Bible Pathways 06/18/2002
June 18
Read Job 13 -- 16
In Today's Reading:
Job's defense of his integrity; his desire to die; Eliphaz' intensified condemnation; Job's omplaint of God's dealing.
Verses for Today:
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before Him (13:15-16). Job could say with the utmost confidence: I know that I shall be justified. . . . If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come (13:18; 14:14).
Satan prompted the attacks on Job by his wife and his "devoted" friends in an attempt to substantiate his own accusation that Job would curse God if his many blessings were removed and he was subjected to physical, mental, and emotional suffering. Satan also attempted to prove that Job only served God for all the benefits he had enjoyed and that, without them, he would give up his faith and curse God. Satan assumed that no one would be faithful to God for Who He is -- our perfect Creator, Who is worthy of praise and worship.
As Job's suffering continued, each cruel accusation and insult only deepened his spiritual insight and faith in the wisdom and loving-kindness of God. His loyalty to God was continually and rudely assaulted, and it may appear that he wavered at times. But Job always ended his comments on a high note of praise.
Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, he looked forward to being with the Lord saying; After death I shall live again and I will be changed (see Job 14:14).
As Christians, we can thank God that we have a perfect Savior and great High Priest, Who ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives, we should have a sincere desire to know more about our wonderful Creator which is revealed in His Word.
Job is an example of one who lived to please the Lord. This meant more than all else in life to Job. All who are faithfully living for Christ can say with Job: My Witness (Intercessor) is in Heaven, and my record (of living to please Him as Savior and Lord of my life) is on high (Job 16:19; see Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
How different Job's attitude was from many who blame God for their circumstances, or other people for what goes wrong in their lives. Such people easily become dissatisfied, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions to them. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; but, when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. Job didn't need praise from people to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of his Creator.
Job's unshakable faith in God resulted from his obedience to the revealed Word of God. He said: Neither have I gone back from the Commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).
Christ Revealed:
Through the smiting of Job (Job 16:10). Christ also was smote by those who ridiculed Him (Matthew 27:29-44; John 18:22-23; Psalms 22:7-8; 109:25; Isaiah 53).
Word Studies:
14:5 days are determined = allotted time to live is set; 15:4 restrainest = hinder; 15:25 strengtheneth = behaves proudly; 15:26 bosses of his bucklers = thick layers of shields; 15:27 collops of fat = figuratively speaking, bulging in prosperity; 15:29 neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof = he cannot reap its harvest; 15:34 tabernacles of bribery = houses of the bribetaker; 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:
Government Officials: Gov. Mike Johanns (NE) and Sen. John Rockefeller IV (WV) · Pray for one another · Country: Jamaica (3 million) in the West Indies · Major languages: English and Creole · Religious freedom · 78% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 7% Afro-American spiritist · Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matthew 6:12).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Timothy 3:17
