April 22, 2024

Even in My Suffering, Let Me Be Above Reproach

Job 31

Brent Buemi
Monday's Devo

April 22, 2024

Monday's Devo

April 22, 2024

Monday's Devo

April 22, 2024

Monday's Devo

April 22, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 31:6

"(Let me be weighed in a just balance,
and let God know my integrity!)"

Job 31

Job's Final Appeal

1  I have made a covenant with my eyes;
    how then could I gaze at a virgin?
2  What would be my portion from God above
    and my heritage from the Almighty on high?
3  Is not calamity for the unrighteous,
    and disaster for the workers of iniquity?
4  Does not he see my ways
    and number all my steps?

5  If I have walked with falsehood
    and my foot has hastened to deceit;
6  (Let me be weighed in a just balance,
    and let God know my integrity!)
7  if my step has turned aside from the way
    and my heart has gone after my eyes,
    and if any spot has stuck to my hands,
8  then let me sow, and another eat,
    and let what grows for me 1 31:8 Or let my descendants be rooted out.

9  If my heart has been enticed toward a woman,
    and I have lain in wait at my neighbor's door,
10  then let my wife grind for another,
    and let others bow down on her.
11  For that would be a heinous crime;
    that would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges;
12  for that would be a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon,
    and it would burn to the root all my increase.

13  If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or my maidservant,
    when they brought a complaint against me,
14  what then shall I do when God rises up?
    When he makes inquiry, what shall I answer him?
15  Did not he who made me in the womb make him?
    And did not one fashion us in the womb?

16  If I have withheld anything that the poor desired,
    or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
17  or have eaten my morsel alone,
    and the fatherless has not eaten of it
18  (for from my youth the fatherless 2 31:18 Hebrew he grew up with me as with a father,
    and from my mother's womb I guided the widow 3 31:18 Hebrew her ),
19  if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing,
    or the needy without covering,
20  if his body has not blessed me, 4 31:20 Hebrew if his loins have not blessed me
    and if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep,
21  if I have raised my hand against the fatherless,
    because I saw my help in the gate,
22  then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder,
    and let my arm be broken from its socket.
23  For I was in terror of calamity from God,
    and I could not have faced his majesty.

24  If I have made gold my trust
    or called fine gold my confidence,
25  if I have rejoiced because my wealth was abundant
    or because my hand had found much,
26  if I have looked at the sun 5 31:26 Hebrew the light when it shone,
    or the moon moving in splendor,
27  and my heart has been secretly enticed,
    and my mouth has kissed my hand,
28  this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges,
    for I would have been false to God above.

29  If I have rejoiced at the ruin of him who hated me,
    or exulted when evil overtook him
30  (I have not let my mouth sin
    by asking for his life with a curse),
31  if the men of my tent have not said,
    ‘Who is there that has not been filled with his meat?’
32  (the sojourner has not lodged in the street;
    I have opened my doors to the traveler),
33  if I have concealed my transgressions as others do 6 31:33 Or as Adam did
    by hiding my iniquity in my heart,
34  because I stood in great fear of the multitude,
    and the contempt of families terrified me,
    so that I kept silence, and did not go out of doors—
35  Oh, that I had one to hear me!
    (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!)
    Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!
36  Surely I would carry it on my shoulder;
    I would bind it on me as a crown;
37  I would give him an account of all my steps;
    like a prince I would approach him.

38  If my land has cried out against me
    and its furrows have wept together,
39  if I have eaten its yield without payment
    and made its owners breathe their last,
40  let thorns grow instead of wheat,
    and foul weeds instead of barley.”

The words of Job are ended.

Footnotes

[1] 31:8 Or let my descendants
[2] 31:18 Hebrew he
[3] 31:18 Hebrew her
[4] 31:20 Hebrew if his loins have not blessed me
[5] 31:26 Hebrew the light
[6] 31:33 Or as Adam did
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Study Notes

Job 31:1–4 Job believes that his life is lived before and governed by the Almighty, who does number all my steps. a covenant with my eyes. Job professes purity in avoiding sexual lust: how then could I gaze at a virgin?

Study Notes

Job 31:9–12 enticed toward a woman. Job had avoided adultery, knowing that it can have far-reaching destructive effects like fire (see also Prov. 6:27–29). burn to the root all my increase. A judge could order heavy fines on an adulterer.

Study Notes

Job 31:13–15 Job met the needs of his servants, so that they would not have a complaint against him for which he would have no answer for God.

Study Notes

Job 31:16–23 The law commanded Israelites to care for the poor, widow, fatherless, and needy (Ex. 22:21–27). Job lived this way because he believed God weighed his actions and that calamity was the consequence for the unrighteous (Job 31:23; compare vv. 2–4).

Study Notes

Job 31:24–28 Job has guarded against the idolatry of trusting in the wealth that God has provided rather than trusting in God himself. He has also avoided the idolatry of worshiping what God has created.

Study Notes

Job 31:31–32 Who is there that has not been filled with his meat? Job’s household was always well fed. the sojourner has not lodged in the street. Lodging was of critical importance to protect strangers from the dangers of the streets at night.

Study Notes

Job 31:33 as others do. See ESV footnote.

Study Notes

Job 31:35–37 Job wishes once again for an answer regarding his offenses (see vv. 13–15). Then he could give an account of all my steps to the One who numbers them (see v. 4).

Study Notes

26:1–31:40 Job: The Power of God, Place of Wisdom, and Path of Integrity. Up until now, the dialogue between Job and his three friends has followed a pattern in which each speech by Job is followed by responses from the friends in a particular order: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. After two full cycles of the dialogue, it appears that Job is tired of the repetitive nature of his friends’ responses. He signals the end of the dialogue by cutting Bildad’s third response short and refusing to allow any third speech from Zophar. Job concludes with a lengthy monologue in which he takes up several themes. The friends’ presumed knowledge does not necessarily promote justice nor take into consideration the mystery of God’s ways (26:1–14). Job cannot agree that his suffering reveals wickedness, and he wishes that those who oppose him would be cut off along with the wicked (27:1–23). Job describes the value, mystery, and place of wisdom (28:1–28). He longs for the past (29:1–25), laments the present (30:1–31), and finishes with a plea that the true character of his life would be revealed and would be properly judged (31:1–40).

Job 29:1–31:40 Chapters 29–31 conclude the dialogues with Job’s reflections on his current and future state.

S3:077 Job 31

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Job 31

If you've seen me around, you know my response to the question "How are you?" is typically "Life is good, life is kind!" Periodically, my community brother will retort, "That's not true; life isn't always good or kind." Job would agree. The guy suffered unspeakable trauma yet contended he had done nothing to deserve it. And he's right. God even corroborates Job's claim (Job 1:8, 22). So what gives? God always operates according to the principle of justice, right?

So far, this book attempts to answer that question and reads like a courtroom drama. You have these friends testifying that Job must be guilty of sin, and Job cross-examines, proclaiming  his innocence. Chapter 31 is Job's closing argument, and he calls on God Himself to testify. Job's frustration here is palpable. His life illustrates that things aren't always kind or just, and sometimes it's the most faithful people whom God will allow to suffer through no fault of their own.

To be clear, oftentimes it's our own folly that leads to our suffering, and rightly do we incur the consequences of our rebellion (Proverbs 19:3). But what about times like Paul in Lystra, where they stoned him until they thought he was dead just for bringing them the Good News. Once revived, Paul went right back into the city (Acts 14:15-20)!

Now either that brother was nuts, or Paul knew something extraordinary. From an earthly perspective, Paul was often in horrible situations, yet could sing while beaten and in prison! (Acts 16:25) That's a different attitude amidst suffering. Why? I think Paul knew he was living in the will of God; and in humility, he had an eternal perspective.

When you go to bed, the softest pillow is knowing you are right in the fairway of God's revealed will; then you can sleep like a baby—even if His will has you sleeping in prison (consider Peter in Acts 12:6)! There are times in life when we cannot trace God's hand. Yet, if He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, we can trust His heart regardless of circumstances.

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. "The patience of Job" is a popular idiom, the source of which comes from James 5:11, and is often used to describe someone who perseveres in the face of hardships. Can that be said of you? When times are tough, are you marked as someone who patiently perseveres in service, prayer, and worship to God?

2. What are some verses or passages from the Bible that you have memorized or can memorize to remind you of truth when trials hit?

3. One of the lies Job was fed from his friends is that "suffering is always a punishment from God for sin." What are some lies that you are tempted to believe, either from yourself or from others, that can hinder your fruitfulness for God?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Job's friend are angry and aren't talking to Job. Job concludes his arguments in a remarkable way in Job 31, also in an angry tone. And because the book of Job is so long we might miss how powerful the closing appeal is. Job gave at leat 30 "if I" did this, then God should have destoyred me statements, declaring his innocnce. "If I have walked in falsehood..." "If my heart has been enticed by a woman..." "If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant..." "If I have withheld the poor from their desire..." "If I have made gold my hope..." "If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great..." "If I have looked at the sun when it shone..." "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me..." "If I have kept the poor from their desire..." "If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing..." "If I have raised my hand against the fatherless..." "If I have caused the eyes of the widow to fail..." "If I have eaten my morsel by myself..." "If I have covered my transgressions as Adam..." "If I have feared the great multitude..." "If I have made gold my hope..." "If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great..." "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me..." "If I have rejoiced when evil found him..." "If my land cries out against me..." "If I have eaten its fruit without money..." "If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant..." "If I have raised my hand against the fatherless..." "If I have caused their eyes to fail..." "If I have eaten my morsel by myself..." "If I have concealed my sin..." "If I have feared the great multitude..." "If I have made gold my hope..." "If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great..." "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me..." If I did any of these I deserver everything I'm getting. And Job says he's willing to put his signature on these claims and wants to speak with God about what his indictments the the crimes deserving of this are. because Job does not know and wants an explaination, boldly asking it of God. God never corect Job for these statements. Job's principles he lived by were very high. No wonder God asked "Have you considered My servant Job? Thre is none like him." Title: If I blew a kiss to the sun during the elcipse as if by Sam Smith (Verse 1) In the quiet of the night, I'm lost in thought Weight of my choices, the battles I've fought If I broke my vow to my searching eyes Chasing shadows, reaching for the skies (Chorus) If I blew a kiss to sun or moon Turned a deaf ear to the servant's tune Deserve what's coming, I may indeed But this weight, this burden, it's more than I need (Verse 2) Job 32 whispers truth in my ear Confronting my deeds, my actions unclear For every step, a consequence untold In this chaos, a story unfolds (Chorus) If I blew a kiss to sun or moon Turned a blind eye to the servant's croon Deserve what's coming, I may indeed But this weight, this burden, it's more than I need (Bridge) Regrets, they haunt me, shadows in flight Echoes of promises, fading from sight In the darkness, a flicker of light A chance for redemption, to make things right (Outro) So I rise from the ashes, face my fears Embrace the journey, through laughter and tears For though I falter, I'll stand tall And face the consequences, heed the call Job;s statements are la bit like the sermon on the mount don't wish ill for those who hate you and if I'm enticed by a woman I'm not marired to then there should be a fire that burns me up to sheal and all I have. Imagine if HIllsong wrote about it I wonder if they ever would? Title: I ponder my case as if by Hillsong (Verse 1) In the silence, I ponder my ways Have I strayed from the path, lost in a maze? If my eyes wander where they ought not be Forgive me, Lord, and help me to see (Chorus) If I blew a kiss to sun or moon Ignored cries of the needy, their plea too soon Deserve what's coming, I may indeed Yet mercy, O Lord, is what I plead (Verse 2) If I turned from the homeless, in their distress Chased after riches, forgot to bless If temptation lured me from vows I made Guide me back, Lord, to the path you've laid (Chorus) If I ignored the cries of the ones in need Put my trust in wealth, sowed selfish seed Deserve what's coming, I may indeed Yet grace, O Lord, is what I need (Bridge) I'll put my signature on these claims I make Before the throne of grace, my plea I'll stake For I long to speak with You, O God above Show me mercy, shower me with love (Outro) In humility, I come before Your throne Broken and contrite, my sins I own Yet in Your mercy, I find my rest In Your embrace, I am forever blessed
GJ

greg jones

From Job chapter one we generally know this about Job: This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:1) More specifically we know: His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. (Job 1:4-5) Now from chapter 31 we know way, way, more specifics about Job’s regular custom than we did before. The Big Book Idea for Job is, ‘God Is At Work Even When We Can’t See It’. Back in chapter one God says this about Job, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Beyond what is known from Job 1:4-5 we can now, see, what else God’s servant had been up to in different circumstances. God has been at work through his servant Job. Unless you have a different view of God and a different view of what punishment for a lack of righteousness looks like. Which kinda seems to be another point the book try’s to make. The circumstances of others have been altered because of Job’s righteousness. For Job, blameless isn’t just an adjective that described his pious customs, it’s a verb in his encounters with others in all the circumstances of chapter 31. For the unmentioned in chapter 31, through the life of Job, we actually can trace the hand of God. And no, we don’t see the trace of God’s hand on Job’s life in his present circumstance. Only the traces of different accusers. Great points in the dive pointed out this morning.
MS

Michael Sisson

SEASONAL NOTE: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (NASB) Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Passover begins today, 4/22/24 at sundown, and continues until sundown 4/30/24. In light of Christ’s atoning work, why does the Passover remain an indispensable memorial to be observed annually? John Parson of Hebrew for Christians sums up Passover’s importance thusly… “The heart of God expressed in the Passover is the ‘Archimedean Point,’ or the starting (and ending) expression and essential meaning of the entire redemptive message of the Bible, prefigured, foretold, re-enacted, encapsulated, dramatized, and ultimately embodied in His Son Yeshua, the great Lamb of God who is the Savior of the world. “As I’ve mentioned over the years, the ‘Passover motif’ was present at the original creation - the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world - and it constituted the central and daily sacrifice of the Torah (קרבן תמיד). Indeed, the Passover will be forever celebrated in the world to come as we bow before Yeshua, the great Lamb of God who was slain for our healing, and who is forever seated upon the Throne of God (Rev 5). “Amen, let us keep the feast with reverence and thanksgiving, for Messiah our Passover has been sacrificed for us....” — John Parsons, Hebrew for Christians Facebook page
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Hardship is tough. I try to use God’s advice and work through hardship. God is always working for the good in everything and for everyone. 2. Some verses that help when trials hit are Isaiah 41:10, John 3;16, and Proverbs 3:5-6. 3. Any lie hinders fruitfulness. Truth is always best. Brent - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make a good point in saying, “To be clear, oftentimes it's our own folly that leads to our suffering, and rightly do we incur the consequences of our rebellion (Proverbs 19:3)”. But if we do as Proverbs 3:5-6 recommends,”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”, folly or suffering can be prevented.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Hey Brent, thank you for your devo. Loved how you connected the dots between Job and where his patience is highlighted by James in the New Testament. Job's final defense in today's chapter is quite eye-opening as to what a truly righteous (and yet not sinless--Jesus still had to die for him) man he was. No wonder Satan came after him. And the omniscient Lord of heaven and earth knew exactly how Job would respond, and how over months, it would appear, of unspeakable torture, His servant pummeled Him with questions revealing his spiritual agony, but never fell into the temptation to curse Him. I wonder what it will be like to find Job in heaven and ask him about his story. I wonder how long the line will be with other curious people like me wanting to talk to him?
MS

Michael Scaman

I like Jer 32:40 which speaks of a New Covenant where God will never turn from doing you good. He will put His Spirit in us and we will never turn from following Him So in suffering it is known that God is acting for our good somehow. As John Piper says "the fire is not a fire of destruction but a fire of refinement and improvement".