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January 10th

In our reading today, in Job chapters 24 through 28, we hear a conversation between Job and his friend, Bildad, and Job and God. In the conversations, we hear frustrations, pointed accusations, defensive arguments, and honest questioning. Reminds us of conversations we have had with friends and God. Some of the back and forth can be the result of ignorance, or misguided arrogance, and even desperate longing for answers and truth. So some conversations can become debative, and even combative. But in love, if it leads to truth, it is worth the time and effort.

In yesterday’s reading of the Word, Job told Eliphaz that often times God had terrified him by His awesome power and judgments. But Job, who had a personal faith relationship with God, went on to say, “but even that will not keep me from honest conversation with God...He knows me and welcomes my yearning for the truth.”

And so he says out loud to God, with much respect, concerning God’s righteous prerogative to work HIS WILL with men...

“Is God wrong when He restrains Himself from judging the guilty (like you would have them judged)?” And is God wrong when He chooses to try the innocent?”

And Job continues...”But where will wisdom be found on this? Where is the place of understanding when it comes to suffering? The deep says it’s not in me. The sea says it’s not with me. The living cannot find this wisdom on suffering. The dead cannot find this understanding on suffering. Answer? God alone knows the reason and purpose of it. We trust Him and wait for Him to reveal His eternal purposes.

By the way...This reading brought to mind that the most innocent person who has ever lived on the earth, the Lord Jesus Christ, was crushed under unjust judgment...and it WAS God’s will. And it was and is good news for those of us who believe Him and believe in Him...for His suffering meant our eternal salvation.