Read Job 30 -- 33
In Today's Reading:
Job's proclamation of his integrity; Elihu's accusations
No one in biblical history, other than Christ, suffered more public humiliation and intense physical and emotional pain than Job did. He had held the chief administrative position in his country and had been highly respected. Furthermore, he had helped the poor and the orphans (Job 29:12, 15-16,25). In chapter 31, he listed 12 common sins that no one could accuse him of committing. Yet, in his time of need, no one expressed compassion or a kind word to him.
For Job, there seemed to be no end to the cruelty of the people who should have cared the most. In fact, after his wealth was gone, some made his suffering still more painful and miserable (30:12-17). But, by far, the most troubling situation to Job was that it seemed God did not care about him and was not hearing his prayers (30:20).
At such times, our faith is put to the test because we live by faith that God is guiding in the affairs of our lives (II Corinthians 5:7). Will we trust the Lord and the promises of His Word even though we cannot see the answer to our prayers? Faith does not originate with us but it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). God grants faith as we read His Word (Romans 10:17).
Job's three friends mistakenly judged his relationship to God, but he did not allow them to destroy his faith. As we consider Job, whom God had declared the most perfect man on earth (Job 1:8), we should not be surprised when we too are falsely criticized. The most devoted Christian often suffers the worst indignities and humiliation from thoughtless, inconsiderate people — even from some who are known as Christians.
At the time the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Thessalonica, they were suffering persecutions because of their faith in Jesus as their Messiah. Paul assured them that God would use this persecution to perfect their faith and patience (II Thessalonians 1:4-5). The same is true for us; as we exercise our faith, we become more of what God would have us be (Romans 10:17).
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 a stick 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 19:1-3).
Word Studies:
30:2 whereto = how; 30:4 mallows = plants of the salt marsh; 30:14 as a wide breaking in = like a flood; 30:27 My bowels boiled = My heart is troubled; prevented = have overtaken; 30:29 dragons = jackals or wolves; 31:10 grind unto = be a slave to; 31:40 cockle = weeds; 32:19 belly = heart, mind.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Youth With A Mission and North American Director Peter Iliyn · Government Officials: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Rep. Adam Schiff (CA) · Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada · Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish · Religious freedom · 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Realize that your life is in God's hands, and ask Him to deliver you from all evil (Luke 11:4).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31-32