June 25, 2004
Read Job 41 - 42
In Today's Reading:
Through a series of over 80 questions, God revealed to Job many of the wonders of the universe, some of which have only recently been "discovered" by science. Because of his faith in God and his patience through suffering, Job acknowledged the supreme authority of God compared to how little is known by mankind. It is no surprise to read that Job confessed to God: I know that You can do every thing, and that no thought can be withheld from You. . . I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not (Job 42:2-3). By this he meant: "Although I did not understand, I will never again question what God does or what He allows to happen, since His love and wisdom are perfect." All of us need to be reminded that our limited knowledge and ability to cope with life's problems should cause us to realize how foolish, as well as sinful, it is to question the wisdom and love of God for His children. We need to accept, with submissive hearts, the circumstances He allows in our lives, which He will use to fulfill His loving, eternal purpose.
During his suffering, Job experienced glorious revelations of the incomparable greatness of God and His ways. Job's spiritual understanding continued to grow as he said: I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear: but now my eye sees You. Wherefore I abhor (despise) myself, and repent in dust and ashes (42:5-6). Those who trust in the Lord, as Job did, are not searching for the answers to all of life's problems, nor asking the questions: "Why?" or "Why me?" They are simply trusting our loving, all-wise Father, who always knows what we need and will give the best to those who trust Him.
Job's friends must have been astounded to hear the Voice from heaven say to Eliphaz: My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends: for you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job has (42:7). Job could have become proud after God came to his defense. Instead, he humbly prayed for God to forgive his three friends who had so cruelly misjudged him. Jesus also set an example when He said: Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you (Luke 6:28).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's praying for his "friends" (Job 42:10). We are reminded of Christ's command to pray for those who curse or falsely accuse us (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28).
Word Studies:
41:13 discover the face of his garment = strip off his outer garment; 41:17 sundered = separated; 41:23 flakes = folds; 42:6 abhor = loathe; 42:10 turned the captivity = restored the fortunes.
Pray For:
Staff: George Kopchak · Government Official: Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI) · 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: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: Philippians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:18