Bible Pathway - June 22, 2011
Read Job 30
Highlights:
The humiliation and anguish of Job's present state is outlined in Job chapters 30 — 31. Our innocent Savior suffered humiliation and anguish for us. The younger man, Elihu, gets angry and tells others what he thinks (chap. 32 — 33).
Job had been shocked by the death of his ten children, lost all his property, and suffered from a most painful disease. He was made the object of contempt by his wife and of suspicion and reproach by his friends. As if all this had not been enough, he was subjected to humiliation and insult by those who walked by. He probably was still sitting among the ashes, covered from head to foot with painful boils. It would appear that Satan had instigated all the powers of wickedness against him.
Job expressed his pitiful loneliness by saying: They abhor me . . . and . . . spit in my face. . . . I cry unto Thee, and Thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and Thou regardest me not. . . . I waited for light, there came darkness (Job 30:10,20,26). There seemed to be no end to the sorrow and suffering which Job endured — even contempt from those who spit in his face as he cried out in prayer. And as far as he could determine, God was not hearing his prayers: Doth not He see my ways, and count all my steps? (31:4).
One of the most difficult trials for a Christian is to pray, and continue praying, without any apparent sign that God was listening. But the effectiveness of our prayers cannot be judged by immediate results. There are many reasons for delay. Sometimes God does not grant our request because He has something better for us. At other times, He withholds material benefits in order to impart spiritual understanding. The very fact that our requests are sometimes granted and sometimes denied is proof in itself that we are cared for by a God of love whose ways are governed by His wisdom. He always gives us what is for our best.
How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counseller? (Rom. 11:33-34).
Godly men and women are often falsely accused, criticized, and condemned as hypocrites. The best saint often receives the worst indignities from a self-serving, scornful crowd.
Remember the Word that I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My Name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me (John 15:20-21).
Thought for Today:
God gives more grace as the burdens become greater.
Christ Revealed:
Through the ridicule and affliction which Job suffered (Job 30:10-11). Christ was afflicted and spit upon. After Pilate delivered Jesus to the Roman soldiers, they beat Him, hit Him with an open hand and spit on Him; and then they crucified Him (Mark 15:15-20; Is. 50:6; 53:2-5; Matt. 27:26-31; John 18:22; 19:1-3).
Word Studies:
30:2 whereto how; 30:4 mallows plants of the salt marsh; 30:14 wide breaking in of waters waters gushing through a wide break in the wall; 30:27 My bowels boiled by heart is continually troubled; days of affliction prevented every day brings more suffering; 31:10 grind unto we a slave to; 31:40 cockle thorny weeds; 32:19 belly in my heart.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for international Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Government Official: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) • Country: Madagascar (15 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique • Major languages: French and Malagasy • Increasingly anti-Christian • 43% witchcraft, ancestor worship, and some astrology; 21% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that people will come to a knowledge of the Lord God (I Kings 18:36-37).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 2:36
