January 11, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Job 29 - I've often said that if you want to get the background on Job's life, read this chapter first before you read chapter 1.  Now, of course, the Holy Spirit set this book in its proper order, but this chapter does give Job's own witness to his life before all the testing came.  It is true that looking back can make you wish for "better days" that used to be.  But that's not God's plan.  Today will soon be "yesterday."  The desire is that we grow in our faith today to build on tomorrow and make it better than before.  And just enjoying happiness as we once knew it is not as important as experiencing holiness with all its benefits.

Job 30 - Job looks at his present misery; he sees people he never respected before have no respect for him now; and he feels God doesn't listen to him but punishes him instead.

Job 31 - Job goes through a list of sins that he feels he has not committed.  He also says that he had a desire to help others when they were in need.  All of this was to show he feels he did not deserve the trials and pains he has had to endure.  He longs to see God and hear from him.  It is a good idea to look over the list of sins Job didn't commit and ask yourself how would you measure up.  And look at how Job sought to help others.  Are you living as Job sought to live?  And do you long to see God and hear from Him?