Have we Really Outgrown God?

“Ask the former generation     and find out what their ancestors learned, 9 for we were born only yesterday and know nothing,     and our days on earth are but a shadow. 10 Will they not instruct you and tell you?     Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?" (Job 8:8-10) These words were spoken to Job by …

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In life’s hard times, never think that the situation is hopeless!

As I was reading the words of Zophar (one of Job's 'comforters'!), I came across the words, "There is hope" (Job 11:18). As I thought about these words - even allowing for the fact that Zophar didn't really have an accurate understanding of Job's situation, my thoughts went on to the end of the book …

Our words will have power when we keep our eyes on the Lord.

In Job 22, Eliphaz charges in with harsh words of accusation - “Aren’t you really very wicked? Is there no end to your wrongdoing?” (Job 22:5). He persists with his probing, heartless questions - “Are you following the old path that wicked people have taken?” (Job 22:15). In general terms, the words of Eliphaz were …

On Our Way To Full Salvation

In Job 8, we have the first speech of Bildad. Its theme is very straightforward. Sin leads to suffering (Job 8:4). Obedience leads to prosperity (Job 8:5-7). This teaching is presented in a heavy-handed way. In Job 8:20, we have an attack on Job’s character: “Certainly, God does not reject a person of integrity or …

Out of our darkness, into His light

In Job 9 - 10, Job speaks. He is in a mood of deep distress. He speaks of the futility of arguing with God (Job 9:3). His situation is very depressing: “I hate my life” (Job 10:1). He is surrounded by deep darkness: “So stop this, and leave me alone. Let me smile a little …

Comforters? or Critics?

In Job 15, we have another speech from Eliphaz. He charges in with all the subtlety of an elephant on the rampage: “you destroy the fear of God, and diminish devotion to God” (Job 15:4). He continues in the same vein, getting bolder and brasher in his word of accusation: “Your sin teaches you what …

God’s Wisdom? or Our Wisdom?

In Job 11, we hear from Zophar. So far, so good - That’s what we can say about the basic principles of his message: “God’s wisdom is higher than heaven” (Job 11:8); “If you want to set your heart right, then pray to Him. If you’re holding on to sin, put it far away” (Job …