Reading through the Bible in 2020: Notes from the Bible Recap Day 10

Reading through the Bible in 2020
Bible Recap Day 10 Job 24-28
Personal notes from reading Job 24-28
In this passage of scripture, Job makes his final defense.  He holds fast to righteousness and won’t let go. He certainly doesn’t understand how the wicked could prosper and feels like God ignores much of the wickedness of man.  Bildad’s reply to Job’s discourse is short and to the point. God is mighty (which is absolutely correct) and that man is sinful (which is also absolutely correct). But he is also implying that Job is the one in this group who is the sinner being punished by God. And that is where he is wrong.  Although Job is a sinner, this trial is not the punishment for his sins. This trial was allowed by God for a certain purpose according to His plan. Job’s friends have no insight into God's whole plan, yet they speak to Job as if they do. I just want to say, “Hold up, Buster! Don’t you go preaching as if you know the mind of God or understand God’s plan in its entirety!”.   Thank goodness Job has retained his senses and is able to decipher bad counsel that is masked as a word from God sent by messengers. Although God uses us as His hands and feet to reach others, He also makes impressions on our hearts that are undeniable. Job knew that what his friends were telling him wasn’t right and I think a lot of that was because of the intimacy he had with God.  I think it’s easier to be talked into believing something that isn’t right when we aren’t near to God, when we aren’t in the Word, when we aren’t in close relationship with our Father. And even though Job felt far from God in that moment, He had been so very close to his father for so long that his foundation was solid and he was sure of his understanding.  
In my reading, I loved how Job began to speak so beautifully about his Creator.  He tells of God’s might and strength and control. And at last he paints a picture of God’s great wisdom.  The wisdom of God isn’t delivered to our doorstep like a package that we order off of Amazon. Wisdom can’t be purchased or borrowed from another.  Wisdom is from God and it is priceless.
Notes from the Bible Recap Job 24-28:
Our trials don’t invalidate our status before God.  We have to be careful not to judge and view someone’s situation as a product of their sin.  And of course that applies to our own lives as well. God is in control, with a plan, and knows what’s best for us.  And sometimes what’s best isn’t always the easiest of paths. And sometimes, our paths are downright sorrowful. Be careful not to make assumptions about world news and headlines either, as if we know these headlines are God’s punishment on His people.  There are even well known Christians who boast as if they know that an event was sent straight from the mighty hand of God as a punishment for sin. Umm, slow down there fella! Man does not know the mind of God. We are in no way capable of understanding His master plan and the reasoning behind what God allows.  Those who claim to know the reasoning behind world events and headlines are just as guilty of reductionism as Job’s friends were. It’s as if we try to take God’s complex thoughts and logic and reasoning, and simplify it down to our own finite level. Don’t jump to conclusions. Don’t make assumptions. When bad things happen, instead of trying to figure out God’s reasoning, take that time to draw closer to God.  Take that time to show the love of God. Take that time to find joy in God, regardless of an event.  
One thing is for sure, no one is righteous.  However, we are declared righteous because of the most beautiful finished work of Christ.  We aren’t worthy and we certainly aren’t deserving, but God loved us so much that He sent His Son to trade our sinfulness (which we own fully) for His perfect righteousness. He took my death and gave me His kingdom.  And He does the same for you.
We do not have to doubt God on our days on dark paths.  We can fully trust in Him. No matter if we are angry or sorrowful or fearful, we can fall into Him.  Fix your eyes upon Jesus. Seek Him with all your heart.

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