Do you fear God and shun evil like Job?
24 Jun 26
Today's devotional: taken from YouVersion, Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year One
Readings:
Job 1
Job 2
Job 3
Acts 7:1-19
Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? (Job 1:8).
Do you fear God and shun evil like Job?
Job is a man of integrity, which is the meaning of the term “blameless.” Moreover, he is “upright,” which signifies that Job does what is morally right. His godly fear is exemplified by turning away from wickedness. Clearly, Job guards his heart by choosing to look only upon those things that please God. He says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?” (Job 31:1).
James sums up the patriarch’s life as follows: “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord” (James 5:11).
Employment Point: Please God by leading a life of integrity, which includes turning away from evil.
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Reflections
Our life may be filled with difficulties or challenges and we may fail in certain times or seasons of our lives. However, that does not mean that it is the end. Thankful for a Lord that is gracious and have mercy upon us, that forgives us and grant us more than second chances.
“When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.”
Job 1:5 NIV
- Job didn’t just think of himself. He thinks of his family, particularly his children too and made provisions for them to be purified. This is like our Father’s heart who send his som to cleanse us of our sins.
- Perhaps something for me to reflect upon as well. What have I done to help my son to be purified even if he did not yet know God
“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.””Job 1:8 NIV
- The LORD commended Job, someone whom He is so pleased that he told Satan to try him.
“But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”
Job 1:11-12 NIV
- whenever things happened for no reason, I will remember Job and trust that the Lord knows everything and has everything under control. For our enemies will have no chance against the children of God for the Lord will not allow it. So even in trials and tribulations, we ought not to forget that the Lord knows and it may all be a time of testing. Continue to put our trust in the Lord.
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”Job 1:20-22 NIV
- Being in worship is so important. Helping us to remember that our Lord is the same Lord who is unchanging. Indeed we came with nothing and we will go with nothing. Whatever and whoever we have or meet in the earth are all temporary. we will continue to sing praises to You O Lord, regardless of our circumstances
“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.””
Job 2:3 NIV
- the Lord’s name is to be praised. And in circumstances like this which we don’t understand, we know His grace and mercy is still with us. It was never about what or who we have here on earth but who we have that give is the strength to do all things.
“He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.”
Job 2:10 NIV
- this verse in Job is another bible verse that reminds me that the Lord knows. If we are only true to Jesus in good times and forgot about Him in bad times, we do not exactly have any relationship with Him. The Lord is there, regardless of any situation
“When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.”Job 2:12-13 NIV
- This was a reminder to me that sometimes, our presence with someone who is suffering is already enough. No need for extra talks or advices. Who knows what words may come out of our mouths which may also not be appropriate. A friend, knowing that you care and just being there, is really good enough.
“Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.””
Job 3:23-26 NIV
- in Job 3, Job finally spoke after 7 days of silence. He laments about why he is born and yet born for suffering. Many of his words though were rather bitter, flowed with a sense of relenting and surrender.
- Perhaps this is also something we can learn. Instead of feeling bitter, it may good that we try to surrender and learn what good a situation is teaching us. Even if it was truly nothing that was worth a lesson, perhaps to just seek the Lord and tell Him exactly how we are feeling is something we can do. Perhaps the Lord may also reveal to us through our private conversations our learning points
In Acts 7:1-19 when Stephen was being asked if the charges were true, he started with Abraham and started sharing the gospel. I think it was a really bold moment because he knew everyone had to listen to him. Whether the charges were true or not perhaps doesn’t matter to him but the people’s salvation does. He chose what he thinks is more important in his life.
Friends, what would be most important in your life?
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Reconciling Yourself to the Fact of Sin
BY OSWALD CHAMBERS
June 24
But this is your hour—when darkness reigns. — Luke 22:53
Not being reconciled to the fact that sin exists is what produces all the disasters in life. We talk about the nobility of human nature, but something in human nature laughs in the face of our ideals. If we refuse to accept that there is wickedness and self-seeking in human beings, something downright spiteful and wrong, we’ll compromise with sin and say there’s no use battling against it when it shows up in our lives.
Have you made allowance for the hour “when darkness reigns” in you? Or do you have a conception of yourself that leaves out sin? In your friendships and physical relationships, are you caught off guard by sinful impulses, or do you reconcile yourself in advance to the reality of sin? If you do, you’ll recognize danger the instant it appears; you’ll know ahead of time what engaging in sinful behavior would mean. Recognizing that sin exists doesn’t destroy human relationships; it establishes a mutual regard founded on the fact that the basis of life is tragic.
Always beware of an estimate of human nature that doesn’t take the existence of sin into account. Jesus Christ never trusted human nature, yet he was never cynical, never suspicious. He trusted absolutely in what God could do.
The pure person, not the innocent person, is the safeguarded person. Innocence is the quality of the child. You are never safe with an innocent man or woman; God demands that we be pure and virtuous. It is a blameworthy thing not to be reconciled to the fact of sin.
WISDOM FROM OSWALD
“I have chosen you” (John 15:16). Keep that note of greatness in your creed. It is not that you have got God, but that He has got you.
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Reflections
Human nature usually says that all men are born with a good nature. In other words, babies come into this world knowing nothing about sin. They were all shaped by their parents, friends or the environment. So being in a good environment will result in a good man and vice versa. But what do YOU think?
A person who lived a life held by high moral values may be a good guy but they may not necessarily be one that is without sin. Their values are bound by what the society defines as morally upright. We see them as good and nice people but they may not be the same person in private. So outwardly, we may not even be able to tell who has truly reconciled with the Lord and who hasn’t. I believe all these voice down to their own individual walk with God.
If Christ is in us, we will recognise the sins in our lives. Holy spirit will convict us, and help us to confess our sins to the Almighty God. He will lead us to repentance and finally forgiveness. Once we recognise that we are all sinners. We will humble ourselves and seek the Lord for his forgiveness. There will be more of God and less of us, as He guides us to live the Christ-risen life that anyone may not even understand.
It is about recognising sin as part of us, but yet in the power of Jesus, we learn how to let go of our sins and learn the new ways of Jesus. By our own strength we would not be able to do it. But through Christ Jesus we can!
Let’s pray in the form of worship:
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