Read Job 41:1-22
Highlights:
God elaborates on the power and strength of just one of His creations (Job chap. 41). In contrast, the powerlessness of man is evident to Job who repents (Job 42:1-6). The Lord rebukes Job's friends. Read whose prayers God accepts (42:8-9). God rewards Job for his faithfulness (42:10-17).
Much has been revealed in this Book concerning the suffering of the righteous, yet there are still many unanswered questions. But Job was not meant to know the answers to all life's problems (nor are we). Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
The Lord answered Job, gloriously revealing Himself in a series of questions which caused Job to realize how little all of us know about what we accept by faith. Hear Job's answer: Behold, I am vile (insignificant) . . . I will lay mine hand upon my mouth (How could I ever know the answers? I have nothing more to say) (Job 40:4). We too must come to the place where we realize we don't know all the answers.
Through all of his suffering and the loss of children, wealth, friends and wife, he came to realize he didn't know why. All Job needed to know was Who was in control of his life. Both Old and New Testaments teach that the just shall live by his faith (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; 8:28; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). God, in His great wisdom and wonderful love, kept dealing with Job until he came to realize that he must trust God. Then Job spoke again: Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:1-6).
Those who are enjoying the peace of God are conscious of the fact that: This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (I John 5:4). When the Prophet Isaiah saw himself as he really was and realized how vital it is to just have faith in God, he fell on his face and cried: I am a man of unclean lips (Is. 6:5). So it was with Daniel by the River Hiddekel (Dan. 10), and with John on the Isle of Patmos (Rev. 1:9-17). Paul testified: I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing (Rom. 7:18). When we recognize the Lord's ways, our fears and frustrations vanish.
The purpose of this Book is not only to shed light on suffering but also to show how God develops our faith and godliness. What is infinitely more precious is that our wonderful Lord would lead us to see His sovereignty in all things. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
Thought for Today:
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory (Is. 6:3). Who am I? . . . for all things come of Thee (I Chr. 29:14).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's praying for his "friends" (Job 42:10). We are reminded that it is Christ . . . who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34).
Word Studies:
41:13 discover the face of his garment strip off his outer coat of armor; 41:17 sundered separated; 41:23 flakes folds; 42:6 abhor loathe; 42:10 turned the captivity restored the fortunes.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Government Official: Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ) • Country: Maldives (300,000) 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka • Major languages: Divehi and English • Christian witnessing is banned • 99.9% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for spiritual prosperity (I Chron. 4:9-10).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 2:36