Bible Pathway - June 21, 2011
Read Job 25
Highlights:
Bildad and Job debate the greatness of God (Job. chap. 25 & 26). Job seems to be fighting a losing battle. Three chapters of mere words cannot defend or prove his innocence as long as God is silent (chap. 27 — 29). This is a true test from God.
Bildad had insinuated that Job was an unclean worm who could not be justified with God (Job 25:1-6). But God had already revealed Job's true nature, saying he was perfect (blameless) and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed (shunned) evil (1:1). After all this ordeal, God said to Eliphaz . . . you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job hath (42:7).
In the midst of all the false insinuations, Job looked beyond the criticisms to the Source of all true wisdom. He asked the question: Where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man (wisdom of the world) knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. . . . It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof (28:12-13,15). Job was never as concerned about knowing the answer to his problems as he was about having a right relationship with God. Unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (28:28). The more we truly humble ourselves and die to pride, the less we will be affected by the criticism of others.
There is no substitute for reading the Bible itself for acquiring the wisdom of God since God Himself is the Author and Revealer of true wisdom. Therefore, it is vital that we read all the Bible carefully, continuously, repeatedly, and prayerfully. Each of us should have an unwavering desire to daily seek the answer to this question: "What does the Word say to me in my circumstances today?" A determined effort to apply the teaching of the Word to current living will result in rewarding spiritual answers to our daily experiences.
Those who leave Christ — the Living Word — out of their lives will never discover true wisdom and understanding. They will miss the greatest discovery of life — Christ, who is The (Source of all) Truth (John 14:6). To neglect and disregard Christ and His Word is to remain in spiritual darkness, ignorant of the true purpose for life.
We speak . . . not the wisdom of this world . . . But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (I Cor. 2:6-7).
Thought for Today:
The Apostle Paul desired that those who had not seen him would understand. I would that ye knew . . . the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile (deceive) you with enticing words (Col. 2:2-4).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's compassion for others (Job 29:15-17,21-25). Jesus was moved to compassion when He saw great crowds in need of healing and feeding (Matt. 14:14; 15:30-39).
Word Studies:
27:22 fain flee desire to flee; 29:14 diadem turban.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Gov. James H. Douglas (VT), Rep. Dan Burton (IN), and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA) • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord that His Word is absolutely trustworthy (I Kings 8:56).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 2:36
