RPG Adults
NO HOPE WITHOUT GOD
FRIDAY, MAY 6
Job 16:12-22
Psalm 66:16-20
“O LORD my God,
thou art very great.”
NO HOPE WITHOUT GOD
Job continued to answer his friends’ charges, speaking of the terrible punishment God had meted out on him. He complained that he was living in contentment and all was going well when God attacked him like an infuriated warrior. This began with no warning and for no apparent reason. Job did not realise that he had been drawn into the universal conflict, the great battle between God and Satan. This happened because of Job’s righteousness and faithfulness to God (Job 1:8-12; 2:3-5). At the time these dreadful things were taking place, there was no way for Job to know the reasons behind them.
Job was a man in great sorrow and, in the manner of the people of his day, he clothed himself in sackcloth and put dust on his forehead (Gen 37:34). His sorrow was very genuine – not only was it shown by these outward signs but it was also evident in his face and eyes (Job 16:15-16).
Despite his suffering and mental confusion, Job could honestly say that his hands were free from sin and he had continued to pray to God for help (Job 16:17). Job’s faithfulness before the Lord in spite of his suffering, which so confused him, is amazing. His outbursts, caused by physical and emotional suffering, were, in his circumstances, understandable. We may learn from this to have patience and gentleness toward those in great physical suffering whose faith seems to waver.
Job still maintained his innocence – there was no unconfessed sin which stood between him and God. He recognised that his only hope was to have an advocate before God (Job 9:33). Soon, he would die and he longed for this relief (Job 16:19-22).
From the revelation of Scripture, we know that this need for an advocate has been filled by Jesus Christ and, when trials surround us, we find strength in Him and the hope of His soon return.
THOUGHT: What did Job long for?
PRAYER: Father, I trust that in Thy timing Thou wilt make Thy eternal plan clear to us.