November 30, 2011

Job 22 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
John 14:22-31, Jude 17-25, Daniel 10-12

Journal Entry

Scripture

4Is it for your fear of him that he reproves you and enters into judgment with you?
5Is not your evil abundant? There is no end to your iniquities.

Observation

Eliphaz answers Job's statements in chapter 21 in this passage. Eliphaz asserts again that Job has been evil and that calamity has fallen on him as a result of his sins. Eliphaz asserts that Job's evil is what caused God to punish him. Then, Eliphaz instructs Job to return to God, and then he will be blessed.

Application

When calamity or some sudden crisis strike, it is human nature to think that something I did caused this to occur. It is easy to think this way because we know our own sins and shortcomings. For most of us, we deserve some of the bad things that happen to us. Worse yet, sometimes we look at other people who are suffering and think what sin they committed to deserve such calamity. But, God does not act in that manner to punish us. Often bad things that occur to us cannot be explained as a direct effect of our sin. Moreover, our sins are forgiven by Jesus' blood. I need to reject such self centered view of difficult times. Sometimes all I can do is cling onto God's love and promise. I cannot understand everything, but God's goodness toward me is real, and is demonstrated in Jesus' suffering and death for us. That is the greatest injustice that the sinless man ( and God) would die a criminal's death. But, we are saved through that suffering.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I sometimes want to know why things happen. The suffering of the innocent and calamities that strike people who love you are difficult to understand. But, I do know that you love us, and I will cling to that love. Some of us may be facing difficult times right now, I ask for your mercy in bringing such times to a quick end. I ask for your presence so that we will experience your peace. Help us to trust in you and find that everything we really need is in you.
In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.

--John Lim