In Today's Scripture Reading:
Eliphaz' rebuke of Job continues; Job's response; Job reproaches his friends; Bildad's theory about Job's affliction
After one full week of silent contemplation about Job's suffering, Eliphaz, his eldest friend spoke first (Job 2:3; 4:2). He tried to convince Job to confess his secret sin, saying: Happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not . . . the chastening of the Almighty (5:17). Eliphaz then went on to elaborate on the blessings Job could expect if he would only confess his sin, and he confidently concluded: Lo . . . we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good (5:27).
In addition to Job's physical sufferings, his financial loss, the death of his children, and his wife's bitterness toward God, all three of his friends misjudged his integrity and continued to unmercifully attack him day after day. Job felt the bitter sting of Eliphaz's condemnation and his insinuation that Job was a hypocrite. Job did not understand why God had not come to his defense. Even worse, it seemed to him that he had even been struck down by the arrows of the Almighty (6:4).
However, through Job's sufferings we see how the Lord was bringing to light deeper spiritual insight, when Job said: What is man, that Thou shouldest magnify him? and that Thou shouldest set Thine heart upon him? And that Thou shouldest visit (examine) him every morning, and try (test) him every moment? (7:17-18).
We too recognize our insignificance in comparison to the eternal, holy, and Almighty God. Although He created us, by nature we are defiled by sin and deserve eternal punishment. But, through the miraculous new birth, we have the joy of being eternally with our loving Creator. However, all who reject Christ as personal Savior and Lord will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (Revelation 20:14).
It is not our Heavenly Father's will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). However, God tries (proves) us — either with afflictions or with blessings. Through it all, He is seeking to develop in us a genuine love for and commitment to Him.
All that God does and allows is for our ultimate good. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's sorrowful condition (Job 7:1-6). Christ was known as a Man of sorrows . . . acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). On the cross separated from God in His humanity, Jesus felt that pain in addition to all our sins which He bore (Mark 15:34).
Word Studies:
5:12 devices =b> plotting, enterprise =b> intentions; 5:13 froward =b> deceitful; 5:18 maketh sore =b> inflicts pain; 6:3 swallowed up =b> rash; without restraint; 7:21 sleep in the dust =b> be dead in the grave; 8:5 seek . . . betimes =b> seek with earnestness; 8:11 flag =b> reed grass.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Rick Hash Government Official: Gov. M. Jodi Rell (CT) Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa Major languages: English and Luganda Religious freedom 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to write His precepts in your heart (Colossians 3:16).
Optional Reading: Galatians 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 19:8