Highlights:
God elaborates on the power and strength of just one of His creations (chap. 41). In contrast, the powerlessness of man is evident to Job who repents (Job 42:1-6). The Lord rebukes Job's friends for their errors. Read whose prayers God accepts (42:8-9). God rewards Job for his faithfulness through the entire ordeal! Check out his blessings (42:10-17).
Through a series of over 80 questions, God revealed to Job many of the wonders of the universe, some of which have only recently been "discovered" by science. Because of his faith in God and his patience through suffering, Job acknowledged the supreme authority of God compared to how little is known by mankind. It is no surprise to read that Job confessed to God: I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from Thee. . . . I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not (Job 42:2-3). By this he meant: "Although I did not understand, I will never again question what God does or what He allows to happen, since His love and wisdom are perfect." All of us need to be reminded that our limited knowledge and ability to cope with life's problems should cause us to realize how foolish and sinful it is to question the wisdom and love of God for us. We need to accept, with submissive hearts, the circumstances He allows in our lives, which He will use to fulfill His loving, eternal purpose.
During his suffering, Job experienced glorious revelations of the incomparable greatness of God and His ways. Job's spiritual understanding continued to grow as he said: I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor (despise) myself, and repent in dust and ashes (42:5-6). Those who trust in the Lord, as Job did, are not searching for the answers to all of life's problems, nor asking the questions: "Why?" or "Why me?" They are simply trusting our loving, all-wise Father, who always knows what we need and will give the best to those who trust Him.
Job's friends must have been astounded to hear the Voice from heaven say to Eliphaz: My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job hath (42:7). Job could have become proud after God came to his defense. Instead, he humbly prayed for God to forgive his three friends who had so cruelly misjudged him. Jesus also set an example when He said: Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you (Luke 6:28).
Thought for Today:
I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom. 8:18).
Christ Revealed:
Through Job's praying for his "friends" (Job 42:10). We are reminded that it is Christ . . . who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34).
Word Studies:
41:13 discover the face of his garment =strip off his outer coat of armor; 41:17 sundered =separated; 41:23 flakes =olds; 42:6 abhor =loathe; 42:10 turned the captivity =restored the fortunes.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (MI) and Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ) • Country: Norway (4.45 million) in northern Europe • Major language: Norwegian • Religious freedom • 87.8% Evangelical Lutheran; 3.8% Other Protestant and Catholic; 3.2% None; 5.2% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith that God will bless your family (Gen. 17:18-20).
Optional Reading: Philippians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18
