June 25
Read Job 41 -- 42
Through a series of over 80 questions, 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 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 have said things that I did not understand (Job 42:2-3). 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 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 brings or allows into our lives, which He will use to fulfill His 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 (spiritual) eye sees You. Wherefore I abhor 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). 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 become more conscious of our imperfections and unworthiness. When godly Isaiah saw himself in comparison to his Holy God, he fell on his face crying: Woe is me! for . . . 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 will confess: We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
Let us say with the Apostle Paul: What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. . . . That I may win Christ, And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (Philippians 3:7-9).
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 means strip off his outer garment; 41:17 sundered means separated; 41:23 flakes means folds; 42:6 abhor means loathe; 42:10 turned the captivity means restored Job's fortune.
Government Official: Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI) · BPM Staff: Clarence Rathbone · Pray for Linda Rathbone, French translator · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Jean R. Young · Country: Morocco (30 million) on the northwestern coast of Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Government very hostile to Christians and missions · 99+% Muslim; .5% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord, for He promises to answer you (Zechariah 13:9).
Optional Reading: Philippians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 12:9