book of Job – Be Still…

Job 42:7-17 – Happily Ever After

Read Job 42:7-17

What a perfect conclusion. God’s timing is always perfect. Can you even believe what Job received for his devotion? His time of agony would be a distant memory, although I’m sure his devotion to God would have only grown over the years.

You can’t live through something like that, witnessing God’s hand at work, and not be changed. Have you ever witnessed a miracle or seen answered prayer? The people in Jesus’ day were sure drawn to all the signs and wonders of Jesus. The first followers of Jesus had a front row seat to seeing God in the flesh, too. Job and his friends just heard the voice from the whirlwind. Continue reading “Job 42:7-17 – Happily Ever After”

Job 42:1-6 – How Job Responds to God

Read Job 42:1-6

Job was clearly remorseful for all he had said about God. Especially now that God had finally come forward. Yet who would be prepared for God to say the things he did? Boldly Job took responsibility for being the one who questioned God’s “wisdom with such ignorance.”

To acknowledge your sinfulness so directly and completely takes courage. Job couldn’t help but feel deep guilt and regret, and he faced it head on. Don’t people tend to want to hide their sins and be seen as good? We can’t hide our sins from God and Job knew it. Continue reading “Job 42:1-6 – How Job Responds to God”

Job 40:1-24 – The LORD Said…

Read Job 40:1-24

When I picture having a conversation with God, I don’t see it to be anything like what Job experienced here. After all the distress Job has endured, God’s words must come as further attack. Job can’t catch a break!

What Job doesn’t realize is that there is some pruning going on. Jesus’ words in John 15:1-2 say, “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” God’s words are fully intended to get Job back into shape. He has been misguided, and God needs to get Job’s attention. Continue reading “Job 40:1-24 – The LORD Said…”

Job 39:1-30 – God’s Challenge Continues

Read Job 39:1-30

Don’t you love that God stepped down from his throne to be heard? We know the Bible promises God never leaves us. Psalm 34:18 is one of those verses I was reminded of recently, and I thought of Job. The psalmist writes, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” He also rescues us, and we have yet to see what may happen to Job. God never abandoned Job through all of this and determined it was now time to respond.

If Job had been expecting God to reply to all the ranting, was he now surprised that God was posing so many questions? God’s line of questioning would suppose Job was involved in creation. Rather, God was pointing to himself as creator with a bit of a challenge for Job. Did God think that Job had been trying to “play God” or put words in God’s mouth? It seems all the friends were a little guilty of being wrong about God. Continue reading “Job 39:1-30 – God’s Challenge Continues”

Job 38:1-41 – God Answers Job!

Read Job 38:1-41

Don’t rush past verse 1. “Then the Lord answered Job.” There is a lot of power packed into these words. The word “then” stops us in our tracks as if someone just turned on the light so we can finally see. How climactic! After all the time Job longed to hear from God, God now speaks and tells Job to “Brace yourself.” Hold on and get ready to be wowed!

The whole book of Job hinges on this moment of truth. God’s words are important, but the simple fact that God answers from the whirlwind is huge! It proves God is always present with us, listening to our prayers. After the last 35+ chapters, we’ve heard from Job and his friends, all spinning their wheels, spouting off misguided theology while trying to figure out what is happening. Continue reading “Job 38:1-41 – God Answers Job!”