Today’s devotional reading assignment is Job 29-31.
Do you remember the “Good Old Days”? You know, the days when you were young, strong, carefree, deluded and naïve? Remember what life was like before you learned how much life could hurt?
In today’s scripture reading (Job 29-31), Job continues his defense against his “friends” insinuations that his sorrows and losses are indicative of unconfessed sins. Job began his defense in chapter 27 and continues his sad monologue through chapters 29, 30 and 31. (Note – I will address the length of today’s Bible reading assignment in two devotional thoughts).
Preacher and author Warren Wiersbe writes of Job’s defense:
He “climaxed his speech with sixteen ‘if I have…’ statements and put himself under oath, challenging God either to condemn him or vindicate him. It was as though Job were saying, “We’ve talked long enough! I really don’t care what you three men think, because God is my Judge; and I rest my case with Him. Now, let Him settle the matter one way or another, once and for all.” [The Bible Exposition Commentary – Wisdom and Poetry].
Like many who grow frail in age or because of trials, Job began to reflect on “the good old days”. He recalled the blessings and joys he had taken for granted before trials and troubles robbed him of his family, possessions and health. He remembered his youth and how God had favored him (29:2-4a). He considered the fellowship he had with God and the joy his children brought to his life (29:4b-5).
He looked back on the standing he once had in life; how young men retired from his presence, old men stood to honor him (29:5-8), and nobles weighed his counsel with gravity (29:9-11, 20-25). He cherished the opportunities he had to bless those less fortunate (29:12-16).
Job 30 marks a decided turn from cherished reflections of his past to the horrid reality of his present circumstances. Though his character had remained unaltered, he had lost everything that once defined his outward man. Job confronted the choice we might all face… live in the past and entertain bitterness or honestly and humbly assess his present condition.
Job’s life had become the fodder of fools. He encountered derision from men who once honored him (30:1-15). He had been charitable to many, but now faced his own poverty (30:16-25). In need of pity and compassion (30:26-31), sorrows threatened to drowned Job’s soul in tears (30:27-29). He was well-nigh hopeless.
Hopelessness is an intolerable place; for when hope is lost, all seems lost.
Paul challenged believers in Rome, be “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope” (Romans 12:11-12a). To believers in Corinth, Paul wrote, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20).
Believer, never lose hope!
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith
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