Doctor, Doctor

Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,

an undeserved curse does not come to rest.*

One Mosotho has commented on his countryman in comparision to citizens of New Zealand. If a New Zealander sees his neighbor buy a new car he will redouble his efforts to keep up with his neighbor until he can buy an even nicer new car. If a Mosotho sees his neighbor with a new car, in jealousy he will sneak in at night and break the windows, smash the headlights, and slash the tires. Another form of the story is that if a Mosotho woman sees her neighbor with a nice new outfit, she will wait for an opportunity to find it on the clothes line, when she will then take a knife or sissors and cut it into stips. Jealousy, a consuming passion that destroys rather than builds up. Even jealousy about who one has as friends.

We have a Mosotho friend. Others are jealous, among other things, that she has friends who are makhooa (white). One of her work mates would subtly abuse her at work, pushing her, stepping on her feet, any little thing to make her day less pleasant. When this did not get whatever result the work mate was desiring she turned to a sangoma, a traditional diviner or doctor, to place a curse on our friend. Our friend responded by continuing to rest in Jesus, and placing her trust in Him.

After many months circumstances have resulted in our friend being blessed in her career, and her agitator being dismissed from her job. The traditional doctor has apparently advised the jealous workmate that our friend must have hired an even more powerful doctor. The traditional doctor's strongest curses had no affect, our friend was healthy and prospering when the traditional doctor expectd her to be gravely ill.

For me the best part of the story is our friend's response. While she is rejoicing in her 'doctor' and his protection, she is also praying that her antagonist would recognize the power and protection of this 'doctor', and take Him as her 'doctor', too.

How great is your goodness [O Lord],

which you have stored up for those who fear you,

which you bestow in the sight of men

on those who take refuge in you.

In the shelter of your presence you hide them

from the intrigues of men;

in your dwelling you keep them safe

from accusing tongues.

Psalm 31:19,20

~ Benno ~

* Proverbs 26:2