Bible Pathway - June 18, 2012

Highlights:

Job's defense of integrity; his desire to die; Eliphaz' intensified condemnation; Job's complaint of God's dealing.

Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him. . . . How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin (Job 13:15,23).

Zophar, a highly opinionated man, was convinced (by Job's mere outward circumstances) that Job was guilty of great sin, since tragedy had struck in every area of Job's life. Zophar's conclusion led him to say: Should thy lies make men hold their peace? . . . Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth (11:3,6). We may often find ourselves with opinions one way or the other on a person's situation. Jesus warned: Judge not, that ye not be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged (Matt. 7:1-2). Unless we are 100% sure God is leading us, the best action would be to hold our opinion to ourselves. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Prov. 3:5).

Satan instigated the criticisms by Job's wife and his "good" friends in order to bring about his accusation that Job would curse God if he were severely tested — that he would give up everything to save his life. But each accusation only deepened Job's faith and love for God until he could say: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him (Job 13:15). This was the turning point in Job's testing. Satan, the world, or family and friends may put us down. However, we will only be put down to a certain point before the Holy Spirit will rise within us. God will always be our defender. With the indwelling power of God on our side, we do not have to live in defeat. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).

To be conformed to Christ's death, we must be willing to give up everything dear — even life itself, if necessary — for the privilege of pleasing Him. No treasure on earth should be so great that it would cause us to exchange it for God's heavenly treasure. Jesus explains about heart and treasures: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt. 6:21). We must set our goals and values away from the economics and desires of this world to that of God's Kingdom. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (6:33).

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18).

Thought for Today:

When our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence that God will hear and answer our prayers.

Christ Revealed:

Through the smiting of Job (Job 16:10). Christ also was struck by those who ridiculed Him (Matt. 27:29-44; John 18:22-23; 19:2-3; Ps. 22:7-8; 109:25; Is. 53:3-5,7-10).

Word Studies:

14:5 days are determined . . . with Thee, allotted time to live depends on You; 15:4 restrainest, hinder; 15:25 strengtheneth himself against the Almighty, defies the Almighty; 15:26 upon the thick bosses of his bucklers, with massive shields; 15:27 collops of fat, figuratively speaking, blinded by wealth and self-importance; 15:29 prolong the perfection thereof, continue the harvest, the abundant crops; 15:34 fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery, their houses shall be burned with fire; 16:12 broken me asunder, thoroughly crushed me; 16:13 reins, heart and mind — the center of emotions; poureth out my gall, leaves me no hope of life.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ben Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA), Sen. Mike Johanns (NE), Rep. Paul D. Tonko (NY), and Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (WV) • Country: Iran (66.2 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Farsi and Turki • Hostile to all Christian activity • 87% Shi'a; 12% Sunni; .5% Baha'i; .4% Christian; .03% Jewish; .04% Parsi (Zoroastrian); .03% Other • Prayer Suggestion: The Word of God, confession, and prayer bring the believer into close communion with God (Neh. 9:2-5).

Optional Reading: Ephesians 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 12:13