Quote for the Day
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him…”
Today's Prayer
This week pray for those on the road that they can come before God Almighty with ALL their questions. Ask God to strengthen the relationship you have with Him. Ask God to allow each one of us to grow closer to Him so that we can feel His power in our life.
Job chapter 13
Job chapter 13 (NIV)Job 131 “My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it.2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.3 But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God.4 You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!5 If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.6 Hear now my argument; listen to the plea of my lips.7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him?8 Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?9 Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?10 He would surely rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.11 Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you?12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.13 “Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him!17 Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say.18 Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.19 Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.20 “Only grant me these two things, O God, and then I will not hide from you:21 Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors.22 Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply.23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.24 Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy?25 Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff?26 For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth.27 You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.28 “So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.
Message
Chapter 13 continues Job’s discourse with his friends about the true nature of God. Frustrated with their lack of encouragement (actually downright discouragement!), he has begun to remind them of the true character of God. After a severe lashing to the friends about how worthless their help is, he reminds them of his absolute faith in God. In verse 15 he says, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” Read that statement a few times and let it sink in.Job has such a closeness to God that he will not doubt or allow his faith in God to falter, even if GOD kills him. How can anyone say this? It is easy if you look back to chapter 12, where Job reminded us that God alone is in full control of ALL activity: from the animals, to the earth, to man.Job had an unshakeable faith. He knew that no matter what the circumstances, God was in control. Job was so close to God that he felt comfortable asking why all this was happening. He did not ask because he thought he was without sin; he knew he was a sinner. He and God had discussed his sin. (Remember the sacrifices from chapter 1?) He also knew that sin was not the issue at hand, and he simply wanted to know why all this was happening.How about you? Are you close enough to God to ask “Why?” Or are you too far to ask anything? God desires us all to have the courage and closeness of Job. He wants us to come to Him with all our questions and concerns.