Category Archives: Character of God

Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Embracing God’s Call: Lessons from the Nativity (Luke 2:1-20)

Have you ever pondered the challenges of obedience in the face of adversity, especially when called to fulfill a task that seems beyond your capacity? In Luke 2:1-20, we encounter the profound narrative of Jesus’ birth, a testament to the unwavering faith and obedience of Mary and Joseph amidst difficult circumstances.

Reconnect: As we delve into Luke 2:1-20, the culmination of the Nativity narrative, we’re reminded of the remarkable journey that led to the birth of Christ.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Luke 2:1-20

Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

     1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

      8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

      14“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

      15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-20 opens with the remarkable account of Jesus’ birth, unfolding against the backdrop of Roman rule and Jewish expectation. In the humble setting of a Bethlehem stable, the Son of God enters the world, fulfilling ancient prophecies and ushering in a new era of hope and salvation.
  2. The Angelic Announcement: Angels appear to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the joyous news of Christ’s birth. Their celestial chorus heralds the arrival of the long-awaited Savior, inviting all to witness the fulfillment of God’s promises and to rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel, “God with us.”
  3. The Response of Mary and Joseph: Mary and Joseph, entrusted with the care of the newborn King, marvel at the miraculous events surrounding His birth. Despite the humble circumstances, they embrace their role in God’s redemptive plan, treasuring and pondering the significance of Jesus’ arrival in their hearts.
  4. The Adoration of the Shepherds: The humble shepherds, chosen as the first witnesses to Christ’s birth, respond with awe and reverence. They hasten to Bethlehem, eager to behold the newborn Messiah, and depart with hearts filled with wonder and praise for the miraculous signs they have seen.
  5. Embracing God’s Call Amid Challenges: Mary and Joseph’s obedience to God’s call to bear and nurture Jesus exemplifies faithfulness amidst adversity. Despite the hardships and uncertainties they faced, they trusted in God’s providence and willingly embraced His plan, demonstrating courage and resilience in fulfilling their divine purpose.

Call to Action:

  • Reflect on the profound mystery of Christ’s incarnation and its significance for our lives today.
  • Embrace the message of hope and redemption proclaimed through the birth of Jesus, inviting Him to dwell in our hearts anew.
  • When faced with daunting challenges or difficult tasks that God calls us to, let us remember Mary and Joseph’s example of obedience and perseverance. Even when the path seems uncertain or arduous, may we trust in God’s faithfulness and follow His lead with unwavering faith.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the nativity story in Luke 2:1-20, we are reminded of Your boundless love and grace revealed in the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May His humble beginnings inspire us to embrace humility and gratitude, and may His presence fill our lives with hope and joy. We also ask, inspired by Mary and Joseph, that you would help us embrace whatever you call us to do, even when it is hard and we don’t have all the answers for how it will work out. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Repenting from Sin, Tribulation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reflections on Job’s Journey: Lessons from Job 42

Have you ever found yourself at the end of a long and arduous journey, looking back on the challenges faced and the lessons learned along the way?

Job’s final chapter invites us to reflect on his remarkable journey of faith and resilience.

Reconnect: Job 42 marks the culmination of Job’s story, where he humbly submits to God’s sovereignty and receives restoration and blessing. As we conclude our exploration of Job’s narrative, let us glean wisdom from the profound truths unveiled throughout this book.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Job 42

Job’s Confession

      1Then Job answered the LORD and said,

      2“I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

      3‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
“Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

      4‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’

      5“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;

      6Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”

God Displeased with Job’s Friends

      7It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has. 8“Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” 9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job.

God Restores Job’s Fortunes

      10The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold. 11Then all his brothers and all his sisters and all who had known him before came to him, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the adversities that the LORD had brought on him. And each one gave him one piece of money, and each a ring of gold. 12The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had 14,000 sheep and 6,000 camels and 1,000 yoke of oxen and 1,000 female donkeys. 13He had seven sons and three daughters. 14He named the first Jemimah, and the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. 15In all the land no women were found so fair as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them inheritance among their brothers. 16After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations. 17And Job died, an old man and full of days.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Job’s Humble Acknowledgment: In this final chapter, Job responds to God’s inquiry with humility and reverence, acknowledging the limitations of his understanding and the majesty of God’s power. He confesses his previous lack of knowledge and repents in dust and ashes before the Almighty.
  2. God’s Restoration and Blessing: Despite Job’s suffering and questioning, God graciously restores him, doubling his previous blessings and granting him a long life filled with prosperity and familial joy. This serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and his ability to redeem even the most dire circumstances.
  3. Reflections on Job’s Journey: Job’s story is one of profound faith tested by adversity, yet ultimately strengthened through perseverance and trust in God’s sovereignty. Throughout the book, we witness Job’s unwavering commitment to righteousness and his relentless pursuit of understanding amidst profound suffering.
  4. Lessons from Job’s Experience: As we reflect on Job’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity, the necessity of humility before God’s wisdom, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.

Call to Action: Let us take to heart the lessons learned from Job’s experience by:

  • Cultivating unwavering faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.
  • Embracing humility and repentance before God, recognizing our finite understanding in light of His infinite wisdom.
  • Seeking restoration and blessing through faithful obedience to God’s will, knowing that He is faithful to redeem and restore those who trust in Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound truths unveiled through the story of Job. Grant us the faith and humility to trust in Your sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s trials. May we find strength and restoration in Your presence, knowing that You are faithful to sustain us through every season of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Job’s Humble Acknowledgment: In this final chapter, Job responds to God’s inquiry with humility and reverence, acknowledging the limitations of his understanding and the majesty of God’s power. He confesses his previous lack of knowledge and repents in dust and ashes before the Almighty.
  2. God’s Restoration and Blessing: Despite Job’s suffering and questioning, God graciously restores him, doubling his previous blessings and granting him a long life filled with prosperity and familial joy. This serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and his ability to redeem even the most dire circumstances.
  3. Reflections on Job’s Journey: Job’s story is one of profound faith tested by adversity, yet ultimately strengthened through perseverance and trust in God’s sovereignty. Throughout the book, we witness Job’s unwavering commitment to righteousness and his relentless pursuit of understanding amidst profound suffering.
  4. Lessons from Job’s Experience: As we reflect on Job’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity, the necessity of humility before God’s wisdom, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of life’s greatest trials.

Call to Action: Let us take to heart the lessons learned from Job’s experience by:

  • Cultivating unwavering faith and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s greatest challenges.
  • Embracing humility and repentance before God, recognizing our finite understanding in light of His infinite wisdom.
  • Seeking restoration and blessing through faithful obedience to God’s will, knowing that He is faithful to redeem and restore those who trust in Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the profound truths unveiled through the story of Job. Grant us the faith and humility to trust in Your sovereignty, even in the midst of life’s trials. May we find strength and restoration in Your presence, knowing that You are faithful to sustain us through every season of life. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

All Powerful / King of All, Fear / Reverence for God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Tribulation, Worry/Anxiety, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Unfathomable Power of God (Job 41)

Have you ever been confronted with the incomprehensible power and majesty of God, leaving you humbled by the realization of His unfathomable greatness?

In Job 41, we encounter God’s vivid description of the Leviathan, a mighty creature that serves as a powerful symbol of His sovereignty over all creation.

Reconnect: Job’s journey through suffering and questioning leads him to a profound encounter with God’s presence and power. In the midst of his anguish, God reveals Himself in all His splendor, challenging Job to consider the mysteries of His creation and the limits of human understanding and embrace humility before God.

(Summarized and continued  after scripture)

Job 41

God’s Power Shown in Creatures

1“Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?
Or press down his tongue with a cord?

      2“Can you put a rope in his nose
Or pierce his jaw with a hook?

      3“Will he make many supplications to you,
Or will he speak to you soft words?

      4“Will he make a covenant with you?
Will you take him for a servant forever?

      5“Will you play with him as with a bird,
Or will you bind him for your maidens?

      6“Will the traders bargain over him?
Will they divide him among the merchants?

      7“Can you fill his skin with harpoons,
Or his head with fishing spears?

      8“Lay your hand on him;
Remember the battle; you will not do it again!

      9“Behold, your expectation is false;
Will you be laid low even at the sight of him?

      10“No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him;
Who then is he that can stand before Me?

      11“Who has given to Me that I should repay him?
Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.

      12“I will not keep silence concerning his limbs,
Or his mighty strength, or his orderly frame.

      13“Who can strip off his outer armor?
Who can come within his double mail?

      14“Who can open the doors of his face?
Around his teeth there is terror.

      15“His strong scales are his pride,
Shut up as with a tight seal.

      16“One is so near to another
That no air can come between them.

      17“They are joined one to another;
They clasp each other and cannot be separated.

      18“His sneezes flash forth light,
And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

      19“Out of his mouth go burning torches;
Sparks of fire leap forth.

      20“Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth
As from a boiling pot and burning rushes.

      21“His breath kindles coals,
And a flame goes forth from his mouth.

      22“In his neck lodges strength,
And dismay leaps before him.

      23“The folds of his flesh are joined together,
Firm on him and immovable.

      24“His heart is as hard as a stone,
Even as hard as a lower millstone.

      25“When he raises himself up, the mighty fear;
Because of the crashing they are bewildered.

      26“The sword that reaches him cannot avail,
Nor the spear, the dart or the javelin.

      27“He regards iron as straw,
Bronze as rotten wood.

      28“The arrow cannot make him flee;
Slingstones are turned into stubble for him.

      29“Clubs are regarded as stubble;
He laughs at the rattling of the javelin.

      30“His underparts are like sharp potsherds;
He spreads out like a threshing sledge on the mire.

      31“He makes the depths boil like a pot;
He makes the sea like a jar of ointment.

      32“Behind him he makes a wake to shine;
One would think the deep to be gray-haired.

      33“Nothing on earth is like him,
One made without fear.

      34“He looks on everything that is high;
He is king over all the sons of pride.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Description of Leviathan: In Job 41, God invites Job to consider the Leviathan, a fearsome creature of the deep. Through vivid imagery and detailed description, God illustrates the Leviathan’s strength, invincibility, and untamable nature, emphasizing His authority over even the most formidable forces of the natural world.
  2. Leviathan as a Symbol of God’s Sovereignty: Scholars interpret the Leviathan as a symbolic representation of God’s unrivaled power and sovereignty. Just as the Leviathan is beyond human control, so too is God beyond the grasp of human comprehension. His ways are higher than ours, and His power knows no bounds.
  3. Job’s Response: Faced with God’s vivid depiction of the Leviathan and the revelation of His incomprehensible greatness, Job responds with humility and reverence. He acknowledges the limits of his understanding and surrenders to God’s sovereignty, recognizing that only God holds the answers to life’s deepest mysteries.

Call to Action: As we reflect on the portrayal of the Leviathan in Job 41, let us:

  1. Embrace Humility: Like Job, let us humbly acknowledge the limits of our understanding and the unfathomable greatness of God. May we approach Him with reverence and awe, recognizing His sovereignty over all creation.
  2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: In moments of uncertainty and doubt, let us trust in the sovereignty of God, knowing that He is in control of all things. May we find peace in His unfailing power and rest in the assurance of His perfect plan.
  3. Stand in Awe: As we contemplate the majesty of God revealed in Job 41, let us stand in awe of His greatness and offer Him our heartfelt worship and praise.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your unfathomable power and sovereignty revealed in the portrayal of the Leviathan. Help us to embrace humility, trust in Your sovereignty, and stand in reverent awe of Your greatness. May our lives bring glory to Your name, now and forevermore. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Righteous, Seeking God

Finding Refuge in God’s Strength (Psalm 71)

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of life’s storms, seeking refuge from the relentless waves of adversity?

Psalm 71 extends an invitation to take shelter in the unwavering strength of God, even in the face of trials and tribulations.

Reconnect: In Psalm 71, the psalmist continues to pour out their heart to God, seeking His protection and deliverance from enemies and afflictions. This heartfelt plea echoes themes of trust and dependence on God’s steadfast love, which have been evident throughout the Psalms.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 71

Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance.

     1In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be ashamed.

      2In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.

      3Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come;
You have given commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.

      4Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man,

      5For You are my hope;
O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.

      6By You I have been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.

      7I have become a marvel to many,
For You are my strong refuge.

      8My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.

      9Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
Do not forsake me when my strength fails.

      10For my enemies have spoken against me;
And those who watch for my life have consulted together,

      11Saying, “God has forsaken him;
Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver.”

      12O God, do not be far from me;
O my God, hasten to my help!

      13Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed;
Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me.

      14But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.

      15My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And of Your salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.

      16I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

      17O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

      18And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.

      19For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?

      20You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

      21May You increase my greatness
And turn to comfort me.

      22I will also praise You with a harp,
Even Your truth, O my God;
To You I will sing praises with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.

      23My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You;
And my soul, which You have redeemed.

      24My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long;
For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.

Summary Key Points:

  1. Seeking God’s Protection: The psalmist fervently implores God to be their refuge and stronghold in times of trouble. Amidst the plots of enemies and the onslaught of adversity, they find solace in God’s unwavering presence and protection.
  2. Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness: Through a retrospective lens, the psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness throughout their life, from their earliest days to the present moment. This reflection serves as a source of encouragement and a reminder of God’s enduring love and care.
  3. Declaring God’s Righteousness: Amidst the challenges and uncertainties of life, the psalmist boldly declares God’s righteousness and praises Him for His mighty works. In doing so, they reaffirm their trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise.

Call to Action:

As we meditate on Psalm 71, let us:

  • Seek Refuge in God: In moments of trial and distress, let us turn to God as our refuge and strength, trusting in His unfailing love and protection.
  • Reflect on His Faithfulness: Take time to reflect on God’s faithfulness in your own life, remembering His past provisions and deliverances as a source of hope for the future.
  • Declare His Righteousness: Like the psalmist, let us boldly declare God’s righteousness and praise Him for His mighty works, even in the midst of adversity.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. As we reflect on Psalm 71, may we find renewed confidence in Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Grant us the courage to declare Your righteousness and praise You in all circumstances. In Your holy name, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Humility, Tribulation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reflecting on God’s Sovereign Majesty (Job 40)

Have you ever stood in awe of the majestic power and sovereignty of God, realizing the vastness of His wisdom and might compared to our limited understanding?

In Job 40, we are confronted with the incomparable greatness of God as He reveals Himself to Job in a whirlwind, inviting us to humbly acknowledge His unmatched authority over all creation.

Reconnect: In the book of Job, we witness a profound dialogue between Job, a righteous man who faces immense suffering, and his friends who attempt to make sense of his plight. As the debate unfolds, God intervenes to offer His perspective on the mysteries of His ways and the universe He has created.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Job 40

Job: What Can I Say?

      1Then the LORD said to Job,

      2“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
Let him who reproves God answer it.”

      3Then Job answered the LORD and said,

      4“Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You?
I lay my hand on my mouth.

      5“Once I have spoken, and I will not answer;
Even twice, and I will add nothing more.”

God Questions Job

      6Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm and said,

      7“Now gird up your loins like a man;
I will ask you, and you instruct Me.

      8“Will you really annul My judgment?
Will you condemn Me that you may be justified?

      9“Or do you have an arm like God,
And can you thunder with a voice like His?

      10“Adorn yourself with eminence and dignity,
And clothe yourself with honor and majesty.

      11“Pour out the overflowings of your anger,
And look on everyone who is proud, and make him low.

      12“Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him,
And tread down the wicked where they stand.

      13“Hide them in the dust together;
Bind them in the hidden place.

      14“Then I will also confess to you,
That your own right hand can save you.

God’s Power Shown in Creatures

15“Behold now, Behemoth, which I made as well as you;
He eats grass like an ox.

      16“Behold now, his strength in his loins
And his power in the muscles of his belly.

      17“He bends his tail like a cedar;
The sinews of his thighs are knit together.

      18“His bones are tubes of bronze;
His limbs are like bars of iron.

      19“He is the first of the ways of God;
Let his maker bring near his sword.

      20“Surely the mountains bring him food,
And all the beasts of the field play there.

      21“Under the lotus plants he lies down,
In the covert of the reeds and the marsh.

      22“The lotus plants cover him with shade;
The willows of the brook surround him.

      23“If a river rages, he is not alarmed;
He is confident, though the Jordan rushes to his mouth.

      24“Can anyone capture him when he is on watch,
With barbs can anyone pierce his nose?

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Challenge to Job: In Job 40, God addresses Job out of the whirlwind, challenging him to brace himself like a man and prepare to answer His questions. God’s rhetorical questions serve to remind Job of his finite understanding and the limitations of human wisdom compared to the boundless wisdom of the Creator.
  2. Behemoth: As God continues to speak, He draws Job’s attention to the Behemoth, a mighty creature of His creation. Scholars interpret Behemoth as a symbol of God’s sovereignty over the natural world, representing His authority and power to govern all creatures, great and small.
  3. Job’s Response: Faced with God’s awe-inspiring presence and the revelation of His sovereignty, Job responds with humility and reverence. He acknowledges his unworthiness to question God’s ways and submits to His divine authority, recognizing that only God holds the answers to life’s mysteries.

Call to Action: As we contemplate the revelations found in Job 40, let us:

  1. Embrace Humility: Like Job, let us humbly acknowledge our limited understanding and submit to God’s sovereignty over our lives. May we recognize that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension.
  2. Trust in God’s Wisdom: In moments of uncertainty and doubt, let us trust in the wisdom and providence of God, knowing that He holds the universe in His hands and works all things according to His perfect plan.
  3. Stand in Awe: As we reflect on the majesty of God revealed in Job 40, let us stand in awe of His greatness and offer Him our heartfelt worship and praise.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your sovereign majesty revealed in the whirlwind of Job 40. Help us to embrace humility, trust in Your wisdom, and stand in reverent awe of Your greatness. May our lives bring glory to Your name, now and forevermore. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faith / Trusting God, Faithful, Praise / Worship / Glorify God

Trust in God’s Promises and Magnify the LORD (Luke 1)

Have you ever marveled at the unfolding of divine promises, seeing them come to fruition in unexpected ways and at unexpected times?

Perhaps you have struggled as you wait for divine promises to unfold in your life, wondering if or when they will take place.

In Luke 1, we enter into the extraordinary narrative of God’s plan for redemption, where His promises to His people are fulfilled in remarkable ways. Join us as we explore the magnificence of Luke 1 and discover the profound significance of God’s faithfulness.

Reconnect: In the Gospel of Luke, we are introduced to a series of events that lead up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke, a meticulous historian and careful observer, presents a detailed account of God’s intervention in human history through the lives of ordinary individuals who played extraordinary roles in His divine plan.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 1

Introduction

      1Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, 2just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, 3it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.

Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.

      8Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John. 14“You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. 16“And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

      18Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” 19The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

      21The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. 23When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.

      24After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25“This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”

Jesus’ Birth Foretold

26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37“For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”

The Magnificat

46And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,

      47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

      48“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

      49“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.

      50“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.

      51“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

      52“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.

      53“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.

      54“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,

      55As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”

      56And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

John Is Born

57Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.

      59And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. 60But his mother answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” 61And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.” 62And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. 63And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all astonished. 64And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. 65Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. 66All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.

Zacharias’s Prophecy

67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

      68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

      69And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—

      70As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—

      71Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;

      72To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,

      73The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,

      74To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,

      75In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

      76“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

      77To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,

      78Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

      79TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

      80And the child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Announcement of John the Baptist: Luke begins his Gospel by recounting the miraculous announcement of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah, a priest serving in the temple. Despite his old age and his wife Elizabeth’s barrenness, God promises them a son who will prepare the way for the Messiah.
  2. The Announcement of Jesus Christ: Following the announcement to Zechariah, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a humble young woman, a virgin, from Nazareth, to proclaim that she will conceive and bear a son who will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary’s faithful response, “Let it be to me according to your word,” demonstrates her profound trust in God’s plan.
  3. The Magnificat: Filled with joy and gratitude, Mary bursts into a song of praise known as the Magnificat, exalting God’s faithfulness and mercy. Her words reflect the deep faith of a humble servant who recognizes the profound significance of the role she has been called to fulfill.
  4. The Birth of John the Baptist: As the appointed time draws near, Elizabeth gives birth to a son, whom they name John. His miraculous birth signals the fulfillment of God’s promise and prepares the way for the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.

Call to Action: As we delve into the richness of Luke 1, let us:

  1. Embrace God’s Promises: Like Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, let us trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect timing.
  2. Magnify the Lord: May we, like Mary, magnify the Lord in our lives, offering Him our heartfelt praise and worship for His faithfulness and mercy.
  3. Prepare the Way: As we reflect on Christ’s birth, let us prepare our hearts to receive Him anew, embracing His redemptive work with humility and gratitude.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the remarkable events recorded in Luke 1, which testify to Your faithfulness and love for Your people. Grant us the grace to trust in Your promises, to magnify Your name in all we do, and to prepare our hearts to receive Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Tribulation, Wise

Reflecting on God’s Wisdom Compared to Our Own (Job 39)

Have you ever pondered the depth of God’s wisdom, marveling at His intricate design and sovereignty over creation?

Job 39 invites us to contemplate the mysteries of God’s wisdom as we explore the intricate details of His handiwork in the animal kingdom.

Reconnect: Job 39 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Job as God continues His divine discourse, challenging Job’s understanding of His wisdom and sovereignty. Through a series of rhetorical questions, God invites Job to consider the intricacies of His creation, particularly in the realm of the animal kingdom.

Job has been searching for understanding and rescue from his suffering after experiencing great personal loss. God now steps in and challenges him to reflect on God’s wisdom relative to his own.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 39

God Speaks of Nature and Its Beings

1“Do you know the time the mountain goats give birth?
Do you observe the calving of the deer?

      2“Can you count the months they fulfill,
Or do you know the time they give birth?

      3“They kneel down, they bring forth their young,
They get rid of their labor pains.

      4“Their offspring become strong, they grow up in the open field;
They leave and do not return to them.

      5“Who sent out the wild donkey free?
And who loosed the bonds of the swift donkey,

      6To whom I gave the wilderness for a home
And the salt land for his dwelling place?

      7“He scorns the tumult of the city,
The shoutings of the driver he does not hear.

      8“He explores the mountains for his pasture
And searches after every green thing.

      9“Will the wild ox consent to serve you,
Or will he spend the night at your manger?

      10“Can you bind the wild ox in a furrow with ropes,
Or will he harrow the valleys after you?

      11“Will you trust him because his strength is great
And leave your labor to him?

      12“Will you have faith in him that he will return your grain
And gather it from your threshing floor?

      13“The ostriches’ wings flap joyously
With the pinion and plumage of love,

      14For she abandons her eggs to the earth
And warms them in the dust,

      15And she forgets that a foot may crush them,
Or that a wild beast may trample them.

      16“She treats her young cruelly, as if they were not hers;
Though her labor be in vain, she is unconcerned;

      17Because God has made her forget wisdom,
And has not given her a share of understanding.

      18“When she lifts herself on high,
She laughs at the horse and his rider.

      19“Do you give the horse his might?
Do you clothe his neck with a mane?

      20“Do you make him leap like the locust?
His majestic snorting is terrible.

      21“He paws in the valley, and rejoices in his strength;
He goes out to meet the weapons.

      22“He laughs at fear and is not dismayed;
And he does not turn back from the sword.

      23“The quiver rattles against him,
The flashing spear and javelin.

      24“With shaking and rage he races over the ground,
And he does not stand still at the voice of the trumpet.

      25“As often as the trumpet sounds he says, ‘Aha!’
And he scents the battle from afar,
And the thunder of the captains and the war cry.

      26“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars,
Stretching his wings toward the south?

      27“Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up
And makes his nest on high?

      28“On the cliff he dwells and lodges,
Upon the rocky crag, an inaccessible place.

      29“From there he spies out food;
His eyes see it from afar.

      30“His young ones also suck up blood;
And where the slain are, there is he.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Sovereign Design: In Job 39, God draws Job’s attention to the intricacies of His creation, highlighting His sovereign control over every aspect of the natural world. From the wild mountain goats to the majestic horses, God’s wisdom is evident in the design and behavior of each creature.
  2. The Limitations of Human Understanding: Through a series of rhetorical questions, God challenges Job’s understanding of His wisdom and sovereignty. He emphasizes the vast difference between human knowledge and divine wisdom, reminding Job of the inherent limitations of human understanding.
  3. Humility in the Face of God’s Wisdom: Job’s encounter with God’s divine discourse humbles him, prompting him to acknowledge the greatness and majesty of God’s wisdom. In the presence of God’s sovereign control over creation, Job is reminded of his own finite understanding and the need for humility before the Creator.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on Job 39, let us:

  • Contemplate God’s Wisdom: Take time to meditate on the mysteries of God’s wisdom as revealed in His creation, recognizing the intricacies of His design and the sovereignty over all things.
  • Cultivate Humility: Embrace humility in the face of God’s wisdom, acknowledging our finite understanding and the limitations of human knowledge. Let us approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His infinite wisdom and sovereignty.
  • Seek Wisdom from God: Pray for God to grant us wisdom and understanding as we navigate the complexities of life. May we rely on His guidance and trust in His sovereign plan for our lives.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your wisdom and sovereignty over creation, marveling at the intricacies of Your design. Grant us the humility to acknowledge our finite understanding and the wisdom to seek Your guidance in all things. May we find comfort and assurance in Your sovereign control over every aspect of our lives. In Your holy name, we pray, amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Creation, Depression / Discouragement, Discipline / Guidance From God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Humility, Wise, Worry/Anxiety

God’s Answer to Job (Job 38)

Have you ever found yourself questioning things in life you don’t understand, seeking answers to the unanswerable?

In Job 38, we witness a profound moment as God breaks His silence to respond to Job’s inquiries, offering insights that transcend human understanding and humbly remind us of the folly of human wisdom compared to the infinite understanding of our Creator.

Reconnect: Before delving into Job 38, it’s crucial to remember the context of the dialogue between Job and his friends. After enduring suffering and grappling with profound questions of justice and righteousness, Job has voiced his frustrations and yearned for answers. Now, as God Himself speaks, we are invited to witness the divine response to Job’s inquiries.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 38

God Speaks Now to Job

      1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said,

      2“Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?

      3“Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!

      4“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,

      5Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?

      6“On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,

      7When the morning stars sang together
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

      8“Or who enclosed the sea with doors
When, bursting forth, it went out from the womb;

      9When I made a cloud its garment
And thick darkness its swaddling band,

      10And I placed boundaries on it
And set a bolt and doors,

      11And I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther;
And here shall your proud waves stop’?

God’s Mighty Power

12“Have you ever in your life commanded the morning,
And caused the dawn to know its place,

      13That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?

      14“It is changed like clay under the seal;
And they stand forth like a garment.

      15“From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the uplifted arm is broken.

      16“Have you entered into the springs of the sea
Or walked in the recesses of the deep?

      17“Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
Or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?

      18“Have you understood the expanse of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.

      19“Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,

      20That you may take it to its territory
And that you may discern the paths to its home?

      21“You know, for you were born then,
And the number of your days is great!

      22“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,

      23Which I have reserved for the time of distress,
For the day of war and battle?

      24“Where is the way that the light is divided,
Or the east wind scattered on the earth?

      25“Who has cleft a channel for the flood,
Or a way for the thunderbolt,

      26To bring rain on a land without people,
On a desert without a man in it,

      27To satisfy the waste and desolate land
And to make the seeds of grass to sprout?

      28“Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?

      29“From whose womb has come the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who has given it birth?

      30“Water becomes hard like stone,
And the surface of the deep is imprisoned.

      31“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades,
Or loose the cords of Orion?

      32“Can you lead forth a constellation in its season,
And guide the Bear with her satellites?

      33“Do you know the ordinances of the heavens,
Or fix their rule over the earth?

      34“Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
So that an abundance of water will cover you?

      35“Can you send forth lightnings that they may go
And say to you, ‘Here we are’?

      36“Who has put wisdom in the innermost being
Or given understanding to the mind?

      37“Who can count the clouds by wisdom,
Or tip the water jars of the heavens,

      38When the dust hardens into a mass
And the clods stick together?

      39“Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

      40When they crouch in their dens
And lie in wait in their lair?

      41“Who prepares for the raven its nourishment
When its young cry to God
And wander about without food?

Summary Key Points:

1. The Majesty of Creation: God’s response to Job begins with a series of questions that highlight the majesty and intricacy of creation. From the foundations of the earth to the vastness of the cosmos, God’s sovereign power and wisdom are on full display, challenging Job to contemplate the wonders of His handiwork.

2. Humility Before the Creator: As God continues His discourse, He calls attention to the limitations of human understanding and the folly of trying to comprehend His ways. Job is reminded of his finite perspective compared to God’s infinite wisdom, prompting a humbling acknowledgment of the Creator’s sovereignty.

3. Trusting in Divine Providence: Through His response, God invites Job to trust in His providence and sovereignty, even in the face of life’s uncertainties and hardships. While human understanding may be limited, God’s purposes are ultimately just and righteous, calling for a posture of trust and surrender.

Call to Action:

  • Embracing Humility: Let us embrace humility in our quest for understanding, recognizing the limitations of human wisdom and the vastness of God’s knowledge. May we approach life’s mysteries with reverence and awe, trusting in the wisdom of the Creator.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we ponder the mysteries of Your creation and the depths of Your wisdom, grant us humility and reverence. Help us to trust in Your providence, even when we cannot comprehend Your ways. May Your presence guide us through life’s uncertainties, and may we find peace in surrendering to Your will. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, Humility, Tribulation, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Reverence in the Storm (Job 37)

Have you ever stood in awe of the power and majesty of nature, feeling small in the face of its grandeur?

In Job 37, Elihu’s reflection on God’s sovereignty amidst the tempest offers profound insights into the importance of reverence and humility in the midst of life’s storms.

Reconnect: Before delving into Job 37, it’s essential to recall the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, where questions of suffering, righteousness, and divine justice have taken center stage. Job continues to declare his innocence before God while his friends continue to suggest that it must be Job’s sin that has led to his suffering.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 37

Elihu Says God Is Back of the Storm

1“At this also my heart trembles,
And leaps from its place.

      2“Listen closely to the thunder of His voice,
And the rumbling that goes out from His mouth.

      3“Under the whole heaven He lets it loose,
And His lightning to the ends of the earth.

      4“After it, a voice roars;
He thunders with His majestic voice,
And He does not restrain the lightnings when His voice is heard.

      5“God thunders with His voice wondrously,
Doing great things which we cannot comprehend.

      6“For to the snow He says, ‘Fall on the earth,’
And to the downpour and the rain, ‘Be strong.’

      7“He seals the hand of every man,
That all men may know His work.

      8“Then the beast goes into its lair
And remains in its den.

      9“Out of the south comes the storm,
And out of the north the cold.

      10“From the breath of God ice is made,
And the expanse of the waters is frozen.

      11“Also with moisture He loads the thick cloud;
He disperses the cloud of His lightning.

      12“It changes direction, turning around by His guidance,
That it may do whatever He commands it
On the face of the inhabited earth.

      13“Whether for correction, or for His world,
Or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen.

      14“Listen to this, O Job,
Stand and consider the wonders of God.

      15“Do you know how God establishes them,
And makes the lightning of His cloud to shine?

      16“Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds,
The wonders of one perfect in knowledge,

      17You whose garments are hot,
When the land is still because of the south wind?

      18“Can you, with Him, spread out the skies,
Strong as a molten mirror?

      19“Teach us what we shall say to Him;
We cannot arrange our case because of darkness.

      20“Shall it be told Him that I would speak?
Or should a man say that he would be swallowed up?

      21“Now men do not see the light which is bright in the skies;
But the wind has passed and cleared them.

      22“Out of the north comes golden splendor;
Around God is awesome majesty.

      23“The Almighty—we cannot find Him;
He is exalted in power
And He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness.

      24“Therefore men fear Him;
He does not regard any who are wise of heart.”

Summary Key Points:

1. God’s Sovereign Power: Elihu begins his discourse by drawing attention to the awe-inspiring manifestations of God’s power in nature, such as thunderstorms and snowstorms. He highlights God’s sovereignty over the elements, emphasizing His unmatched authority and wisdom.

2. Humility Before the Creator: In the face of such divine majesty, Elihu underscores the importance of humility and reverence. He reminds Job and his friends of humanity’s limited understanding compared to God’s infinite wisdom, urging them to approach Him with reverence and awe.

3. Finding Peace in Surrender: Amidst life’s storms and uncertainties, Elihu’s words invite reflection on the peace that comes from surrendering to God’s will. By acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting in His wisdom, we can find solace and security even in the midst of life’s most tumultuous moments.

Call to Action:

  • Cultivating Reverence: Let us cultivate a spirit of reverence and humility in our daily lives, recognizing God’s sovereignty over all creation. Whether facing personal challenges or witnessing the power of nature, may we bow before the Creator with awe and gratitude.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, amidst the storms of life, we stand in awe of Your sovereign power and wisdom. Teach us to approach You with humility and reverence, finding peace in surrendering to Your will. May Your presence bring comfort and strength as we navigate life’s uncertainties. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Knowing, Depression / Discouragement, Discipline / Guidance From God, Grace / Forgiveness, Humility, Repenting from Sin, Teachable, Tribulation

Embracing Adversity: Finding Humility and Growth in God’s Wisdom (Job 36)

Have you ever sought wisdom in the midst of adversity, longing for insight into life’s deepest mysteries?

In Job 36, Elihu emerges as a voice of clarity and understanding, offering profound lessons on the nature of divine wisdom and its transformative power in our lives.

Reconnect: In the ongoing discourse between Job and his friends, Elihu’s perspective brings a fresh perspective to the conversation. As we explore Job 36, we are reminded of the profound wisdom embedded within Elihu’s words and the relevance of his insights to our own struggles and questions.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 36

Elihu Speaks of God’s Dealings with Men

      1Then Elihu continued and said,

      2“Wait for me a little, and I will show you
That there is yet more to be said in God’s behalf.

      3“I will fetch my knowledge from afar,
And I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

      4“For truly my words are not false;
One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

      5“Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any;
He is mighty in strength of understanding.

      6“He does not keep the wicked alive,
But gives justice to the afflicted.

      7“He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous;
But with kings on the throne
He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.

      8“And if they are bound in fetters,
And are caught in the cords of affliction,

      9Then He declares to them their work
And their transgressions, that they have magnified themselves.

      10“He opens their ear to instruction,
And commands that they return from evil.

      11“If they hear and serve Him,
They will end their days in prosperity
And their years in pleasures.

      12“But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword
And they will die without knowledge.

      13“But the godless in heart lay up anger;
They do not cry for help when He binds them.

      14“They die in youth,
And their life perishes among the cult prostitutes.

      15“He delivers the afflicted in their affliction,
And opens their ear in time of oppression.

      16“Then indeed, He enticed you from the mouth of distress,
Instead of it, a broad place with no constraint;
And that which was set on your table was full of fatness.

      17“But you were full of judgment on the wicked;
Judgment and justice take hold of you.

      18“Beware that wrath does not entice you to scoffing;
And do not let the greatness of the ransom turn you aside.

      19“Will your riches keep you from distress,
Or all the forces of your strength?

      20“Do not long for the night,
When people vanish in their place.

      21“Be careful, do not turn to evil,
For you have preferred this to affliction.

      22“Behold, God is exalted in His power;
Who is a teacher like Him?

      23“Who has appointed Him His way,
And who has said, ‘You have done wrong’?

      24“Remember that you should exalt His work,
Of which men have sung.

      25“All men have seen it;
Man beholds from afar.

      26“Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him;
The number of His years is unsearchable.

      27“For He draws up the drops of water,
They distill rain from the mist,

      28Which the clouds pour down,
They drip upon man abundantly.

      29“Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds,
The thundering of His pavilion?

      30“Behold, He spreads His lightning about Him,
And He covers the depths of the sea.

      31“For by these He judges peoples;
He gives food in abundance.

      32“He covers His hands with the lightning,
And commands it to strike the mark.

      33“Its noise declares His presence;
The cattle also, concerning what is coming up.

Summary Key Points:

  • Elihu’s Exaltation of God’s Greatness: Elihu begins by exalting the greatness of God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation. He highlights God’s power and wisdom, which transcend human understanding and serve as the foundation of divine justice.
  • The Purpose of Affliction: Elihu challenges Job’s perspective on suffering, suggesting that affliction serves as a means of discipline and instruction from God. He encourages Job to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth and spiritual refinement, rather than questioning God’s intentions.
  • The Call to Repentance and Restoration: Elihu urges Job to repent of any wrongdoing and embrace righteousness, assuring him that God is gracious and merciful to those who turn to Him in humility. He emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance as a pathway to restoration and reconciliation with God.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the insights of Job 36, let us respond with:

  • Humility Before God: Let us humbly acknowledge the greatness and wisdom of God, recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of our lives. May we submit ourselves to His will and trust in His plans, even when faced with adversity and uncertainty.
  • Embracing Adversity: Instead of resisting or resenting adversity, let us embrace it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. May we view challenges as instruments of God’s discipline and instruction, guiding us closer to His purposes for our lives.
  • Seeking Repentance and Restoration: In moments of trial and testing, let us turn to God in genuine repentance, seeking His forgiveness and grace. May we open our hearts to His transforming power, allowing Him to restore and renew us according to His perfect will.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to recognize Your sovereignty and goodness in every circumstance. Help us to embrace adversity as an opportunity for spiritual growth and refinement, trusting in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Lead us in paths of righteousness, and guide us in the way of repentance and restoration. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.