Bible Pathways 6/22/2001
June 22
Read Job 30 -- 33
No one in biblical history, other than Christ, suffered so much humiliation and intense physical and emotional pain as Job. He had held the chief administrative position in his country and had dwelt as a king (Job 29:25). He delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless, and him who had none to help him. . . . was eyes to the blind, and feet . . . to the lame. . . . was a father to the poor (29:12,15-16). In chapter 31 he listed 12 common sins that no one could accuse him of committing. Yet, in his time of need, no one expressed compassion or a kind word to him.
For Job, there seemed to be no end to the cruelty of the people who made his suffering even more painful and miserable: They push away my feet (trip me). . . . They mar (block) my path . . . they have no helper (no one restrains them). . . . Terrors are turned upon me. . . . My sinews take no rest (I am in continual pain) (30:12-17). But, by far the most troubling to Job was that it seemed that God did not care and was not hearing his prayers: I cry to You (Lord), and You do not hear me (30:20).
This is when our faith is put to the test, for we walk by faith (II Corinthians 5:7). Those who are spiritually-minded are not dependent upon "the things that are seen" -- but they are trusting the Lord. We have no doubt that our God is living and is guiding, providing, and protecting our lives even though we have never seen Him. Our faith does not originate from within us, but from the Word of God.
If we truly desire more faith we will read the Source of faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The Holy Spirit speaks to us as we read His Word. This is why the Christian believes whatever God says.
Job's three friends judged his relationship to God by his circumstances, just as the world and even some Christians do today, often finding fault with what we do or what we possess. Job's friends eventually ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes (Job 32:1). He did not allow them to destroy his faith.
As we consider Job, whom God had declared the most perfect man on earth (1:8), dare we complain or be surprised when we are falsely criticized? The most devoted Christian often suffers the worst indignities and humiliation from thoughtless, inconsiderate people -- even from some who profess to be Christians.
Christ, the perfect Son of God, was shamefully slandered and abused on many occasions. He too reminds us: If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20). For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (II Corinthians 4:17-18).
Christ Revealed: Through the ridicule and affliction which Job suffered (Job 30:10-11). Christ was afflicted and spit upon (Mark 15:15-20; also Isa. 50:6; 53:2-5; Matt. 27:26-30; John 19:1-3).
Word Studies: 30:2 whereto means how; 30:4 mallows are plants of the salt marsh; 30:14 as a wide breaking in means like a flood; 30:27 My bowels boiled means My heart is troubled; prevented means have overtaken; 30:29 dragons means jackals or wolves; 31:10 grind unto means be a slave; 31:40 cockle means weeds; 32:19 belly means heart, mind.
Prayer:
Government Official: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) · BPM Staff: Benjamin Wallace · Pray for Alexander Botanov, Russian translator · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in memory of Charles Godwin · Country: Moldova (4 million) southeastern Europe · Major languages: Rumanian and Russian · Limited religious freedom · 66% Romanian/Russian/Bulgarian Orthodox; 3% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Examine yourself. Has prosperity dulled your willingness to sacrifice (Haggai 1:4)?
Optional Reading: Ephesians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 9:24
