Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
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
Understanding to grow in
One response to the apparent injustice of life is to ponder whether God is just but unable to ensure justice. The Lord counters that idea here. Having been faced with God's wisdom and his own limited understanding Job accepts he cannot speak, but must remain silent. Yet the Lord continues in stressing his own mighty power displayed in the most mighty of animals. Job concludes "I know that you can do all things," accepting the answer to why he suffers is beyond his grasp, and repenting of his words, recognizing they have only proved his unworthiness before God (42v1-6). This is the godly response to suffering. Concern, of course. But with it humility and reverence before the immensity of our almighty, wise and just God, who always does what is right but whose ways are beyond our grasp. The book ends Job commending for speaking the truth as opposed to three of his friends. This must be the truth that God's engagement with the world is myusterious and complex rather than something we can fathom. Job is then called to pray for his friends who must make sacrifices to atone for their sin, and his fortunes are more than restored. In this sense he is like Christ who intercedes for us when we have got such things wrong, who himself has been restored to the highest place, where we will one day join him when justice is finally done and we are freed from all hardships. As you read note how God proves his power.Job 40-42
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.