Bible Pathways 6/20/2001
June 20
Read Job 21 -- 24
Few men in Bible history are so highly esteemed by God as Job, since it is recorded: There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil (Job 1:8). Few men have suffered so much intense suffering as Job. His friends supposed that all his problems were the result of his secret sins. They assumed that wicked men are miserable and, since Job was exceedingly miserable, he must be very wicked! In striking contrast, God said to Job's friend Eliphaz: You have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job has (42:7).
It is shocking to read how wrong Eliphaz could be with his blunt, critical, and cruel condemnation of Job saying: Acquaint now yourself with Him, and be at peace. . . . Receive . . . the Law from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up (restored) . . . put away iniquity far from your tabernacles (22:21-23).
There are still self-righteous, overbearing, opinionated people like Eliphaz who are quick to pass judgment on anyone who doesn't believe as they do or who experiences difficulties or sickness. Job's faith was unshakable because he could truthfully say: His way I have kept, and not declined (turned aside). Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (23:11-12). He believed that, since God was faithful to His Word, He also would be faithful to His servant.
Regardless of where Job turned, it seemed that God was nowhere to be found. In spite of this, Job said: Behold, I go forward, but He is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. But He knows the way that I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold (23:8,10). By reading through the Bible, Christians can learn that we often do not understand why we face disappointments, sufferings, or times of being misunderstood. But, we can believe and trust in God since He always gives His best to the one who desires to do His will.
Job had proven Satan to be a liar. Job's faith did not rest in experiences, feelings, or circumstances, but in the Sovereign God of all creation, who always uses everything in our lives, including our trials and sufferings, for our ultimate good. In times of distress, we need to consider: "Is God trying to get my attention concerning things in my life that displease Him?"
The godly devotion of Job should be an inspiration to all of us who are not as concerned about knowing the "reason" for our suffering as with knowing the Word of God, the only true source of guidance and comfort to carry us through our suffering by knowing God is sovereign.
If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7).
Christ Revealed: Through Job's faithfulness to God through his suffering (Job 23:10-12). Christ's faithfulness to the Father: Not My will, but Thine, be done who also suffered for us, leaving us an example (Luke 22:42; I Pet. 2:21).
Word Studies: 21:2 consolations means comfort; 21:3 suffer means allow; 21:8 seed means children; 21:10 gendereth means breeds; casteth not means does not miscarry; 21:29 tokens means testimony and experience; 24:5 rising betimes for a prey means seeking diligently for food; 24:21 evil entreateth means cruelly took advantage of.
Government Officials: Rep. Phil English (PA), Rep. Van Hilleary (TN), Rep. George Radanovich (CA), and Rep. Adam Schiff (CA) · Pray for Claudia Wintoch, German translator · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Billy W. Jackson, Sr. · Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar · Major languages: English and Creole · Limited religious freedom · 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice over and pray for those who share the Good News (Nahum 1:15).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 9:24
