Tuesday, October 8
Read Job 30
Think About It:
- From the delightful past, Job is suddenly thrust back into the dismal and disappointing present. You can almost hear him groan his first words, “But now” in verse 1. Job was wise enough to know that he had to face the reality of the present and not escape into the memory of the past. People who refuse to come to grips with life are in danger of losing touch with reality, and soon they lose touch with themselves. His five complaints in chapter 30 parallel the joys he named in chapter 29: “I have no respect” (verses 30:1-15; 29:7-11), “I have no blessing” (verses 30:16-23; 29:2-6), “I have no help” (verses 30:24-25; 29:12-17), “I have no future” (verses 30:26-28; 29:18-20), and “I have no ministry” (verses 30:29-31; 29:21-25). By refusing to live in the past and by honestly facing reality, Job took a giant step in maturity and integrity. In his lament, Job contrasted his present situation with the past and showed how everything had been changed by the judgement of God.
Family Time:
- Job has lost everything he once had: his children, servants, wealth, possessions, good health, respect from his community and his good name. He is in relentless pain, feels helplessly alone and cries out to God. He describes some of the painful things he is experiencing. What type of painful things are you going through?
- Job believes God is ignoring him, that God does not answer his cries. Read Roman 8:38-39. Describe what these verses tell us about the truth of God.
