Bible Pathways 06/25/2002
June 25
Read Job 41 -- 42
In Today's Reading:
God's great power reviewed; Job's submission to God; his prayer for his friends; God blesses Job.
Verses for Today:
Job confessed to God: I know that . . . no thought can be withholden from Thee. . . . therefore have I uttered that I understood not. . . . I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine (spiritual) eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (42:2-3,5-6).
God revealed to Job many of the wonders of the universe never before known to mankind, some of which have only recently been discovered by scientists. Because of his faith in God and his patience through suffering, Job acknowledged the supreme authority of God in comparison to how little is known by mankind saying: I know that [You can] do everything (Job 42:2). By this he meant: "Although I may not understand, I will never question what God does or what He allows to happen, since His love and wisdom are perfect."
All of us need to be reminded of our limited knowledge and ability to cope with life's problems, and to realize how foolish, as well as sinful, it is to question the wisdom and love of God for His children. With submissive hearts, we need to accept the sorrow or suffering He brings or allows, for we know He will use them to fulfill His ultimate purpose for our lives.
During his suffering, Job experienced glorious revelations of the incomparable greatness of God and His ways. Job's spiritual understanding continued to grow as it does with all who, like him, trust in the Lord. Those who know the Lord are not 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 for our eternal good to those who trust Him. We have confidence knowing He [has] said, I will never leave [you], nor forsake [you] (Hebrews 13:5).
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] (Job 42:7).
On the other hand, Job must have been equally surprised to hear that God was pleased with him since, immediately preceding the Voice from Heaven, Job had said: I abhor myself (42:6). 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.
As we come to know God more fully, we take our eyes off others and become more conscious of our own imperfections and unworthiness. When the godly prophet Isaiah saw himself in comparison to his Holy God, he fell on his face crying: Woe is me! . . . I am a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). This emotion was also true of Daniel by the River Hiddekel (Daniel 10:9) and of the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:17). Whenever we see God for Who He truly is, like Isaiah, we too will confess: We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's praying for his "friends" (Job 42:10). We are reminded of Christ's command: Pray for [those who] despitefully use you (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 Job's fortune.
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI) · Pray for one another · Country: Kyrgyzstan (5 million) eastern central Asia · Major languages: Kirghiz and Russian · Religious freedom · 60% Muslim; 11% Russian Orthodox; .8% Protestant/Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask, seek, and knock through prayer, knowing God promises to answer (Matthew 7:7-8).
Optional Reading: Philippians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31-32
