DEVOTION – DAY 200

Job 42:4-6 “Knowing Our Place Before God”

 

Job 42:4-6 You said, “Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you and you shall answer me. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

 

Job experienced loss of His children and all his wealth. His health was also affected leaving him covered in sores. His three friends came alongside suggesting that Job must have done something to deserve his sufferings. Job denied any wrongdoing. In moments of frustration and arrogance, Job questioned God and sought answers. In the end, Job came to the realization that he had been arrogant. He concluded in the above verses that he was wrong. He had no right to ask God anything. Because God asked him profound questions and he was dumbstruck. He realized that God had every right to ask him questions and he had no right at all to question God. He not only heard from God, Job now “sees” God through eyes of faith and with spiritual understanding. So, Job came before God in repentance. It was from that humble position that God forgave Job and released His abundant blessings, love and provision for Job. God later fully restored Job’s fortunes and even doubled His blessings upon Job.

 

This brings to mind that what happened to Job will also happen to anyone who comes humbly before the Lord and repent of their sins and to open their hearts to let Jesus come into their lives. The Lord will pour out His abundant blessings and love for He has said “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Those who are willing to humble themselves and admit they need their Lord and Savior. It also reminds us that almost 2000 years ago, God sent His Son to earth to be born of a virgin, to redeem a people bonded to sin. Those who call on Jesus as Lord and Savior and humbly go to Him, receives God’s abundant blessings. We know a lady who had spent much of her life worshipping idols but she was never sure if her idols heard her. But when she heard the gospel, it made sense to her to confess of her sins and to turn to Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She wanted to be sure that the way was open for God to hear her. She was never sure about her idols. With Jesus in her life, she could now be sure. She converted to Christianity to the amazement of her children and grandchildren.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus who came and died for our sins so that we can be redeemed to a new life in Christ. Help us to live our lives worthy of His sacrifice and love for us. In the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. Out of frustration or arrogance, have you, like Job, questioned God about why things have not gone the way you had wanted? Share.
  2. What have you learnt from Job’s example about coming before God in humility and knowing one’s place before God? Discuss.
  3. Why is it important for us to come to God in humility and with a contrite heart confessing our sins and seeking repentance?
  4. Have you confessed and repented of your sins and call on Jesus as your Lord and Savior?