Read: Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1
Job tells his “friends” that their long-winded speeches are not what he needs. He needs pity, compassion and sympathy. If he was in their place, that is what he would do for them. Instead, they have joined the crowd of on-lookers and judges. But, Job has an advocate in heaven who intercedes for him and is his friend. This being pleads man’s case with God. Job was speaking of Jesus even though he didn’t even know his name. In 19:25 he calls him Redeemer. He even sees him standing on the earth in the end. This is what keeps Job going day after day.
Bildad defends himself and his friends saying they aren’t stupid cattle like everyone else. Then he goes into a long dissertation about what happens to the wicked which sounds like what is happening to Job.
Job defends himself and attacks them for judging him wrongly and not minding their own business. To his friends, Job’s life is perfectly lining up as one who has greatly sinned and is getting his just reward. It makes me see how easy it is to judge outwardly and not have a clue to what is really happening behind the scenes with God. Job is wrong to blame God, but he does keep his heart toward God pure and yearns for the day he will see him face to face.
In Corinthians, Paul gave them a tangible way they could help their brothers in Jerusalem. They were to tithe of their earnings weekly and put it in a box so that when he arrived, it would be waiting. Paul would send it to Jerusalem.
The church was about to face the worse persecution and Paul encouraged them to be strong and men of good courage and to do everything in love.
Lord, help us to discern the bigger picture and see what you are doing behind what we see in the natural. You are always at work on our behalf and your goal is our destiny. Help us to your encourager.
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