Bible Pathways 06/18/2003
June 18
Read Job 13 -- 16
In Today's Reading:
Job's defense of his integrity; his desire to die; Eliphaz' intensified condemnation; Job's complaint of God's dealing with him
Satan prompted the attacks on Job by his wife and by his "devoted" friends in an attempt to substantiate his own accusation that Job would curse God if his many blessings were removed.
Job's suffering intensified with days and weeks of sleeplessness and painful, ulcerating boils that would only worsen with no painkillers. It may appear that he wavered at times, but Job continued to recognize the sovereignty of God and ended his comments on a high note of praise. Job confidently stated that, even though he was suffering and might soon die, he had the utmost confidence that when he stood before God he would be justified because his relationship with Him was right (Job 13:15,18).
Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, with patience, he looked forward to being with the Lord after his death because he knew that then he would live eternally with God. Job felt that, since there was life beyond the grave, he could endure his present trials (14:14). This reminds us of Jesus, Who endured the cross and its shame because He was looking forward to again being with the Heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:2).
How different Job's attitude was from many today who blame fate, circumstances, or others for what goes wrong in their lives. Some lose faith in God and become dissatisfied, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. Job didn't need praise from people to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of his Creator.
Christians can thank God for a perfect Savior and great High Priest Who is seated at the right hand of God in heaven to intercede for them (7:25). Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives, we should have a sincere desire to know His will by reading all of His Word. Job's faith in God resulted from his obedience to the revelation God gave him (Job 23:12).
Christ Revealed:
Through the smiting of Job (Job 16:10). Christ also was struck by those who ridiculed Him (Matthew 27:29-44; John 18:22-23; Psalms 22:7-8; 109:25; Isaiah 53).
Word Studies:
14:5 days are determined = allotted time to live is set; 15:4 restrainest = hinder; 15:25 strengtheneth = behaves proudly; 15:26 bosses of his bucklers = thick layers of shields; 15:27 collops of fat = figuratively speaking, bulging in prosperity; 15:29 neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof = he cannot reap its harvest; 15:34 tabernacles of bribery = houses of the bribetakers; 16:12 broken me asunder = thoroughly crushed me; 16:13 reins = heart and mind — the center of emotions; poureth out my gall = leaves me no hope of life.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Youth With A Mission/Discover Africa and Joseph Zintseme · The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Linda Kennon · BPM Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Government Officials: Gov. Mike Johanns (NE) and Sen. John Rockefeller IV (WV) · Country: Georgia (6 million) west and central Transcaucasia between Asia and Europe · Major languages: Georgian and Russian · Religious opposition to Christianity · 57% Georgian/Armenian/Russian/Syrian Orthodox; 21% Muslim; .8% Catholic; .5% Protestant; .5% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:17
