RPG Adults
RESTING IN GOD’S MERCY
MONDAY, JUNE 13
Job 34:21-37
Psalm 69:1-6
“For my thoughts
are not your thoughts…”
RESTING IN GOD’S MERCY
God, in His sovereignty, knows all about the activities of man. Since God’s knowledge is complete, we can be assured of His perfect justice. He will never allow us to suffer more than is just and right according to His perfect plan (Job 34:21-23; Ps 69:5).
Elihu’s conclusion seemed surprisingly like that of Job’s three friends but there was a major difference. He did not accuse Job of unconfessed sin but accused him of falling into sin during his time of suffering. Job now needed to graciously accept the chastening of the Lord and repent of his sin in questioning God’s justice. He should ask the Lord to teach him that which he needed to learn from his present difficulties. It is a wise Christian who accepts God’s reproof and profits from it (Job 34:31-37; Prov 6:23; Heb 12:7).
This challenge to repentance was an effort to get Job to prepare his heart for God’s visit. God will not meet with His people when they have unconfessed sin in their hearts (Isa 1:15-16).
At this point, the biggest problem Job had to face was his bitterness and anger. We can see a number of reasons for this attitude. Job was going through tremendous physical, mental and spiritual anguish. He had been driven to the edge of human endurance. Second, Job had taken his eyes from the Lord and begun to dwell on his suffering. This obscured the face of God and the strength which He would have given to Job.
We have learned a number of lessons so far from this great book of Job. One is to be merciful and gracious toward those who are going through intense suffering. We ourselves must be strong in the faith and quietly listen to the voice of God in our times of trouble so that our testimony will honour the Lord.
THOUGHT: What was Job’s major problem at this point?
PRAYER: Help me, Father, to walk with Thee daily, so that I may learn more of Thee.