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Bible Pathways - June 22, 2008

 

June 22

Job 30

Highlights In Today's Reading:

The continued physical suffering of Job seems to only be exceeded by the cruel attitudes of human reasoning of his friends. I wonder how faithful we would be if tested in this excessive manner and for such a great length of time. Job ends by again defending innocence. Elihu intervenes and accuses Job once more.

As if the shocking death of his ten children, loss of all his property, his personal suffering from a most painful disease, his being made the object of contempt by his wife and of suspicion and reproach by his friends had not been enough, Job was subjected to the humiliation and insult by those who walked by and spit on him. He probably was still sitting among the ashes, covered from head to foot with painful boils. It would appear that Satan had instigated all the powers of wickedness against him.

Job expressed his pitiful loneliness by saying: They abhor me . . . and . . . spit in my face. . . . I cry unto Thee, and Thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and Thou regardest me not. . . . I waited for light, there came darkness (30:10,20,26). There seemed to be no end to the anguish which Job suffered — even contempt from those who spit in his face as he cried out in prayer. And as far as he could determine, God was not hearing his prayers: Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps? (31:4).

One of the most difficult trials for a Christian is to pray, and continue praying, without any apparent sign that God has heard. But the effectiveness of our prayers cannot be judged by immediate results. There are many reasons for delay. Sometimes God does not grant our request because He will provide something better. At other times, He withholds material benefits in order to impart spiritual understanding. The very fact that our requests are sometimes granted and sometimes denied is proof in itself that we are cared for by a God of love whose ways are governed by His wisdom and always for our best.

How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counseller (Romans 11:33-34)?

Godly men and women are often falsely accused, criticized, and condemned as hypocrites. The best saint often receives the worst indignities from a self-serving, scornful crowd.

Remember the Word that I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also (John 15:20).

Thought for Today:

Our world today scorns integrity, but without integrity it is impossible to make an impact.

Christ Revealed:

Through the ridicule and affliction which Job suffered (Job 30:10-11). Christ was afflicted and spat upon. After Pilate delivered Jesus to the Roman soldiers, they flogged Him, hit Him with an open hand and spat on Him (a sign of great contempt) — and then they crucified Him (Mark 15:15-20; also Isaiah 50:6; 53:2-5; Matthew 27:26-30; John 18:22; 19:1-3).

Word Studies:

30:2 whereto =b> how; 30:4 mallows =b> plants of the salt marsh; 30:14 as a wide breaking in =b> like a flood; 30:27 My bowels boiled =b> My heart is troubled; prevented =b> have overtaken; 31:10 grind unto =b> be a slave to; 31:40 cockle =b> weeds; 32:19 belly =b> heart, mind.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Officials: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Rep. Adam Schiff (CA) • Country: St. Lucia (154,000) in the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 83% Roman Catholic; 13% Protestant; 2% spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who are in adverse circumstances (Hebrews 13:3).

Optional Reading: Ephesians 5

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18



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