Day 141
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| Job's Answer: "God's Ways are Hard" |
Scripture
Observation
Each of Job's friends has spoken his mind and each has heard his argument refuted by Job. But chapter 15 begins a second volley of attacks on Job's character and conduct as each friend seeks to offer the final word on Job's baffling case. Eliphaz again leads the assault by describing Job's words as worthless talk. He denies that Job has a true knowledge of God, and broadly condemns all wickedness in a man—a thinly disguised slander of Job's spiritual life. Job responds by calling Eliphaz and his companions "miserable comforters" (16:2). From Job's perspective God is out to crush him—a thought that leaves Job broken in spirit and seemingly alone.
Application
Aging is an enigma. It has been well said, "The elderly are the only outcast group that everyone eventually expects to join." Arnold Toynbee, a British historian, a philosopher of history, an author of numerous books and a research professor of international history at the London School of Economics and King's College in the University of London said on his eightieth birthday, "I'm growing old in England. Americans are dedicated to the new and super efficient. It must be depressing to be old in the United States." And in the church of Jesus Christ, the situation is not much better. Those who stand to gain the most from the experience of the elderly—the next generation—often spend the least amount of time with them. Perhaps that is why Paul had to command Titus to have the older women teach the younger, and older men to provide godly models for the younger
(Titus 2:1-8). Without his encouragement, it might never have happened.
Do you treat the elderly in your church and community as if you expect to become one of them? Do you accord them the honor and dignity which their years of faithful service for Jesus Christ deserve? Do you draw upon their wisdom and sensitivity in making spiritual decisions? This week spend time with someone twenty or more years your senior. You'll leave wiser!
Do you treat the elderly in your church and community as if you expect to become one of them? Do you accord them the honor and dignity which their years of faithful service for Jesus Christ deserve? Do you draw upon their wisdom and sensitivity in making spiritual decisions? This week spend time with someone twenty or more years your senior. You'll leave wiser!
Prayer
Almighty God, we want to learn from our troubles so that we can pass our experiences on to the next generation to be wiser by it. We bow before you in prayer to thank you for drawing close to us when we need you most. When we go through deep waters, your presence is felt for you're our only hope. In Jesus name, amen!
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020 |
| Bow before God in Prayer! |
