November 29, 2011

Job 21:22-34 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
John 14:15-21, Jude 14-16, Daniel 8-9

Journal Entry

Scripture

Will any teach God knowledge, seeing that he judges those who are on high?

Observation

In this chapter, Job responds to Zophar where Job opposes the opinion of his friend that the wicked are sure to fall into visible ruin and none but the wicked. In the earlier verses, Job replies that the wicked do prosper in this life, although, he does not deny that the wicked will face future punishment in the after-life. And that ultimately, God deals with men according to His own will.

Application

I’ve often wondered in the past, why there are those who are rich and prosperous but yet they do not have a deep personal relationship with God; thinking that they surely must be suffering in ways that I cannot visibly see from the outside but they seem so happy and content. And yet, my life is faced with trials and tribulation despite my desire to pursue God with all my heart. Today’s passage reveals to me that God gives prosperity and adversity as it pleases Him, not as man's wisdom would have it, on principles not understood to us.

Prayer

Gracious God, you give and take away as you see fit according to your providence. Help me not to focus on things that seem to matter to me in this life, but to focus on the eternal. Lord, help my faith to grow more and more in the knowledge of you and your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

--Henry Yoo