Zophar tells Job in chapter 11 verses 13-19 that if he starts living more righteously then things will start going better for Job, he will feel secure and have hope again (verse 18) .
Job replies in both chapter 12:3 and 13:2, that he is not inferior to Zophar. He makes it clear that the Lord is testing him (12:9-10) and shows in 13:15 that he understands the big picture when he says that even though the Lord harms him, he will hope in Him still, but will also argue with the Lord about this testing. I love this honesty and wisdom shown by Job.
Job, later in chapter 13, almost goes on the offensive against God by challenging God to show him the wrong he's done, in order to deserve the pain he's suffered. Job doesn't know what God has in store for him, and how God has allowed this test to happen. This is a lesson for me, not to question the position I'm in now, but have faith in God to have things play out according to His plans.
Another verse that caught my attention was chapter 12 verse 5, where is says "in the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for the misfortune, it is ready for those whose feet slip". I pray that I have more compassion for those who've had misfortune in their lives, and at the same time I thank God for everything He's given me.
In the New Testament reading in 1 Corinthians, we read how serious we should view sexual immorality in the Church. It is a good reminder to Christians now a days, as we're being looked down on by the outside world for our stance on these things. The world has turned so far from God in this aspect, that it doesn't even view our definition of sexual sin, as sin anymore. We must be careful in this, and uphold what God has planned for us for how He wants us to view sexual behaviour.
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Paul was very clear that shouldn't completely stay away from unbelievers - after all, we are commanded to love our enemies and we are to share the gospel. But we are to distance ourselves from someone who claims to be a Christian and yet sins and then attempts to justify their sin. Obviously, Paul does not expect us to be perfect, all believers sin at times. But he's speaking against those who deliberately sin, feel no guilt, and refuse to repent. That kind of sin within the church cannot be tolerated because it destroys the church.
Job: Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.
What a tremendous statement of faith!
This stood out for me from Job 12:
2 No doubt you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you.
3 But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know such things as these?
I've been watching Grey's Anatomy and one of the doctor characters is highly specialized in her field and in the show is dying of a brain tumour. She is trying desperately to "pass the torch" to another doctor in the time she has left by imparting all her doctor wisdom and techniques to her before the tumour takes over. When Job says "No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you." it made me think of the panic that this character has to make sure her "life's work" is passed on before she dies. Are we sensing that same urgency to pass on our faith to others in case our time here on earth ends soon?
The next part, 'But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?" makes me think about how we sometimes can overstep on non-believers (or even other Christians) have them believe, or making them believe, that we are better than them because of how we live our life or the blessings God has placed on us. We are ALL sinners. All in need of God's grace and mercy. No one is more superior than another in God's eyes.
Job 13:15 jumped out to me on two levels.
First, we see Job's unbelievable faith in God saying he will keep hoping in Him even with enduring unjust suffering.
Second, he says he would defend his ways to God's face. He didn't say he would do this through a letter, or through someone else, or behind His back. But to His face. I thought that that would take a whole lot of courage wanting to stand before God Almighty and proving your innocence.
One day we all will stand before God face to face. We will have that chance because someone before us suffered unjustly for something He didn't deserve either. Thank you Job for your example of showing us where we should be placing our hope, and thank you Jesus for suffering unjustly for me!
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