom to tie your hair up in a bandana, I am sure she wore a head covering of some kind. I am sure that whatever covering upon her would not have been able to conceal her beauty. Her outward beauty seems to only mirror the transference of God’s fulfilled promise through her life.
Though this Aunt Jemima is only mentioned in a few verses of scripture, she allows us to glean some important truths concerning God’s faithfulness. Job thought highly of his daughters. Evidently, so did God as they are listed by name unlike their brothers. They were also given an inheritance along with their brothers, which was quite unheard of in that time. Her promise ensures that God never fails. Her life exemplifies God’s purpose and plan beyond our understanding.
Next time you grab a fork and cut into a pancake I hope you will recall the other Aunt Jemima and taste the goodness of how God continues to work in lives today.
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