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
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 as compared to how little is known by mankind. Since God stated that Job possessed remarkable spiritual insight (Job 42:7), it is no surprise to read that God revealed to Job astounding revelations of creation beyond human comprehension even today (42:2-3). By this Job also 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." Neither Job nor anyone else who ever lived, other than Jesus, was sinless and perfect. All of us need to be reminded of our limited knowledge and ability to cope with life's problems, which should cause us 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 trust the Lord in the circumstances He allows into our lives and know that He will use them to fulfill His loving purpose.
During his suffering, Job experienced glorious revelations of the incomparable greatness of God and His ways. Job's spiritual understanding continued to grow (42:5-6). Those who trust in the Lord, as Job did, need not search for the answers to all of life's problems, nor ask the questions: "Why?" and "Why me?" Although we may have unquestioned confidence that our loving, all-wise Heavenly Father always knows what we need and will give His best to those who trust Him, we also know that we are to ask, seek, and knock. Not only are we taught to pray (ask) but also to "seek and knock." This means among other things that we must do all we can do (Luke 11:9-10; James 2:17,20).
Job's friends must have been astounded to hear the Voice from heaven say how wrong they had been and that what Job had said was right. God was angry with Eliphaz, as well as with Bildad and Zophar (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. Using Job as our example, we should do good to those who insult us and pray for those who treat us with contempt, just as Jesus also lived and taught (Luke 6:28-36).
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 (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.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Alexander Botanov, Russian translator · BPM Staff: Gina Lesnefsky · Government Official: Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI) · Country: Guinea (8 million) on the Atlantic coast of western Africa · Major languages: French and tribal languages · Freedom for nationals, but strict limitations on missionaries · 83% Muslim; 12% tribal religions; 4% Roman Catholic; .6% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Optional Reading: Philippians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31-32