Fri.’s Devo - Our Covenant of Life

Read: Job 31:1-33:33; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 22:8-9 Job contends that not only are his actions righteous, but the motives of his heart are also right before God. He has treated people the way he would want to be treated. He has not worshipped anything God created but he has worshipped the creator. *** Job asks God for a written accusation against him so he can see what God is so upset about. *** Finally, Job and his friends are finished with their arguments. They have not swayed from their own opinions but have not been able to convince Job to change his mind either. *** Elihu, who was much younger had been present during everyone’s speeches and when he realized they were resigned to silence, he felt compelled to speak. He had been biding his time and now he was ready to let them know his wisdom. He accuses Job’s friends of not answering Job’s arguments adequately. He believes with all his heart that he is speaking for God. He tells Job that God is bigger than any man, but he does speak to human beings. He speaks all the time and when man doesn’t comprehend what he is trying to say, he will give him a dream. In that dream he will warn him so he will not die in his sin. Elihu continues to say that God will use sickness to discipline man. He might even send an angel to intercede for the man so he will be healed. This man’s prayer is heard and answered. Then he will be able to live and enjoy his life. If Elihu is trying to encourage Job that there is a better day coming, then he seems to be lacking in grace, but he is convinced he has God’s wisdom. *** In Corinthians, Paul asks if he needs a letter of recommendation for them to believe he is worthy of teaching them. He contends that our lives are our letter of recommendation if we are living what we preach. God’s spirit in us is our witness that we are son’s of God. We are under God’s new covenant of life and the glory of God is and will be revealed through us. Moses’ law brought condemnation and death, but this new covenant we have gives us confidence to be bold because the veil has been removed and we can enter into God’s very presence where his glory is manifested on us. *** Lord, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you that we do have an advocate through Jesus and confidence through the Holy Spirit.