Tag: Learn
God’s piercing questions!
Scripture reading for May 31: Job 38-39
Job had been longing for an audience with God so that he could state his case and find mercy. His friends had accused him of harboring sin in his life and being under God’s punishment. They had tried to define God’s ways and actions to him but Job had needed to hear from God Himself! Job had maintained his integrity and faith in God but had lots of questions. God gave Job the desire of his heart and it turned out differently than expected!
God appeared to Job out of a storm or whirlwind. (Job 38:1) God’s first question was: “Who is this that darkens My counsel with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:2) This is a strong word of rebuke for all of Job’s friends, particularly the last speaker, Elihu. (He claimed perfect knowledge. Job 36:4.) God was also there to correct Job’s understanding as well!
The next four chapters are filled with questions that only God can truly answer. There are about seventy questions about the world that God created and about the animal kingdom. God never answers Job’s questions about why he is suffering. He never tells Job His purposes for allowing the suffering. God only shows Job through these questions that He is in control and knows more about life and creation than we do. He showed Job and his friends how limited their knowledge of God really was. God revealed His great power and total authority over all creation to give Job and us hope and comfort.
God’s wisdom and understanding make us look small indeed! To think that God Who created the vast heavens and unique earth would care about man is difficult to understand. I am humbled and amazed that God would come to Job and personally talk to him! I am reminded of Jesus Christ when He said: “Come to Me all you who weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) God is humble too! He stoops low to speak to us and teach us about Himself.
Spending time with Jesus!
Scripture reading for April 6th: John 1
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 1:36-39 “When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” “Come,” He replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour.”
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and warning them of God’s wrath against sin. As he saw Jesus, John identified Jesus as “The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Two of John’s disciples left him to follow Jesus. Jesus asked them what they wanted from Him and they simply asked where Jesus was staying. Jesus invited them to come with Him and spend the day! What an amazing opportunity given to simple fishermen who were hungry to learn about Jesus! Jesus is calling us to spend time with Him today!
Key observations for over-comers: Relationships take time. Spending time with Jesus is the best way to hear His words, know His ways, and catch His heart! “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.” (Proverbs 22:17-19)