Tag: build back better
God builds back better!
Scripture reading for June 1: Job 40-42
Finally, we come to the end of this long book of endless arguments concerning the nature of suffering and God’s ability to work out everything according to the counsel of His Word. God continued His questioning of Job, who was now under conviction of being unworthy to say any more. (Job 40:4-5) Job was to brace himself and give God some answers. The first question was: “Would you discredit my justice?” The next related to the first: “Would you condemn Me to justify yourself?” (Job 40:8)
Curiously, God directed Job’s attention to two of the most fierce animals. Behemoth was a fierce land animal that is perhaps the hippopotamus or elephant. Leviathan was a fierce water creature that was perhaps the crocodile or fire-breathing dragon. These two animals brought fear to the hearts of men because of their power and ability to dominate. But God stated that there is nothing on earth that was these creatures’ equal–a creature without fear. He was king of all that are proud! Could it be that God was teaching Job about Satan and his downfall, pride?
Job repented and came to a new understanding of God’s greatness and trustworthiness. God instructed the friends to offer sacrifice and ask Job to pray for them to avert judgment. Elihu was not mentioned and we are not told why. After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored Job to his former prosperity and gave him double all that he had lost. (Job 42:10) Job had seven more sons and three daughters. This was the same as before his trial and implies that he would see his other children in heaven as well! We won’t always have all the answers and must be careful when trying to help those going through trials. We must remember that God works all for good for those trusting in Him.
James 5:10-11 “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”