Fri.’s Devo - Before and After

Read Job 29 - 30:20 In today’s speech, Job mourns his past life. In the past Job walked in the favor of God. God’s light and revelation made the darkness light. God told Job his secrets and everyone came to hear what Job had to say. God’s presence was with him and his family was his comfort. His steps were anointed and he was filled with the joy of the Lord. He had honor among men - young and old alike. Even princes and noblemen came to hear his knowledge. He reminds me of an early Solomon. Job also gave to the poor and the widow and walked in righteousness and judged fairly. He dispelled evil and gave back what they had stolen. Job had influence all over the world and slept in peace. His word was final and weighty. He ruled as a leader in the army, yet had compassion on those who mourned the death of their loved ones. Job gave us a perfect description of a mature Christian. In the next chapter he gives us an account of his life now that he has lost everything. Now, younger men from base families that he had no respect for, have no respect for him. They were people who lived in want and poverty and had bad reputations. They were not allowed to live in the city with the civilized people but lived in caves and clifts where Job now lives. They are the evil fools that now laugh at his expense. They hate Job now and make fun of him and spit in his face. They persecute Job and terrorize him. Job has become so skinny he can feel his bones which cause him not to be able to get comfortable at night. His sores have ruined his clothes. He feels like God has thrown him away and is no longer listening to his prayers. Lord, how quickly we, like Job, can go from on top of the world to a pit of depression because of our circumstances. May we learn from Job to praise you an trust you no matter what we are going through.