Saturday, May 12: Job 27- .

My heart and soul is weary with the reading of Job. From verse 11 onward Job seems to believe, as his friends do, that the wicked will get their just deserts in this life. This seems to be the same thinking that led his friends to call Job to repent. According to them the calamities that befell Job are indicators of his wickedness.

If only it were that simple... love and serve God and all the blessings of this life come upon you. Do wickedness and God's vengeance will fall on you. Life isn't that simple. By this equation Jesus must have been wicked because of the end he met. We know that is not true. Throughout history some of Jesus' saints have prospered and others not. And the book of Revelation speaks of the tribulations that will come upon the saints, not to mention the various NT Epistles that speak to the tribulations befalling the church (see 2Thessalonians 1:4, James 1:2, 1Peter 1:6 & 4:12 as examples). The same could be said for saints throughout church history, some prospered in an earthly fashion and some did not.

So at least to my mind and reading Job, his friends are a bit off here.

I found no devotional strength in these words, so I went back and started reading again.

The early words of the chapter brought some hope of nourishment. Job begins with this comment to his friends. As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made my life bitter, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity (2-5).

He will not give up his innocence. And he remains adamant that he is getting a raw deal from the Lord. Possibly, even probably, this comes across a tad self-righteous. Be that as it may, Job sets a boundary stone that he will not cross, as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.

I find this a powerful statement; doubly powerful given it is spoken by a man in torment. I am never at my best or my most faithful when I am in pain or tired. Job is suffering much more than I ever have and still he guards his mouth and bridals his tongue.

This stands a powerful example for me.

Even in pain, even in the midst of trial, even feeling forsaken, I can remain faithful. As I type these last words, the image of Stephen at his stoning comes to mind (Acts 7:54). From Stephen's image I bounced to Jesus on the 'forgiving those who crucified him.'

I can remain faithful; the Spirit that was alive in Jesus and Stephen is alive in me!!

Lord God –Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit- I am Yours forever... I pray in Jesus'' name. Amen

 

Friday, May 11: Job 26- Blown away.

Job's final words in the chapter launched my morning musings... Who then can understand the thunder of his power? (14c)

As soon as I read those words my thoughts churned. God is so big so ULTIMATE, who can comprehend the Lord?

Isaiah was correct when he records God's words, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

God is so completely other. My mind shifts to the opening words in the Bible, Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. In the beginning God created...

The Holy Bible is clear... God is the ultimate being. God is the cause of all that is. God is from eternity to eternity. We humans are created beings. As much as we may strive to know and understand the workings of the universe, we are one with it. We are part of created order. God alone stands apart, above, beyond creation.

While it is good to work to understand God, this is in part why God gave us the Bible. We can never know completely as God knows. Even if we were to perfectly master the entirety of the Bible that is only a sliver of knowledge of and about God. How can anything created contain that which is not created, but always was?

I admit my mind is exploding even as I try to attempt to put words to my thoughts about God. I resonate with Job, Who then can understand the thunder of his power?

I do not despair in my quest to know God. Instead I am heartened because the God of the universe has given me enough so that I can put my faith and trust in Him. And in doing so I become part of His family where I have access to the beyond-everything-God as a son.

Wow, blown away!!! God invites me in to His family. Joy floods my soul. The One I cannot ever fully fathom invites me, mere humble, nothing me, into His family. Like I said, 'Wow blown away!!!

Amazed, I sit in Your lap, my God.  Profound words escape me. To be Yours. I praise You and thank You for inviting me into Your family. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

Thursday, May 10: Job 25- So true.

In this brief chapter Bildad speaks words that shoot straight to my heart.

"Dominion and awe belong to God; he establishes order in the heights of heaven. Can his forces be numbered? On whom does his light not rise? How then can a mortal be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure? If even the moon is not bright and the stars are not pure in his eyes, how much less a mortal, who is but a maggot— a human being, who is only a worm!" (2-6)

Yes, yes, yes… my heart sighed. Truth. The Lord God is above all. He alone is sovereign and pure. No matter how 'good' I might be I can and never will be perfect and absolutely pure.

I understand the imagery of humans as worms and maggots in Bildad's words, however, humanity is the crowning glory of God's creation and the one creature with whom God can and does have a familial relationship. Humanity is created in God's image.

I sat and pondered the greatness of the Lord… the wonders of creations, His creation. I scanned the history of God's revelation to humanity as I remembered the flow and breath of God's Word from Genesis through Revelation. I toured with my mind's eye God's amazing gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.

God, Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, is good and mighty and sovereign and majestic and all-wise and just, merciful, grace-filled.  And above all God is love.

I delighted in God and in my relationship with God as Father through faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord. I sat still realizing God is with me in the person of the Holy Spirit.

'Amazed', 'loved', 'delighted' are words that fill me as I contemplate the greatness and wonder of the Lord God Almighty.

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy name. Amen

 

PS: Holy, one more aspect of who God is I neglected to name above… and there are so many more.

 

Wednesday, May 9: Job 24- Laid bare before God.

Reading Job's rant, which encompasses most of this chapter, I thought he could be describing a scene from today's news headlines. Child exploitation, abuse and misuse of the poor and disenfranchised, cheating, stealing, lying.

Apparently life hasn't changed in millennia!

Somehow we think modern people are better humans than 'savages' of the past. Seems to me the facts don't bear this out. Job's lament about the evil deeds of people of his day could be a lament of the evil people of today. In some countries there may be better policing and jurisprudence but even that doesn't stem the tide of violence and oppression. Gun violence, human trafficking, drug related violence and theft, rape, live on in even the most technologically advanced and wealthiest countries of the world. Often they are hidden, but when these come into the light we are shocked by its pervasiveness… example the #metoo campaign exposing many 'respectable' people in lofty places for exploiting women.

Seems clear to me that education, scientific, cultural and political advancement haven't cured the ills deep within the human soul. If we can take an advantage over someone else and the risk seems to be worth the reward, then we do it, even when the advantage puts down or uses the person.

Job opens the chapter: Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment? Why must those who know him look in vain for such days? (1). Surely he is lamenting that he cannot stand face to face with the Lord. His opening sentence however misses the mark. God has sent a time for judgment. It is not during one's lifetime but upon death. Human rules have jurisdiction during life, but upon death God's court takes jurisdiction. And things we may have gotten away with in the human court will be laid bare before God who knows all, including the intentions of our heart!!!

Some abusive men may not be exposed through #metoo. Some evil doers get off on a technicality or have the resources to buy their acquittal in a human court, but that will not be the case before God at His tribunal. The New Testament is eminently clear. Hebrews 9:27, people are destined to die once, after that face judgment. And the only defense we can have in God's court is Jesus standing in our place… and that happens when we place our trust and faith in Jesus and follow Him as a disciple.

I am so grateful for Jesus… my Savior, my Lord.

Sometimes in worship we simply sing the name of Jesus… my heart is singing that right now.

Jesus… Jesus… Jesus…

 

Tuesday, May 8: Job 23- To melt into God's embrace.

Job longs and cries out for his day in God's court. His deep yearning is to speak his case before the Lord, believing he will be exonerated. He believes he has kept faith and lived as God would have him live.

Pondering this, I recognize that Job may be a bit overconfident he could argue his case and win before the Lord. However I am touched by his desire to meet God because Job comes at this from a posture of faith and trust with reverent fear. I was impressed with how Job concludes:

But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases. He carries out his decree against me, and many such plans he still has in store. That is why I am terrified before him; when I think of all this, I fear him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face (13-17).

Job understands God is God. He just wants his day in court.

Who of us hasn't wanted to know the answer to some burning question… why something has happened to you or someone you know. Is that substantively different from Job's request to hear from the Lord? I am not sure it is.

As I listen to Job I hear a person of faith. To stand in God's court is to acknowledge God at some level. Job has not written off God, he wants to face the Lord. Job has not denounced God, he wants to stand in His presence. Job has not cursed God, he desires a hearing with the Lord. From my vantage point this grows from trust and respect…

How deeply do I trust and respect the Lord? This question alters the direction of my time with the Lord. With it God rotates my perspective from looking at Job to examining myself.

Do I trust the Lord with my today and tomorrows?

Do I run toward God or away from Him when adversity strikes?

Do I seek His presence?

These are facets of faith in God… Aren't they?

As I ponder, God pulls me close. "You are mine." I hear Him whisper. I melt into His embrace…

Words do not come as I seek to pray. His presence envelops me. I am His.

Thank you, Lord, I manage to pray…

 

Monday, May 7: Job 22- God did not let go.

Reading Eliphaz's response makes me feel a bit like I am experiencing 'Groundhog Day' over and over again. Eliphaz and his friends keep saying the same things only making them more pointed. There simply is no evidence that Job did the things listed in verses 6-9.

Lord, where is the kernel of truth that can carry me for the day? Where O Lord is a word from you?

All I can fathom is that even when lies are told about you (or to you), hold on to the Lord. Don't give up on God even when people speaking the lies are God's children. God knows the truth about you.

Lord, this chapter raises memories from my earlier life. You were there, when others left me and allowed untrue gossip to be spoken about me. I thank you, Lord, that Your stood with me and never let me go. Praise You, Lord. Praise You. Amen.

 

Saturday, May 5: Job 21- Can anyone teach knowledge to God .

Job continues his dialogue with his friends rebutting Zophar's latest assertions. In short Job replies, looks around.  Some wicked live a full life while some good folks die in despair…

This certainly is true today. Earthly prosperity is no indicator of faithfulness to the Lord.

As I scanned the chapter a second time my eyes and heart were drawn to verse 22. A simple statement about God, Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest? It was an open door to pondering and meditating upon the greatness, the bigness, the transcendence of God.

Recently I have been reading "The Deepest Well Healing, the long-term effects of childhood adversity" by Nadine Burke Harris, MD. This is not a Sunday leisure read.  Rather it chronicles Dr. Harris' fascinating journey exposing and then charting a way forward in treating the long-term effects that severe adversity wreaks upon children.  In this book I was exposed to the concept of epigenetics. Significant adversity can alter a person's DNA causing generational changes. I do not understand this science enough to explain it.

What hit me as I read was the complexity of the human body and the interplay between one human bodily system and another system as science learns more and more about the amazing complexity of the human body. For me these learnings reinforce my appreciation for and admiration of God who designed it all in the first place. The more complex and interrelated all these systems are the more appreciation I have for God as the Creator. To believe that all these systems within systems 'happened' through the chance of evolution independent of God is foolishness to me. The Mac computer on which I am typing right now is evidence of intelligent design. No one in their right mind would say it just 'happened' through some random circumstances.

I have also read recently biographies of Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison and Nicolai Tesla. Their brilliance and hard work shaped our world with incredible art, inventions and technological advances. Everyone who looks at the Mona Lisa thinks about the brilliance and ability of Da Vinci. Art historians explain the way Da Vinci mastered perspective and studied human anatomy so he could render the curl of the human lips in a smile. Design demands intelligence.

The more I read and discover the complexity of our world and the human body the more I believe in God. I marvel in God being so far beyond me (us) as humans. My heart cries with Job, Can anyone teach knowledge to God…

I look out my window upon nature and see the Lord's handiwork. I look at my hand as it types and I see the Lord's handiwork. I recall the Aurora Borealis I witnessed in Iceland and see the handiwork of the Lord.

To ponder the greatness of God puts my heart at rest, Thanks to faith in Jesus I have experienced God's love, forgiveness and care. I am at ease placing my life and my eternal life in God's hands.

Thank you, Job, for sparking these meditations on the wonder of God.

Praise and bless You, Oh God –Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Halleluiah. Amen.

 

Friday, May 4: Job 20- Soaring the heights of mercy.

And so the story continues, "second verse same as the first." Job and his friends are set in this reoccurring loop. Good people prosper. Wicked people eventually are exposed. Job, the fact that your life has totally fallen apart means you are exposed. You must be a wicked person, 'fess up.

Such is the fate [your fate, the horrors that have befallen you] God allots the wicked, the heritage appointed for them by God (29).

My heart is heavy bearing this thought. I can only imagine the weight Job and his friends felt living in a time when this was the understanding of God!

I am so glad that I live under the New Covenant, under the message of Jesus, which proclaims…

It is true that we ALL have sinned and that God punishes sin. BUT God has paid the sin penalty for all who put their fate in Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to pay the cost of sin… my sin, your sin, the sin of the world. The penalty has been paid; all one needs to do is receive the gift of forgiveness, freedom and redemption from Jesus… to acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and believe on Him in their hearts and salvation comes to them (read Romans).

So where I began bearing the weight of life under the yoke of performance and perfection or God will get you. I finish soaring the heights of grace and mercy, where God redeems me through the love and sacrifice of Jesus, who is God incarnate who lived among us for a while (see John 1:1-2, 5-vv)

Oh, Jesus, I am so thankful and full of blessing because You came, died and were raised to life again, canceling my debt of sin. Oh, Father God, thank you for willing from the beginning of time that salvation could be found in Jesus, Your son, our Lord. Oh, Holy Spirit, thank You for opening my eyes to the truth of Jesus and enabling me to receive the wonders of salvation and for walking with me the road of discipleship.

Bless You, Jesus, Father, Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 

Thursday, May 3: Job 19- My redeemer lives.

In verse 11, His anger burns against me; he counts me among his enemies (11) Job declares that God burns against him… his evidence the pain and trouble he is in. This seems to wreak of the same theology of Job's friends, that life's circumstances indicate God's pleasure or lack there of.  This caused me to realize that Job's understanding of God is a mixed bag, part is accurate and part not. Job is human! We all see through a glass dimly (1Corinthinas 13:15). Still Job clings to faith in God.

This discourse includes one of Job's most famous lines. I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (25-27)

I know that my redeemer lives… I cannot read those words without hearing the song My Redeemer Lives by Reuben Morgan.

He lifts my burdens. I'll rise with Him. I'm dancing on the mountain tops to see his kingdom come. My Redeemer lives. My Redeemer lives…

Halleluiah, my Redeemer lives. Even though I do not have perfect understanding, the understanding I have, by God's grace and the ministry of the Holy Spirit within, is enough for me to hold on and keep the faith, no matter my circumstances. 

I will sing with Job and Reuben…

My Redeemer live… my Redeemer lives.

Oh, God, I am so blessed that You my Redeemer lives… Through Jesus I pray. Amen

 

Wednesday, May 2: Job 18- Exposed.

How the words of Bildad must have torn at Job's heart. They are not words or comfort, nor encouragement or even care. They are accusations. Little wonder Job grows more and more defensive.

Be honest. Who says things like this to someone hit with disaster beyond his or her control?

When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk (2). And then from his mouth flows this 'talk.'

"The lamp of a wicked man is snuffed out; the flame of his fire stops burning. The light in his tent becomes dark; the lamp beside him goes out. The vigor of his step is weakened; his own schemes throw him down. His feet thrust him into a net; he wanders into its mesh. A trap seizes him by the heel; a snare holds him fast. A noose is hidden for him on the ground; a trap lies in his path. Terrors startle him on every side and dog his every step. Calamity is hungry for him; disaster is ready for him when he falls. It eats away parts of his skin; death's firstborn devours his limbs (5-13).

From beginning to end this is a gut punch. I was particularly appalled by the final comment I quoted. Calamity is hungry for him; disaster is ready for him when he falls. It eats away parts of his skin; death's firstborn devours his limbs. It seems to be a particularly sharp spear aimed at Job himself. Remember Job has running sores all over his body eating away his flesh, which he scraped with broken pottery for some 'relief.'

Then after a few more hits, Bildad closes with this comment:

He has no offspring or descendants among his people, no survivor where once he lived. People of the west are appalled at his fate; those of the east are seized with horror. Surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who does not know God" (19-21).

Again all Job's children have died… it doesn't take a literary critic to understand that Bildad is calling Job an evil man… who does not know God.

I wanted to cry with Job. I wanted to shove a sock in Bildad's mouth to shut him up.

My last reaction while possibly being 'right' is not righteous. I am exposed for who I am... a sin filled person, desperately in need of a savior.

Job is far more gracious than I am.

I sit here this morning humbled by my sin and need.

Oh, God, my humanity is weak. Only by Your grace. Only because of Your love. Only because of Jesus can I dare enter your presence and speak with You.

Thank You. Bless You. Halleluiah. I am alive because of You. Amen.

 

Tuesday, May 1: Job 17- Is there someone who needs a friend?.

Job is a broken man. Apparently the trials of his life and the words of his friends have taken their toll. My spirit is broken, my days are cut short, the grave awaits me, he cries out in verse 1.

Despair is overtaking him…

Even the best of us can fold under life's pressure. Even the most faithful person can lose hope. This seems to be Job's lot.

How sad Job's situation. It is in moments of despair that we need our friends the most. And as Job noted last chapter what we need from friends at those times is encouragement. Sadly his friends seem to be doing just the opposite.

I am wondering if there are friends of mine who need a pick me up. I am wondering if the Lord is providing this insight because there is someone in my circle who needs a friend, a positive word, a smile, a hug…

Oh, Lord God, help me to be empathetic toward my family, friends and acquaintances. Lead me, Oh Holy Spirit, to bring salve for their wounds and peace –Your peace –to their heart. May I be a friend in the best sense of the word. Lead me Lord to be Your hands, feet, mouth and heart to the hurting world around me. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Monday, April 30: Job 16- Encouragement v. condemnation.

Job begins his rebuttal with an interesting observation.

Then Job replied:

"I have heard many things like these; you are miserable comforters, all of you! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing? I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief (1-5).

As I read Job's words, the thought that came to me goes like this, "When someone is in pain, don't lecture, encourage. Keep your words few. Comfort should be your aim."

Whether his friends were right or wrong what mattered most, and what Job did not receive from his friends, was comfort. All their words were stealing the life from Job and making matters worse.

I began to replay in my mind the conversation flow up through chapter 15. As his friends pressed their case that Job must be at fault somehow, Job's rebuttals grow stronger pushing him closer to the precipice of dismissing God or declaring God unjust. Fending off all their talk Job was sounding more and more arrogant and self-promoting.

Instead of letting Job grieve or cry, he was having to defend himself. He couldn't even vent.

Thinking about Job's comments caused me to replay my conversations with friends who are in pain or are scared. I am wondering if I was an encouragement. Did I help or hurt?

Job gives a powerful perspective on coming along side someone facing difficult times!

Oh, God, let Job's message seep in. Soften my heart and my need to be 'right' and give me empathy for others in pain. Lord, may my few words be words of life…

I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 28: Job 15- How do you measure faithfulness?.

Eliphaz again has partial truth. He gets that mortals are not pure. "What are mortals, that they could be pure, or those born of woman, that they could be righteous? If God places no trust in his holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, how much less mortals, who are vile and corrupt, who drink up evil like water! (14-16).

Still he is stuck on the notion that life and success are indicators of one's piety. Live well and you will prosper, defy God and you will have torment of life. Since Job is being tormented then he must have sinned; God is punishing him.

When I put this in writing it seems simple to see the fallacy of this theology, but yet, this thinking still has a grip on many. We observe it in the so called 'prosperity gospel'… God wants us to name it and claim it. God wills that all His people will prosper, which means 'do well financially and materially'. We can even observe it in people who set up certain tithing equations. If I tithe or give X, God will give me Y.

While these understandings of God might make sense in a prosperous country like mine, they are impossible in impoverished countries where survival rather than 'prospering' is the life hope.

God's voice bids me to examine my own thinking. Have I, in any way, slipped into some manner of thinking that faithfulness to God is the path to happy good life? If so, I must purge that thinking because it is a poor measurement.

Did Jesus measure His faithfulness by the good life?

Did Peter or Paul or any apostle measure their faithfulness by the good life?

NO. Fruit of righteous is a better measure.

So I am duly warned. Because which measuring stick of faithfulness you choose to use...

Oh, God, to be found, that is my desire. Guide me and help me to stay strong in You. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

Friday, April 27: Job 14- Serving and loving God is its own reward.

After reading the chapter my thoughts are all over the place. There was no sweet spot in the chapter for me.

Lord, what part of this word will draw me to You? I sit still.  I wonder. I ponder Your servant Job. He has faith in You, truly uncompromising faith in You. He does so, it seems to me, without an understanding of life everlasting.

But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last and is no more. As the water of a lake dries up or a riverbed becomes parched and dry, so he lies down and does not rise; till the heavens are no more, people will not awake or be roused from their sleep (10-12). That last clause, I guess, leaves open the possibility of an afterlife; it is certainly not a clear endorsement of such. And the entire tenor of his words seems to infer a belief that once in the grave that is it for a person.

If I am reading Job correctly he has incredible faith in God without any hope of ultimate redemption, which is all the more amazing to me. I know we all see through a glass dimly (1Cor 13:12) and none of us understands perfectly. Missing eternal life is a pretty big miss and still he is faithful.

I am encouraged by Job and the thought that serving and loving the Lord is its own reward… eternal life and other blessings are icing on the cake.

Lord God, thank You for You. I love You for who You are. Bless and praise You, Lord. Through Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

 

Thursday, April 26: Job 13- Trust in God.

The chapter speaks loudly about the heart of Job. He wants a hearing before God. He wants to state his case and then let God judge. Amazingly his reverence for God has not waned but remained steadfast.

Verse 15 captures the flavor of the chapter. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

How many times during a trial or difficult time do I long for a face to face with God.

Though he believes he will be vindicated, Job's desire is to speak directly with God. What touches my heart is that Job is willing to accept whatever God says. His hope in God remains strong. Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.

To my thinking that is faith.

Chapters ago his wife counseled him, "Curse God and die." He would not do that then and still he will not. Job trusts God. Job trusts in God. This has not changed despite the horrors he is going through.

Will I be likewise faithful? Will I continue to trust God and trust in God no matter what His hand allows to come my way? I pray so…

Oh, God, Job stood on the rock of faith… Job hurt, he wondered, he wanted answers but he never stopped believing in and serving You. I pray for the faith to hold on, for the spiritual strength to never let go and to be a man after Your own heart. Through Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

 

 

Wednesday, April 25: Job 12- Our Redeemer Lives.

Job utters one of the great descriptions of God's sovereignty and power. Job gets it. The Lord God is above all things. His will is displayed ever before us.

"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; those he imprisons cannot be released. If he holds back the waters, there is drought; if he lets them loose, they devastate the land. To him belong strength and insight; both deceived and deceiver are his. He leads rulers away stripped and makes fools of judges. He takes off the shackles put on by kings and ties a loincloth around their waist. He leads priests away stripped and overthrows officials long established. He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders. He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light. He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them. He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason; he makes them wander in a trackless waste. They grope in darkness with no light; he makes them stagger like drunkards (13-25).

As I read Job's words and read them again I tried to allow them to sink in. I want to allow them to take root in the depth of my being.

I may not fully understand God and His ways, but I can appreciate God for whom He is… God. And His ways are inscrutable. I, a mere human being, can never fully understand or comprehend His ways.

I can, however, surrender to them.

Job maintains his innocence –maybe he is a bit too self affirming –still he understands and more importantly acknowledges that God chooses the way each person walks.

Even as I write, questions float in my thought... tensions between free will –my ability to choose my destiny –and God's sovereignty. By all accounts in this book Job was a righteous man, still all these calamities befall him. He chose well but evil befell him. God had other things in play that no human could factor in. Job had no clue he was the king in God's chess match with Satan. All may have looked lost, but the ultimate victory would be the Lord's.

I switched to my own life seeing these connections…

Live righteously, loving God and loving others.

Remain faithful through life's storms; refuse to curse God

Speak truthfully as best you can all the days of your life

And know our Redeemer lives… Yes, Jesus lives.

I surrender all. I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender. I surrender all. Gladly and with a grateful heart for all You do and all You have done for me Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I surrender all. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 24: Job 11- God the master designer.

Zophar reminds us of some profound truths about God. "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea (7-9).

God's ways are so much higher than our ways. In our wildest most advanced thoughts we cannot approach the wisdom of God. This is true.

As I sit in stillness this morning with nature waking up around me it is good to be reminded of the greatness of God. Even as the collective brainpower of humankind gains understanding into nature and answers some of the mysteries of past ages, there is so much that we do not know. And we have yet to mine the mystery of beginnings. All our theories begin with something; where, however, did the something come from.

I am thinking about the collective human knowledge, even less, no one person knows all of the collective knowledge accumulated by humanity.

All of this is to say I sit and marvel at God… His wonder.

A little over a week ago my wife planted tiny seeds starting our summer garden. After just a few days of water and sun tiny sprigs began pushing their heads through the soil. Oh, science can explain the process, but did it really just happen and evolve without any mastermind behind architecting the grand scheme and the various systems?

A ministry I work with is building a chapel on a mountainous retreat center in North Carolina. Hours and hours have been spent with architects, landscape architects and others to create a building that fits the land and draws us to God. It didn't just 'happen.' As I look out to nature I see the hand of the grand architect, God, and I am so thankful and blessed that God's ways and thoughts are higher than mine or even the collective human brain power.

I fall before God, joyfully worshipping Him Who is supreme, eternal and approachable through faith in Jesus.

Alleluia… God, I praise You. Alleluia… God, I worship You, magnificent, eternal, all wise and all knowing. I surrender all to You. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

Monday, April 23: Job 10- On the right track.

What an interesting book Job is. It begins with a glimpse of God in the 'heavenlies'. Then it shifts to earth and we walk with Job through horrors of loss and intense pain. We sit with Job as friends comfort him. Then words are exchanged, accusation of sin from his friends, 'explaining why he is in the state he is in.' Mourning and pain flow from Job's lips and the more his friends push the more Job pushes back his innocence.

I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. I say to God: Do not declare me guilty, but tell me what charges you have against me (1-2).

If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished. If I am guilty—woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction. If I hold my head high, you stalk me like a lion and again display your awesome power against me. You bring new witnesses against me and increase your anger toward me; your forces come against me wave upon wave (14-17).

As I was listening to Job's reply today... As I was drawn into his pain and outbursts. I could easily understand his cries. I, too, could have said those things and I would have likely been less restrained. Why me? What have I done?... Name my charges. Tell me…

Next thing I know, I found myself wondering what God was thinking as He listened in. [I understand that these thoughts move beyond the text. They are pure speculation on my part, still I lingered with these thoughts for a while.]

What was God thinking as He watched and listened from His perch unnoticed by Job and his friends?

I imagined God crying. His heart breaking for his child. Was Job guilty? Of some things, certainly. No human is perfect. We have all crossed the line into sin. Still I imagine God's heart breaking. I imagine God's growing frustration with the friends and how they are perverting truth and heaping coals on Job. I imagine God whispering, hang in there… mercy will come.

I also imagine God thinking, 'Devil, you fool. You fell for it. I will be vindicated and in the future you will be vanquished. As you missed this one, so too you will miss the defining gambit when My Son, My only Son comes. You think you know so much, but what you don't know will be your undoing.

Slowly another thought formed in my inner being. What does my imaginings about God say about my understanding of God? Hmmm…

I see God as a caring, grace-filled Father whose wisdom is the undoing of evil…

Although I have much still to learn about my God, I think I am on the right track…

Oh, Lord, I bless You for these times when I can sit and ponder and think and be with You. Praise be to You, Father, Jesus Holy Spirit, One God, eternal, magnificent and wonder-full. Through Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 21: Job 9- Job gets it!.

Job is a man way ahead of his times. It is amazing how much he truly understands. He gets the plight we humans are in. We are not God. How can we even presume to stand on a footing with God that we could argue ourselves into God's good graces?  The Lord God is so far beyond our comprehension, who are we to stand in His presence?

I am amazed at Job's wisdom as he answers his friend. "How then can I dispute with him [God]? How can I find words to argue with him? Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy (14-15).

Job gets it. How can we mere mortals stand in the presence of God and win any argument? We could never answer God. Our humanness is no match for His godliness. It is crazy even to think that we could stand in God's court and win!

As insightful as Job's understanding is, he just blew me away when he continues. If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together, someone to remove God's rod from me, so that his terror would frighten me no more. Then I would speak up without fear of him, but as it now stands with me, I cannot (33-35).

Although he is not quite describing Jesus and the role Jesus plays, Job definitely understands the need for Jesus. We need a mediator! And who could stand in God's presence and be God's equal besides God Himself. Oh, the wonder of Jesus –God in human flesh who takes our place.

This is where Job doesn't quite fathom the full mystery of God –not surprisingly, by the way, Job is human!

A mediator needs to do more than level the field so we can have our day in court. Jesus, the mediator between God and man, takes our place! He stands in for us, giving us His righteousness and taking on our sin which he pays for with His life on the cross.

As I round up today, I am amazed at Job's insight.  Even more I marvel at the love of God and the wonder of Jesus who is both mediator and 'stand in' for me, for you, for everyone who believes.

Oh, Jesus, thank You!!!! In Your name I pray. Amen.

 

Friday, April 20: Job 8- What we believe matters .

It is one thing to try to point a person to the Lord. It is quite another to guilt them and belittle them. I found Bildad's words condescending and certainly not life giving.

Two aspects of his comments were particularly troubling… The first is that it seems to be built upon the words of men. Verses 8-10: Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding? While there is certainly wisdom in realizing we –whatever generation we happen to represent –are not the end all of history. People before us have wisdom they can share with us. But, if I am hearing Bildad correctly, he seems to be referencing human wisdom rather than the wisdom imparted by God and preserved by men.

A world view build on the best human wisdom is built on sinking sand, rather than the firm foundation of truth –God's truth. And this leads directly to my second problem with Bildad.

He appears to be operating from the foundation that human success is THE measure of faithfulness before God. By his theology today, being a millionaire or billionaire, shows you are blameless before God. Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers (20). What he is saying is something like, 'Job, if you were blameless these tragedies would not have happened to you.'

But worldly success is not an indicator of faithfulness and blamelessness. If that were true, none of the apostles could be considered faithful and blameless. Even more importantly, Jesus wouldn't be faithful or blameless either, just look at His life and how He died!

What we believe matters. Bildad may have thought he was right.  However, his understanding of life and how God works was faulty and caused him to miss read the situation and deliver harsh words to Job.

What we believe matters… which is why listening to and learning from God's Word, the Bible, is so important for life.

Am I building my life on human wisdom or on God's Word? Are you?

Think about it.

Lord, help me not to simply read Your Word but to take it into my very heart and soul and build my life upon it. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

Thursday, April 19: Job 7- Honesty.

Honesty. The word honesty scrolls across my thoughts as I ponder the chapter I have just read. Job is crying out to God honestly. He is in pain. In agony he cries to God. Like a giant 'WHY' this chapter drips with pathos.

I haven't endured anything like what Job is enduring. Is honesty confined only to pain? Am I as honest with God as Job was?

I am wondering if my conversation and prayers to the Lord are muted compared to Job. I am wondering if I make my prayers more civil or less joyous than what bubbles within me.

God handles Job's cries. God can and would handle my honesty, anyone's honesty.

My thoughts review my prayers… am I honest with the Lord? If not, why not? And since I am not fully honest with the Lord, why not? What is blocking me from baring my soul with the One who knows it already anyway?

I do not know. I am not sure…

God pulls me close… He is beckoning me.

God is beckoning you… to be honest with Him about anything and everything.

Oh, Lord, my God…

 

Wednesday, April 18: Job 6- Truly a man of faith .

What a faith filled man… Job is in the depth of pain. Pain I cannot imagine. His word sends chills up and down my spine. If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been impetuous (2-3).  He continues to attempt to express his level of duress. I shudder at his honesty. His ability to use words to invite me into his horror.

His climax is not a crescendo of agony, but one of honor and faithfulness for his God. Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain— that I had not denied the words of the Holy One (10).

The moment I read verse 10, I thought Job truly was a man of faith. God knew what He was doing when He mentioned Job to Satan.

I don't understand all the 'ins and outs' of the book that bears Job's name. How does Satan get to stand in God's presence? How God could be incited against Job? However, what I do get is the amazing faithful stand of Job. Even in his intolerable pain he will not break faith with his God.

Job, for certain, is not perfect, but he is faithful and that is something I can ascribe to be…FAITHFUL.

Lord God, I do not know the path You have laid out for me. I do not know what lies ahead. Still I speak my prayer to You… May I be ever faithful; may I be ever true to You. May my life, in some way, shape or fashion, bring glory and point honorably and lovingly to You, my Creator, Maker, Savior and Friend. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 17: Job 5- Standing before God.

We are all imperfect. As Eliphaz' discourse continues he hits a few notes correctly even though his general thrust misses the mark.

But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside (8-10).

We can always go to the Lord. His door is open. No matter where we have been or what we have done God will meet us there, if we are willing to turn to Him. Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11) is a case in point. When he came to his senses and turned for home, the father (God in the parable) ran to him with love and open arms.

This is not to say that we will find ourselves justified for our actions before God. God, after all, is just and sin will be punished.

Thanks be to the Lord, He graciously planned a way out from under our sin, belief and acceptance of the once for all sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty our sins deserved by dying on the cross. And everyone who repents from their way of life and puts their faith and trust in Jesus will find the mercy of God in open arms of acceptance. This is the Good News of the Gospel.

Wow, my thoughts slid a long way from Job… I wouldn't want to make my appeal to the Lord without the covering of Jesus because I would be found guilty! And being found guilty in God's court is a scary thing.

Thanks be to the Lord for Jesus and His sacrifice… In Jesus I have found my Savior and my reconnection with God, the Father.

Oh, God, I do not deserve the mercy You have shown. I do not deserve the ransom Jesus paid for my life. You are so good. I can never repay You for all Your goodness to me. I bow to You and offer You my all. Like the 'little drummer boy' I will give You my heart.

Thank You Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, for loving and saving me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 

Monday, April 16: Job 4- False Truths.

'Pop theology' abounds in every age. It can be devastating, especially with vulnerable and hurting people.

Job's friend, Eliphaz, was doing more and doing better for Job when he was silent. These words won't make an anthology of encouraging words: Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? (7). Really, this is the first thing you say to someone who has buried his entire family and lost his entire wealth??? Besides being insensitive, it is not true. It probably was classic 'pop theology' in their day. Let's face it, it is a pretty good belief for people who are living!!!

I don't think too many believe this today. But we have our own pop beliefs.

·         God helps those who help themselves.

·         If you only had enough faith God would heal you

·         Prospering is a sign of God's pleasure.

Problem is they simply are not true. 

Considering the rampant nature of 'pop theology'. I found myself thinking about the only defense against these nice sounding false beliefs and that is God's truth.

Knowing the Word, reading and studying and spending time in God's Word is our only defense against falsehood in any form.

I know my understanding and theology isn't perfect. I am a mere human being. Howsever, the better I know God's Word, the better protected I am from the blatant falsehoods of 'pop theology' and the latest gibberish from most self-help gurus.

Lord, I pray that Your Word, taken into my life, will shield me against the onslaught of godless banter in my world… I also , Lord, that when I go to comfort a friend, I will give them my presence and offer them Your hope and Your Word rather than drivel. I pray this in the name I bear, Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 14: Job 3- honest and faith-filled .

Pain… acknowledging pain. I would never want to endure what Job endured. The relational and physical torment of chapters 1 and 2 are beyond my words as I write.

Here is Job living them. His words drip with honesty. My entire body resonates with Job.

Immediately I thought, here is a man who is honest and faith-filled. Never once does he curse God. Question God, certainly. How could one not have questions for God? And even more, every reference to God has an honoring tone. Job is a man who knows, understands his place and understands his God.

I have met too many people –sisters and brothers in Jesus –who are not able to be this honest with their Lord as they endure trials. Some plaster a false spirituality on their faces and their words drip with clichés but no substance. When I hear them, the word DENIAL scrolls in my mind.

Others lash out at God, which in my opinion, can be more honest than the former. However, their words drip with anger that teeters on or falls off the cliff of blasphemy and taking the Lord's name in vain. God can handle this but blasphemy and using the Lord's name wrongly is still sin.

Job somehow remains, between these two extremes, a model for me of suffering faithfully.

I am not in a time of suffering, so much of my gleanings is 'theoretical' but may they be stored till such a time as I need to lean on them to remain faithful to my Lord God.

Questions for God, absolutely. I will go so far as to say questions with an edge… Anger, too, is human, natural and okay. The word does say "In your anger do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).

The text gives us Job's guard rail last chapter for not sinning, He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said (2:10). Job did not sin because Job did not curse God or take God's name in vain… in sound or in thought because sins of thought are just as much sin as sins of speech.  

Well, Lord, I hope and pray that I never experience 1/10 of what Job lived through, but Lord that is in Your hand. I surrender to You. And I pray that in good times or horrible times I may be faithful to You and that my life, like Job's, might be a positive witness to You. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Friday, April 13: Job 2- Questions and trust again.

Well, the torment of Job increases to personal pain, sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Uugh, what a picture, scraping his sores with a broken piece of pottery was his only relief!!de`

The same questions I wrestled with yesterday surfaced again today… verse 3 includes the gamut of questions I wrestled with in chapter 1. Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason." God was incited by Satan??? Another huge question.

However, the place I paused to meditate upon was Job's exchange with his wife in verses 9-10. His wife said to him, "Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job simply would not curse God. He would not speak against his Lord and Maker. More than that, the faith he displayed in remarkable. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

I am reduced to prayer by Job's words and actions. To have such utter faith is my hope and desire.

By any account I have lived a blessed life. Oh, I have faced trials, everyone does. However, the extent of my trials seems insignificant compared to Job. To watch this man of faith remain faithful in the face of tremendous loss and pain and hardship and devastation is so encouraging. If Job can do it… we all can do it. More personally, I can do it. NO matter the testing and trials God allows to come my way… I pray for the faith of Job. To stand strong in God –Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit –is my desire.

Oh, Lord, I do not know what Your will will allow. No matter, I surrender to it. To be Yours is my delight. And I pray that in all things I will live in a way that honors You and that You receive all honor and glory through my life and through Your church. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Thursday, April 12: Job 1- Questions and trust.

Job is a strange yet interesting read for me, fraught with questions on subjects I regularly avoid. It presses me, but by God's grace, leads me to exclaim with Job, 'Blessed be the name of the Lord'.

As I begin my read, questions abound…

Consider verses 11-12 Satan challenges God to stretch His hand against Job. Satan speaking, But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face. The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

This begs the question, 'Who is it who smites Job'? Is it Satan or God? Is it Satan with God's permission? If God allows it, is that significantly different than if God causes it?

Another question, 'What's the deal with Satan being allowed in God's presence'?

The scene switches to Job's perspective; hearing reports of this entire family and wealth being destroyed, Job's response reignites the questions I had at first. At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (20-21).

Un-phased by any the theological debate about who caused his devastation, Job looks to the Lord… "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised"

What faith! What faith particularly in the face of devastation. Job inspires me to trust in the Lord!!!

Oh, God, I don't want to endure what Job endured. Still I am inspired by his faith in You and that is something I long for... to have absolute trust in You. Job trusted You when his life was charmed and he trusted You when the rug was pulled out from under him. I pray for faith to trust You always and in every situation Your providence allows. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

Wednesday, April 11: Galatians 6- Spread goodness wherever you are .

As Paul's letter winds down, Paul gives a number of closing injunctions, any of these are worthy of meditation. I chose verse 9-10: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

If I am honest with myself, sometimes I do weary from doing good. A selfishness wells up in me, sometimes disguised as 'self care'.  Sometimes I'm tired and I just don't want to give myself away to others. Paul's simple word pierces me. I can be so selfish and so 'self minded'.

Paul's simple word pulses within me… don't weary in doing good… as you have opportunity,… do good to all people, especially… believers.

How practical this is… just do good.  Spread goodness wherever you are. Do good for those you know and those whose paths you cross. Imagine a world where all Christ followers lived this way. Our world would truly be a kinder, gentler world.

Lord, continue to remind me of this simple word today. Help me to see people who I can be kind to as I have opportunity. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 10: Galatians 5- FREEDOM.

So now what Paul has been writing about and arguing for finally comes into clear view.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (1-6).

Some Christ followers were being duped into being circumcised. In other words they were accepting the Jewish faith as a means of salvation. Through the act of circumcision they were saying that they would keep the Jewish Law and thus become accepted as one of God's people.

No, Paul screams. Because with circumcision you moved from grace and mercy to law, moved from faith to effort and work. Since it is impossible to keep the entire law, one is damned by this switch.

Remember, too, that he already taught that the Spirit was experienced through faith not works, so by accepting the Law they are forfeiting God's Spirit within them.

Ok, so what does this mean for me? I am not considering converting to Judaism.

Where circumcision can be a bold action declaring a person's intention to earn their way to God, might there be subtle less dramatic actions that indicate a similar shift?

I have to tread lightly here but I suspect so…

When I put my trust in religious actions rather than the Lord Jesus, the Father and the Spirit who is the focus of these actions, I have subtly shifted to a works approach to God. Fasting, worship participation, Bible study, etc. are all excellent actions that can help me grow in faith. BUT if I mentally treat them as a checklist of my effort and work, they can become a lesser type of circumcision, indicating I am earning my way to God rather than accepting God's grace and mercy through faith.

Similarly if I have gobs of money and give big gifts to my church or favorite Christ-honoring charity, thinking this will endear me to God, I have slipped from faith to works.

If I serve here and there as a means of proving to God I am worthy and maybe even better than those who do not serve as much as I do, I have slipped from faith to works.

As I mentioned, I need to tread carefully here because a person could give gobs of money by faith or serve tirelessly by faith. So it is not the outward action in these cases but the inward intention/motivation that is determining.

Back to me… I need to examine my heart probing my motivation. I need to keep communications open between my Lord and me so that if He sees something in me I do not see in myself, I am open to His correction. I need to walk by faith…

So, Lord, I open myself up to probing… I will probe but please, Lord, I ask You to probe me. Should I slip off the way of faith, call me, nudge me, wrestle me back to You, to faith, I pray.

And, Lord, cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in me…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that I might be Yours wholly and totally. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Monday, April 9: Galatians 4- Father.

Father… to be able to call God, Father. What a gift. What a blessing. What a joy.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir (6-7).

The invitation to call God Father… "Abba, Father" –Daddy, Father is delightful, intimate, relationship.

Not only are we no longer a slave we have been adopted into God's family. We are God's child. And as a child, God invites us to call Him Father, to call Him Dad/Daddy/Pops, whatever is your affectionate term for Father.

God, our Father, is not merely some theological construct or some grand idea. God seeks to move from construct into relationship. God invites us to know Him even as we are known by Him (check out verse 9).

I savor this thought. How amazing that God, the creator of all there is, would be so interested and invested in me, in you, that He invites us to call Him Father, Daddy, Pops.

As I sit, I am blown away by this. I am marveling at the wonder of this. To be so loved, to be so connected is staggering as I sit with my Lord.

Blessed, amazed, loved, awed, and delighted are only a few of the words that spiral in my thoughts as I ponder the invitation to call God, 'Dad'.

Abba, Father, Dad, I am feeling so cared for right now. You love me. You care for me. You invite me to be Your son. Words are escaping me right now as I try to speak with You and express to You what this means.

Praise be to You, my Father, and my God. Amen and amen.