We serve a God of the impossible. He raises people from the dead, heals them from sickness, feeds thousands of people, and walks upon the water. He does the impossible, so why is it so hard to believe?
For me, at least, it’s hard for me to believe in the impossible at times because I’m stuck in this world where everything is measured and figured and explained away. It’s hard for me to comprehend things that are past my brains capabilities. It’s hard for me to understand that God has always existed and always will, because I live in a world where each of our days is numbered. It’s hard for me to understand. I could go crazy trying to figure everything out. And so I don’t. I live by faith, not by sight (1 Corinthians 5:7).
To close my thoughts for today, here’s a few verses to consider:
• “How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out” (Job 36:26).
• “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things” (Ecclesiastes 11:5).
• Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
• “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Exodus 31-33; Mark 3:1-19
Exodus 32:1 “When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, ‘Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.’"
As I read the story of the Golden Calf today, I was once again amazed at how quickly the Israelites seemed to turned their back on God and revert back to their Egyptian idols. When God’s presence left them, they immediately turned back to something they could understand, something tangible. How foolish of them.
But how often do I react similarly?
There have been times in my life when the presence of God wasn’t always that evident, when I felt alone and abandoned, and instead of reaching out to God, I reached out to other people, or to food, or to entertainment, to fill in the missing gap. There have been times when my faith has wavered, just like that of the Israelites. I could point fingers at the Israelites and show you every foolish thing they did, but I have to be honest here and admit that I often fall up short as well. My faith is often not as strong as I want it to be. When times are good, it’s easy for me to point out how God provides. But when times are bad, it’s often difficult for me to hold onto those truths.
This is why I’m so thankful for the godly people in my life. These people point me in the right direction and remind me to cling to God when times get rough. For, I don’t want any “Golden Calf” incidences in my life. Sometimes I need all of the encouragement I can get to remind me to grasp on to God and never let go.
Encouragement from fellow believers is a wonderful thing. If you’re facing a rough time, or even if you’re not at the moment, I encourage you to find a good support system, it makes all the difference when times get tough. In addition, immerse yourself in scripture. God’s word is a powerful tool to help us through rough times. Treasure his words upon your heart; you’ll never regret it.
When I’m tested in the end, I want to come out as pure as gold, refined and tested by my creator in good times and bad: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned a side. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23: 10-12).
As I read the story of the Golden Calf today, I was once again amazed at how quickly the Israelites seemed to turned their back on God and revert back to their Egyptian idols. When God’s presence left them, they immediately turned back to something they could understand, something tangible. How foolish of them.
But how often do I react similarly?
There have been times in my life when the presence of God wasn’t always that evident, when I felt alone and abandoned, and instead of reaching out to God, I reached out to other people, or to food, or to entertainment, to fill in the missing gap. There have been times when my faith has wavered, just like that of the Israelites. I could point fingers at the Israelites and show you every foolish thing they did, but I have to be honest here and admit that I often fall up short as well. My faith is often not as strong as I want it to be. When times are good, it’s easy for me to point out how God provides. But when times are bad, it’s often difficult for me to hold onto those truths.
This is why I’m so thankful for the godly people in my life. These people point me in the right direction and remind me to cling to God when times get rough. For, I don’t want any “Golden Calf” incidences in my life. Sometimes I need all of the encouragement I can get to remind me to grasp on to God and never let go.
Encouragement from fellow believers is a wonderful thing. If you’re facing a rough time, or even if you’re not at the moment, I encourage you to find a good support system, it makes all the difference when times get tough. In addition, immerse yourself in scripture. God’s word is a powerful tool to help us through rough times. Treasure his words upon your heart; you’ll never regret it.
When I’m tested in the end, I want to come out as pure as gold, refined and tested by my creator in good times and bad: “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned a side. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23: 10-12).
Friday, August 7, 2009
Day 25: Job 41, 42; Matthew 16
“Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine” (Job 41:11).
God’s ways are not our ways. These last two chapters of Job remind us of just that. The Lord knows what we should and shouldn’t have. He doesn’t have to “repay” us for anything we do for him, as the above verse says. He doesn’t have to “give” us anything for the good deeds we do on this earth. He deserves our praise and adoration. He gives and takes away without our opinion or say.
In the book of Job, we read about a man who was blessed abundantly. Then, one day God allowed all of that to be taken away. Why? Because he wanted to see how Job would react to the situation. Although Job grieved, he did stay true to the Lord, praising him even in the hard times. And so, God blessed him in the end even more abundantly than before.
God desires our worship and adoration in good times and bad. I’m reminded of the song by Tree63 called “Blessed Be Your Name.” In this song, there’s a refrain that goes, “You give and take away/You give and take away/ My heart will choose to say/ Lord, Blessed be your name.”
May this always be my attitude, in the good times and the bad.
God’s ways are not our ways. These last two chapters of Job remind us of just that. The Lord knows what we should and shouldn’t have. He doesn’t have to “repay” us for anything we do for him, as the above verse says. He doesn’t have to “give” us anything for the good deeds we do on this earth. He deserves our praise and adoration. He gives and takes away without our opinion or say.
In the book of Job, we read about a man who was blessed abundantly. Then, one day God allowed all of that to be taken away. Why? Because he wanted to see how Job would react to the situation. Although Job grieved, he did stay true to the Lord, praising him even in the hard times. And so, God blessed him in the end even more abundantly than before.
God desires our worship and adoration in good times and bad. I’m reminded of the song by Tree63 called “Blessed Be Your Name.” In this song, there’s a refrain that goes, “You give and take away/You give and take away/ My heart will choose to say/ Lord, Blessed be your name.”
May this always be my attitude, in the good times and the bad.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Day 23: Job 36-37; Matthew 15:1-20
Words are powerful things. Words are how Job’s friends are getting themselves more and more in trouble, as each chapter of the book progresses. They believe Job is a hypocrite because he is grieving over all that is lost, but really, they are in the wrong. They have judged him wrong, and are using their words to abuse his character.
Reading this reminded me of times I had unintentionally hurt people with my words. I can still see the crushed faces of my friends, as my jesting words struck a chord deep down. It hurt them. And there was no turning back.
James 3:6 refers to the tongue as a “flame of fire.” It is a small thing that can do a lot of damage. With one word, a spark ignites, catches fire, and may cause tons of pain in the end. This pain may spread, build up, and carry on for years. It may build a wall, ruin a friendship, or brutally tear down a person’s self esteem. The power of the tongue should not be taken lightly.
As Jesus says in Matthew 15:17-20, it’s not what goes into our mouths, but what comes out that defiles us. I believe Jesus’ words serve as a caution to you and me. We really need search our hearts and ask if our outward words and actions are really showing what we believe deep down. And then we need to take the correct steps to remedy the problem.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to start any fires.
Prayer: Lord, please tame my tongue. Help me to think before I speak, so that every word I say brings glory to you.
Reading this reminded me of times I had unintentionally hurt people with my words. I can still see the crushed faces of my friends, as my jesting words struck a chord deep down. It hurt them. And there was no turning back.
James 3:6 refers to the tongue as a “flame of fire.” It is a small thing that can do a lot of damage. With one word, a spark ignites, catches fire, and may cause tons of pain in the end. This pain may spread, build up, and carry on for years. It may build a wall, ruin a friendship, or brutally tear down a person’s self esteem. The power of the tongue should not be taken lightly.
As Jesus says in Matthew 15:17-20, it’s not what goes into our mouths, but what comes out that defiles us. I believe Jesus’ words serve as a caution to you and me. We really need search our hearts and ask if our outward words and actions are really showing what we believe deep down. And then we need to take the correct steps to remedy the problem.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to start any fires.
Prayer: Lord, please tame my tongue. Help me to think before I speak, so that every word I say brings glory to you.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Day 19: Job 28-29; Matthew 13:1-30
In our reading from Job today, we found the true wisdom is not found in earthly things but in the fear of the Lord. To obtain wisdom, we are told that we need to “forsake evil” (Job 28:28). This is easier said then done. We live in a world in which the line between black and white issues can be very grey. Even amongst Christians, some may condone certain things, while others may shun that same thing. It all comes down to living our daily life for the Lord, and meditating on his word. We can’t judge the decisions other Christians make around us, but have to focus on living out our own lives for the Lord. We have to stay away from the things we view as wrong, and leave the rest up to God, our ultimate judge. One day, the whole world will be judged for how they lived their lives here on earth. God will determine who was “wheat” and who was only a “weed” living amongst the wheat (See Matthew 13:24-30).
Prayer: Lord, help me to live my daily life completely for you, and not worry about how other Christians live their lives. Give me wisdom as I forsake evil and hunger after you.
Prayer: Lord, help me to live my daily life completely for you, and not worry about how other Christians live their lives. Give me wisdom as I forsake evil and hunger after you.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 18: Job 25-27; Matthew 12:24-50
Hello everyone,
Remember our devotional from yesterday in which we talked about Faith and Works? Well, today that theme continues in the readings from Job and Matthew.
First, consider this passage from Job 27:2-6:
“I vow by the living God, who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty who has embittered my soul—As long as I live, while I have breath from God, my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies. I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die. I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.”
Now read what Jesus has to say in Matthew 12:33-37:
“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
It’s interesting how well these two passages fit together, isn’t it? I think there’s really some important things to consider here.
In both Job and Matthew, we find that our actions really do matter. Why? Because our words and actions reveal the state of our hearts. In this modern world, there are many people who are tremendously good at faking Christianity. I have sadly come in contact with some of them. These people know all the “right” answers, but their hearts really aren’t in it. If you watch them long enough, you can begin to tell that it’s not genuine, that they don’t really mean it deep down inside. Their actions will give them away eventually. While they claim to be Christians, they don’t end up living their every moment for Christ.
I don’t want to be a fake. I want to be on fire for Christ. In order to do this, I need to examine my motives and heart every once in awhile. I need to consider the kind of fruit I’m bearing and if this fruit is glorifying God or myself? Tough, I know, but no one ever said living for Christ was easy.
What about you? Where is your heart today? Is your life bearing good fruit?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to bear good fruit in my life, so that I can be the best witness for you.
Remember our devotional from yesterday in which we talked about Faith and Works? Well, today that theme continues in the readings from Job and Matthew.
First, consider this passage from Job 27:2-6:
“I vow by the living God, who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty who has embittered my soul—As long as I live, while I have breath from God, my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies. I will never concede that you are right; I will defend my integrity until I die. I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live.”
Now read what Jesus has to say in Matthew 12:33-37:
“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
It’s interesting how well these two passages fit together, isn’t it? I think there’s really some important things to consider here.
In both Job and Matthew, we find that our actions really do matter. Why? Because our words and actions reveal the state of our hearts. In this modern world, there are many people who are tremendously good at faking Christianity. I have sadly come in contact with some of them. These people know all the “right” answers, but their hearts really aren’t in it. If you watch them long enough, you can begin to tell that it’s not genuine, that they don’t really mean it deep down inside. Their actions will give them away eventually. While they claim to be Christians, they don’t end up living their every moment for Christ.
I don’t want to be a fake. I want to be on fire for Christ. In order to do this, I need to examine my motives and heart every once in awhile. I need to consider the kind of fruit I’m bearing and if this fruit is glorifying God or myself? Tough, I know, but no one ever said living for Christ was easy.
What about you? Where is your heart today? Is your life bearing good fruit?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to bear good fruit in my life, so that I can be the best witness for you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Day 17: Job 22-24; Matthew 12:1-23
Hello everyone! How has your reading been going? I have to admit that the book of Job is starting to sound a bit repetitive. Just the same, I was able to glean some wonderful insight from today’s passage. It really got me thinking, and forced me to do some deeper searching.
Here’s the portion of scripture I picked out from today’s reading:
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned a side. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23: 10-12).
As I read these verses, I was convicted. I found myself asking, what would happen if God judged me today? Could I say that I would come out of that judgment as “pure as gold?” Or would I be slightly tarnished? How would God judge the way I live my daily life? I am assured that I will go to heaven someday, but just the same, all of us will still have a day of judgment. For more on this Final Day of Judgment I encourage you to read Revelation 20:11-15 & Matthew 25:31-36. It’s quite fascinating. On this final Day of Judgment God will look at our lives, everything we did and said, and then separate us into those who are saved and those who are not. The saved will spend eternity in heaven with him; the unsaved will go to a place of unending torment called hell. I know, you’re all squirming in your seats now. Judgment day is one of those topics often avoided in polite conversation, but it’s oh so real just the same.
After reading about the Final Judgment Day, I was encouraged all a new to live my life for the Lord. I was saved by grace, which I’m oh so thankful for. On my own I could never measure up. Now that I have accepted that salvation, I need to live out my daily life for the Lord: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faiths without works is dead” (James 2:26, HCSV). (For more reading on faith and works, see James 2: 14-26).
Questions: How have you been living for the Lord? Can you say that you have truly “treasured his words more than daily food?”
Prayer: Lord, please help me to always put you first in my life. Show me ways to serve you throughout the day. For I do treasure you more than anything.
Here’s the portion of scripture I picked out from today’s reading:
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned a side. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food” (Job 23: 10-12).
As I read these verses, I was convicted. I found myself asking, what would happen if God judged me today? Could I say that I would come out of that judgment as “pure as gold?” Or would I be slightly tarnished? How would God judge the way I live my daily life? I am assured that I will go to heaven someday, but just the same, all of us will still have a day of judgment. For more on this Final Day of Judgment I encourage you to read Revelation 20:11-15 & Matthew 25:31-36. It’s quite fascinating. On this final Day of Judgment God will look at our lives, everything we did and said, and then separate us into those who are saved and those who are not. The saved will spend eternity in heaven with him; the unsaved will go to a place of unending torment called hell. I know, you’re all squirming in your seats now. Judgment day is one of those topics often avoided in polite conversation, but it’s oh so real just the same.
After reading about the Final Judgment Day, I was encouraged all a new to live my life for the Lord. I was saved by grace, which I’m oh so thankful for. On my own I could never measure up. Now that I have accepted that salvation, I need to live out my daily life for the Lord: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faiths without works is dead” (James 2:26, HCSV). (For more reading on faith and works, see James 2: 14-26).
Questions: How have you been living for the Lord? Can you say that you have truly “treasured his words more than daily food?”
Prayer: Lord, please help me to always put you first in my life. Show me ways to serve you throughout the day. For I do treasure you more than anything.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Day 15: Job 17-19; Matthew 10:21-42
I love the words of our friend Job here in Job 19:25-27: “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” What words of faith! Job testifies to the fact that the Lord is his Redeemer. It doesn’t matter what his friends say, for his eyes are fixed on God and eternity.
In the New Testament this very Redeemer, Jesus, reminds us to no be afraid, for “those who want to kill your body… cannot touch your soul” (Matthew 10:28). He is our Redeemer, and he will rescue us. As Christians, we will live eternally in heaven with him, so we really have nothing to fear.
Isn’t this a wonderful reminder? We have nothing to fear in this world, for God has been and will always be in control. Job understood this fact so very long ago. He did not put to much stock in the people or things of this earth, but instead focused on God, his Redeemer. I’m reminded of the words of a wonderful song sung by Nichole C. Mullen called “Redeemer.” The chorus of the song says, “Well I know my Redeemer lives/ I know my Redeemer lives:/ Let all creations testify/ Let this, life within me cry/ I know my Redeemer lives.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this reminder to not fear earthly things, but to continually put my trust in you, my Redeemer.
In the New Testament this very Redeemer, Jesus, reminds us to no be afraid, for “those who want to kill your body… cannot touch your soul” (Matthew 10:28). He is our Redeemer, and he will rescue us. As Christians, we will live eternally in heaven with him, so we really have nothing to fear.
Isn’t this a wonderful reminder? We have nothing to fear in this world, for God has been and will always be in control. Job understood this fact so very long ago. He did not put to much stock in the people or things of this earth, but instead focused on God, his Redeemer. I’m reminded of the words of a wonderful song sung by Nichole C. Mullen called “Redeemer.” The chorus of the song says, “Well I know my Redeemer lives/ I know my Redeemer lives:/ Let all creations testify/ Let this, life within me cry/ I know my Redeemer lives.”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this reminder to not fear earthly things, but to continually put my trust in you, my Redeemer.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day 14: Job 14-16; Matthew 10:1-20
I feel so bad for Job. The chapters we read today further the gap of understanding between him and his friends. His friends still think he’s a fake, but Job knows his own heart. He knows he’s right with God. And so he longs for a mediator: someone who could be in direct contact with God and address his concerns:
“Even now my witness is in heaven. My advocate is there on high. My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God. I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends. For soon I must go down that road from which I will never return” (Job 16:19-22).
In the New Testament the early Christians receive this very mediator, the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:26 says, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words”
This was the very place Job was in. He was so confused and in so much pain. He wanted someone who would understand him. He needed to express what he was feeling to God.
I’m so thankful that we, as Christians, have the gift of the Holy Spirit today. For sometimes, when we’re in pain, there really aren’t any words. But we can still feel a special comfort from God, knowing that he hears our cries and will see us through to the other side.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing my every thought. Please be the Protector and Shelter I need so very much today.
“Even now my witness is in heaven. My advocate is there on high. My friends scorn me, but I pour out my tears to God. I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends. For soon I must go down that road from which I will never return” (Job 16:19-22).
In the New Testament the early Christians receive this very mediator, the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:26 says, “The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words”
This was the very place Job was in. He was so confused and in so much pain. He wanted someone who would understand him. He needed to express what he was feeling to God.
I’m so thankful that we, as Christians, have the gift of the Holy Spirit today. For sometimes, when we’re in pain, there really aren’t any words. But we can still feel a special comfort from God, knowing that he hears our cries and will see us through to the other side.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing my every thought. Please be the Protector and Shelter I need so very much today.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day 12: Job 8-10; Matthew 9:1-17
Why do bad things happen to good people?
For thousands of years, people have asked this question… without really being able to explain the answer. It is one of those questions of life that only God knows the answer to. Some people believe that in order for something bad to happen, that there has to be some sort of sin involved. These people believe that when that person repents, the punishment from God will be lifted.
Instead of being encouraging friends, these two friends berate Job, thinking that his “good man persona” has been just that, a persona. Since Job has lost everything he once owned, they are convinced that there is some sort of sin in Job’s life. Job disagrees. Commentator Matthew Henry believes this to be the main point of dispute between Job and his friends. While Job’s friends believed that “those who are righteous and good always prosper in this world, and none by the wicked are in misery and distress,” Job says that it is a “common thing for the wicked to prosper and the righteous to be great afflicted.”*
I happen to agree with Job on this. Bad things often happen to good people for no apparent reason. While we live in this world, we will experience hardship, sickness and distress. Perhaps sin is attached to sickness at times, but I do think it would be a mistake to look at our suffering brother or sister and assume that their sickness is punishment for some sin. God is the judge, not us. He holds the world in his hands.
Perhaps, like Job, some of the trials we face in this life are tests from the devil, to prove if we really will praise God through good times and bad. If that’s so, then I want to sing and worship my Lord all the louder.
Questions: Have you ever experienced trails that pulled you closer to the Lord?
What was that experience like? Do you want to react similarly or differently to future situations.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stay true to you in good times and bad. Use each circumstance in this life to draw me closer to you. Even if a situation was meant for evil, bring some good out of it.
*Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Job 9." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2009. 21 Jul 2009.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1089&commInfo=5&topic=Job >
For thousands of years, people have asked this question… without really being able to explain the answer. It is one of those questions of life that only God knows the answer to. Some people believe that in order for something bad to happen, that there has to be some sort of sin involved. These people believe that when that person repents, the punishment from God will be lifted.
Instead of being encouraging friends, these two friends berate Job, thinking that his “good man persona” has been just that, a persona. Since Job has lost everything he once owned, they are convinced that there is some sort of sin in Job’s life. Job disagrees. Commentator Matthew Henry believes this to be the main point of dispute between Job and his friends. While Job’s friends believed that “those who are righteous and good always prosper in this world, and none by the wicked are in misery and distress,” Job says that it is a “common thing for the wicked to prosper and the righteous to be great afflicted.”*
I happen to agree with Job on this. Bad things often happen to good people for no apparent reason. While we live in this world, we will experience hardship, sickness and distress. Perhaps sin is attached to sickness at times, but I do think it would be a mistake to look at our suffering brother or sister and assume that their sickness is punishment for some sin. God is the judge, not us. He holds the world in his hands.
Perhaps, like Job, some of the trials we face in this life are tests from the devil, to prove if we really will praise God through good times and bad. If that’s so, then I want to sing and worship my Lord all the louder.
Questions: Have you ever experienced trails that pulled you closer to the Lord?
What was that experience like? Do you want to react similarly or differently to future situations.
Prayer: Lord, help me to stay true to you in good times and bad. Use each circumstance in this life to draw me closer to you. Even if a situation was meant for evil, bring some good out of it.
*Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Job 9." Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2009. 21 Jul 2009.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=4&contentID=1089&commInfo=5&topic=Job >
Friday, July 17, 2009
Day 10: Job 3-4; Matthew 8:1-17
The book of Job is a great example of how to grieve correctly, and how to be a friend to those who grieve. In modern society we try to be so strong and in control of every situation. In Job 3 a devout man of God shows us that it really is ok to be human. Job has just been through a horrible ordeal. He lost his children, his livestock, his servants and his good health: he has a right to grieve.
Job shows us that there is nothing wrong with questioning the circumstances, and wishing we didn’t live in such a sinful world: “Why wasn’t I buried like a stillborn child, like a baby who never lives to see the light? For in death the wicked cause no trouble, and the weary are at rest” (Job 3:16-17).
Job is questioning the calamity that has befallen him, but he never curses God. This is the significant point that his friends seem to miss. Job doesn’t understand the ways of God, so he’s allowed to be confused.
According to commentator Matthew Henry, Job’s friend Eliphaz “charges him with weakness and faint-heartedness”* for how Job is now acting. He sees Job’s actions as a hypocritical breech of character. In Job 4:3-6 Eliphaz says to Job,
“In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you. Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?”
We’ll see in later passages that Job hasn’t lost reverence or hope in God, as his friends seem to think. At the moment, he is just grieving, but he will still continue to worship God in spite of it all.
How do you react in times of grief? How do you respond to what life hands you? What kind of friend are you to others who grieve?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to learn from the story of Job, and to always stay true to you, even as I grieve in the hard times. Help me also to be an encouraging friend to those in need.
*Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Job 4." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2009. 17 Jul 2009.
Job shows us that there is nothing wrong with questioning the circumstances, and wishing we didn’t live in such a sinful world: “Why wasn’t I buried like a stillborn child, like a baby who never lives to see the light? For in death the wicked cause no trouble, and the weary are at rest” (Job 3:16-17).
Job is questioning the calamity that has befallen him, but he never curses God. This is the significant point that his friends seem to miss. Job doesn’t understand the ways of God, so he’s allowed to be confused.
According to commentator Matthew Henry, Job’s friend Eliphaz “charges him with weakness and faint-heartedness”* for how Job is now acting. He sees Job’s actions as a hypocritical breech of character. In Job 4:3-6 Eliphaz says to Job,
“In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you. Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?”
We’ll see in later passages that Job hasn’t lost reverence or hope in God, as his friends seem to think. At the moment, he is just grieving, but he will still continue to worship God in spite of it all.
How do you react in times of grief? How do you respond to what life hands you? What kind of friend are you to others who grieve?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to learn from the story of Job, and to always stay true to you, even as I grieve in the hard times. Help me also to be an encouraging friend to those in need.
*Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Job 4." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2009. 17 Jul 2009.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Day 9: Job 1-2; Matthew 7
In Matthew 7, Jesus talks about a wise man (or woman) that built his house upon the rock. He compares this wise man to people who listen to His word. The application is easy to understand here. Though we will face trials and storms in this life, if our foundation is built upon the word of God we will make it through to the other side.
Consider Job. He grieved the loss of all the things in his life, but he never sinned against God. In fact, he worships God in his time of grief saying, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21).
The foundation of Job’s life was built upon God, so he did not waver even when everything was taken away from him. Yes, he questioned the ways of God, but he always believed that God’s ways were greater than his ways.
Job’s story is always a difficult one to read, because I have no clue as to how I would react to a similar situation. What would I do if my possessions, family, and good health disappeared? Would I still praise God? What about you? How do you think you would react?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to build my life on a firm foundation, you, so that I can face whatever trials this life will bring.
Consider Job. He grieved the loss of all the things in his life, but he never sinned against God. In fact, he worships God in his time of grief saying, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21).
The foundation of Job’s life was built upon God, so he did not waver even when everything was taken away from him. Yes, he questioned the ways of God, but he always believed that God’s ways were greater than his ways.
Job’s story is always a difficult one to read, because I have no clue as to how I would react to a similar situation. What would I do if my possessions, family, and good health disappeared? Would I still praise God? What about you? How do you think you would react?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to build my life on a firm foundation, you, so that I can face whatever trials this life will bring.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)