(199) 18 July : Proverbs 15v10 / Job 18-19 / Psalm 47v5-9

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world. 

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 15:10

Understanding to grow in

There is perhaps no time we need friends more, than when we suffer. Job feels abandoned by family, servants, friends and strangers. Even God seems against him. And so he responds to Bildad's suggestion that only the wicked would suffer as he has, by pleading with him to let up and have pity. His description of his rejection foreshadows the immense heartache Jesus must have felt when abandoned on the cross. How comforting to have had at least John and the Marys with him (Jn 19v25-27). How comforting if you can make time to just stand with those you know who suffer. But there is an even greater comfort - that of faith. Despite feeling rejected by God, Job trusts him ultimately to redeem and resurrect him. The sense is of Job and the LORD living together on the earth after death (19v25-27). As Paul puts it, the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with this glory to be revealed. It is this that sustains us. All will be put right. Our sufferings will end. And if people have assumed they were because of sin, our innocence will be made known. Faith and friends are the way through suffering.
Job 18-19

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 47:5-9

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here.