Today's Readings: New Testament -
Mark 1:1-8
2 Peter 1:1-11
Old Testament -
Job 1
Ezekiel 1-3
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Job 1:9-11
9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."
Insight:
The writer of Job begins Job's story with Satan making an accusation against God. It's a wonderful dramatic literary device that sets the stage for an epic contemplation on the meaning of suffering and the problem of pain. Where is God and why does he allow suffering? Satan charges God with bribery. "The only reason people serve and worship God," he said, "is because God pays them off with blessing and comfort."
Response and Action:
Why do I honor and praise God? Is it because he is God—my maker, the giver of life, and only wise almighty sovereign? Or is it because I am looking to him for health, success, prosperity, and comfort? Does God have to buy my praise? Would I honor him and acknowledge him if there were no obvious benefit in it for me?
The Scriptures, my life experience, and the testimony of others show me that God does, indeed, bless those who trust in him. They also teach me, however, that a person who truly trusts God will give honor and praise even in times of suffering. The Lord God is God regardless of my circumstances. The truest praise and deepest reverence I can offer God is the worship, faith, and loyalty I give when there is no apparent benefit for myself.
O God, you give and take away. Blessed be your name in times of plenty. Blessed be your name in times of need. My lips will praise you in times of prosperity, and in times of trial and loss. I want to exalt you whether by life, or by death. Teach me the secret of being content in any and every situation. I pray this through Christ Jesus, my Lord, who in faith looked past his trials and hardship to the eternal joy set before him, and endured the cross, scorning its shame. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Resources:
The Problem of Pain
by C. S. Lewis
