Bible Pathways 6/18/2001
June 18
Read Job 13 -- 16
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 and he were subjected to physical, mental, and emotional suffering. Satan attempted to prove that Job only served God for all the benefits he had enjoyed and without them he would give up his faith and curse God. Satan assumed that no one would be faithful to God for who He is -- our perfect Creator, but would only serve Him for His blessings.
As Job's suffering continued, each cruel accusation and insult only deepened his spiritual insight and faith in the wisdom and loving-kindness of God. His loyalty to God was continually and rudely assaulted, and it may appear that he wavered at times. But Job always ended his comments on a high note of praise. Job confidently stated: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before Him (Job 13:15-16). He could say with the utmost confidence: I know that I shall be justified (13:18).
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, he looked forward to being with the Lord after his death, saying: If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time I will wait, till my change come (14:14), meaning: "After death I shall live again and I will be changed."
As Christians, we can thank God that we have a perfect Savior and great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives, we should have a sincere desire to know His will by reading His Word.
Job is an example of one who lived to please the Lord. This meant more than all else in life to Job. All who are faithfully living for Christ can say with him: My Witness (Intercessor) is in Heaven, and my record (of living to please Him as Savior and Lord of my life) is on high (Job 16:19; Romans 8:34; I Corinthians 3:13-15).
How different Job's attitude was from many who blame fate, circumstances, or other people for what goes wrong in their lives. Such people easily become dissatisfied, greedy, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions to them. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; but, 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.
Job's unshakable faith in God resulted from his obedience to the revealed Word of God. He said: Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).
Christ Revealed: Through the smiting of Job (Job 16:10). Christ also was smitten by those who ridiculed Him (Matt. 27:29-44; John 18:22-23; Psa. 22:7-8; 109:25; Isa. 53).
Word Studies: 14:5 days are determined means allotted time to live is set; 15:4 restrainest means hinder; 15:25 strengtheneth means behaves proudly; 15:26 bosses of his bucklers means thick layers of shields; 15:27 collops of fat means, figuratively speaking, bulging in prosperity; 15:29 neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof means he cannot reap its harvest; 15:34 tabernacles of bribery means houses of the bribetaker; 16:12 broken me asunder means thoroughly crushed me; 16:13 reins means heart and mind -- the center of emotions; poureth out my gall means leaves me no hope of life.
Government Officials: Gov. Mike Johanns (NE) and Sen. John Rockefeller IV (WV) · BPM Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on WNGN-FM, Buskirk, NY · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of Linda and Joel Kennon · Country: Malta (381,000) about 60 miles south of Sicily · Major languages: Maltese and English · Religious freedom · 97% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your deliverer (Jonah 2:5-6).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 9:24
