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Bible Pathways - June 25, 2008

 

June 25

Job 41

Highlights In Today's Reading:

God continues to speak. Job confesses his lack of understanding and repents of his rebellion. Don't miss what God said to Job's friends (42:7-9). Notice in verse 8 that God said Job would pray for them. Now look at Job's reward (42:10) for His faithfulness. Then (42:11) read the rest of the chapter, especially the last line (42:17).

Much has been revealed in this book concerning the suffering of the righteous, yet there are still many unanswered questions. But Job was not meant to know the answers to all life's problems (nor are we). Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrew 11:6).

The Lord answered Job, gloriously revealing Himself in a series of questions which caused Job to realize how little all of us know about what we accept [by faith]. Hear Job's answer: Behold, I am vile (insignificant) . . . I will lay mine hand upon my mouth [how could I ever know the answers. I have have nothing more to say] (40:4). We too must come to the place where we realize we don't know all the answers.

Through all of his suffering, the loss of family, wealth, friends and wife, he came to realize he didn't know why. All Job needed was to know Who was in control of his life. Both Old and New Testaments teach that the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). God, in His great wisdom and wonderful love, kept dealing with Job until he came to realize that he must trust God. We too must learn to trust Him. Then Job spoke again: Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (42:1-6).

Those who are enjoying the peace of God — are conscious of the fact that: This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4). When the Prophet Isaiah saw himself as he really was and how vital it was to just have faith in God, he fell on his face and cried, I am a man of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5). So it was with Daniel by the River Hiddekel (Daniel 10), and with John on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9-17). Paul testified: I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing (Romans 7:18).

Eliphaz must have been shocked to hear God say: My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job hath (42:7).

When you recognize the Lord's ways, all fears and frustrations vanish. Human reason has never been able to go beyond Job's friends in explaining the great mysteries of human experience and creation.

The purpose of this book is not only to shed light on suffering but to show God's method of developing our faith and godliness. What is infinitely more precious is that our wonderful Lord would lead us to see His sovereignty in all things.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

Thought for Today:

It is not required that we understand everything but only to be faithful and obedient to God's Word.

Christ Revealed:

Through Job's praying for his "friends" (Job 42:10). We are reminded of Christ's command: Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you (Luke 6:28).

Word Studies:

41:13 discover the face of his garment =b> strip off his outer garment; 41:17 sundered =b> separated; 41:23 flakes =b> folds; 42:6 abhor =b> loathe; 42:10 turned the captivity =b> restored the fortunes.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Edward T. Ferguson Sr. and in honor of Stephen Wilcox • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI) • Country: Tajikistan (6 million) southeast central Asia • Major languages: Tajik and Russian • Almost entirely Muslim • 82% Muslim; 4% Russian Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to work in your life in whatever way pleases Him (Hebrews 13:21).

Optional Reading: Philippians 2

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18



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