June 29, 2006 - Job 14-16 and Acts 9:22-43
Life is full of ups and downs, but there is always hope in the Lord. When we are way down in the valley of despair, it is hard to have hope, because the pain clouds our minds. However, we must always remember that once God intervenes, we can be on the mountain in a matter of minutes. Let's consider God's hope as we read these passages. I know the Lord wants all of us to live in abundant hope.
In chapter 14 Job is not focused on God's hope at all. In fact, he tells his friends that God destroys the hope of man. (v.19b) Job is referring to the circumstances of life and how death takes us out of this life, so that we do not return to our loved ones here. Job's pain and troubles are causing him to feel totally hopeless. He still wants to die, because he thinks that death would hide him. (v.13) However, he does not need to die. That is just his pain talking. He needs the comfort of the Lord. He needs to rest in the Lord's goodness and grace. That is hard when you are hurting.
In chapter 15 Eliphaz responds to Job's statements of hopelessness. He tries to correct his thinking, but he does not comfort him. This is a big mistake. People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Eliphaz recognized Job's wrong attitude, but he should have known it was because of the pain. Then, he should have brought comfort, instead of censure. That leads to Job's reply in chapter 16 where he tells his friends bluntly that they are miserable comforters. (v.2) I am not sure what they could have said to truly bring comfort at this point. Sometimes, human words fail to produce the intended results. However, Job gives us the key to what they should have done. They should have prayed for him. (v.21) They should have cried out to God for their friend. That would have shown their love and care. That may have brought the comfort of God even sooner. Remember, you can't fix someone yourself, but you can pray for them. Prayer speaks volumes to God and to the person in pain.
Acts 9 is a wonderful time for the early church, even though people are trying to kill Paul or Saul. Now, the church has two powerful evangelists, Saul and Peter. The churches are being built up and multitudes are being saved. (v.31) What a glorious time! That should be the cry of our hearts all of the time. Lord, send a great revival to your people even today. Why did this happen? Paul, Baranbas, and Peter as well as the other believers were being filled with the Holy Spirit daily, and they were living in His power. God so honored this lifestyle that He raised Dorcas from the dead. Isn't that the ultimate physical showing of His power in this world? Doesn't it point back to the resurrection of Jesus? I think it does. I believe God was pleased to bless them, because they were simply living in obedience to His Spirit. What is the Spirit telling you to do today? Please, do it. Don't quench the Spirit or grieve Him. Just let Him work through you.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 17-19 and Acts 10:1-23.
In chapter 14 Job is not focused on God's hope at all. In fact, he tells his friends that God destroys the hope of man. (v.19b) Job is referring to the circumstances of life and how death takes us out of this life, so that we do not return to our loved ones here. Job's pain and troubles are causing him to feel totally hopeless. He still wants to die, because he thinks that death would hide him. (v.13) However, he does not need to die. That is just his pain talking. He needs the comfort of the Lord. He needs to rest in the Lord's goodness and grace. That is hard when you are hurting.
In chapter 15 Eliphaz responds to Job's statements of hopelessness. He tries to correct his thinking, but he does not comfort him. This is a big mistake. People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Eliphaz recognized Job's wrong attitude, but he should have known it was because of the pain. Then, he should have brought comfort, instead of censure. That leads to Job's reply in chapter 16 where he tells his friends bluntly that they are miserable comforters. (v.2) I am not sure what they could have said to truly bring comfort at this point. Sometimes, human words fail to produce the intended results. However, Job gives us the key to what they should have done. They should have prayed for him. (v.21) They should have cried out to God for their friend. That would have shown their love and care. That may have brought the comfort of God even sooner. Remember, you can't fix someone yourself, but you can pray for them. Prayer speaks volumes to God and to the person in pain.
Acts 9 is a wonderful time for the early church, even though people are trying to kill Paul or Saul. Now, the church has two powerful evangelists, Saul and Peter. The churches are being built up and multitudes are being saved. (v.31) What a glorious time! That should be the cry of our hearts all of the time. Lord, send a great revival to your people even today. Why did this happen? Paul, Baranbas, and Peter as well as the other believers were being filled with the Holy Spirit daily, and they were living in His power. God so honored this lifestyle that He raised Dorcas from the dead. Isn't that the ultimate physical showing of His power in this world? Doesn't it point back to the resurrection of Jesus? I think it does. I believe God was pleased to bless them, because they were simply living in obedience to His Spirit. What is the Spirit telling you to do today? Please, do it. Don't quench the Spirit or grieve Him. Just let Him work through you.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 17-19 and Acts 10:1-23.