Category Archives: All Knowing

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

      18Beware 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.

The Quest for Wisdom: Exploring the Depths of God’s Knowledge (Job 28)

Have you ever found yourself in pursuit of wisdom, seeking to unravel life’s mysteries and understand the depths of God’s knowledge?

In Job 28, we journey into the heart of wisdom as Job contemplates the elusive nature of true understanding amidst the trials of life.

Join us as we delve into this profound chapter and uncover the treasures of wisdom hidden within its verses.

Reconnect: Job, amidst his suffering and debates with his friends, reflects deeply on the value and rarity of wisdom. In the preceding chapters, Job has wrestled with the questions of human suffering and the justice of God, leading him to ponder the ultimate source of wisdom in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Job 28

Job Tells of Earth’s Treasures

1“Surely there is a mine for silver
And a place where they refine gold.

      2“Iron is taken from the dust,
And copper is smelted from rock.

      3Man puts an end to darkness,
And to the farthest limit he searches out
The rock in gloom and deep shadow.

      4“He sinks a shaft far from habitation,
Forgotten by the foot;
They hang and swing to and fro far from men.

      5“The earth, from it comes food,
And underneath it is turned up as fire.

      6“Its rocks are the source of sapphires,
And its dust contains gold.

      7“The path no bird of prey knows,
Nor has the falcon’s eye caught sight of it.

      8“The proud beasts have not trodden it,
Nor has the fierce lion passed over it.

      9“He puts his hand on the flint;
He overturns the mountains at the base.

      10“He hews out channels through the rocks,
And his eye sees anything precious.

      11“He dams up the streams from flowing,
And what is hidden he brings out to the light.

The Search for Wisdom Is Harder

12“But where can wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding?

      13“Man does not know its value,
Nor is it found in the land of the living.

      14“The deep says, ‘It is not in me’;
And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’

      15“Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it,
Nor can silver be weighed as its price.

      16“It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir,
In precious onyx, or sapphire.

      17“Gold or glass cannot equal it,
Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.

      18“Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned;
And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls.

      19“The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it,
Nor can it be valued in pure gold.

      20“Where then does wisdom come from?
And where is the place of understanding?

      21“Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living
And concealed from the birds of the sky.

      22“Abaddon and Death say,
‘With our ears we have heard a report of it.’

      23“God understands its way,
And He knows its place.

      24“For He looks to the ends of the earth
And sees everything under the heavens.

      25“When He imparted weight to the wind
And meted out the waters by measure,

      26When He set a limit for the rain
And a course for the thunderbolt,

      27Then He saw it and declared it;
He established it and also searched it out.

      28“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
And to depart from evil is understanding.’”

Summary Key Points:

  1. The Search for Hidden Treasures (Job 28:1-11): Job begins by describing the diligent efforts of miners who delve deep into the earth, seeking precious metals and gems. He highlights the lengths to which humans will go in their pursuit of material wealth, yet acknowledges that true wisdom cannot be bought or found through earthly means.
  2. Wisdom’s Priceless Value (Job 28:12-22): Job contemplates the immeasurable worth of wisdom, comparing it to treasures such as gold, silver, and precious stones. He recognizes that wisdom is beyond the reach of mortal beings and can only be found in reverence for God, who alone understands its true essence.
  3. God’s Revelation of Wisdom (Job 28:23-28): Job concludes by affirming that true wisdom originates with God, who comprehends its depths and has established its principles in the order of creation. He asserts that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence in our pursuit of understanding.

Call to Action:

As we reflect on the wisdom found in Job 28, let’s consider how we can apply its timeless truths to our lives:

  1. Seek Wisdom from God: Instead of relying solely on human intellect or worldly knowledge, commit to seeking wisdom from God through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. Recognize that true wisdom begins with reverence for God and a humble heart.
  2. Value Wisdom Above Material Wealth: In a world that often prioritizes material gain and success, remember the priceless value of wisdom that far surpasses earthly treasures. Cultivate a heart that treasures wisdom above riches, recognizing its eternal significance and transformative power in our lives.
  3. Live Wisely in All Areas of Life: Let wisdom guide your decisions, actions, and interactions with others. Embrace discernment, prudence, and sound judgment in your daily choices, seeking to honor God in all that you do. Allow the wisdom of God to shape your character and influence those around you for His glory.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the wisdom revealed in Job 28 and throughout your Word. Grant us the humility to recognize our need for true wisdom that comes from you alone. As we journey through life’s uncertainties, guide us by your Spirit, leading us in paths of wisdom and understanding. May we walk in reverence before you, seeking to honor you with our lives and decisions. 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.

You Can’t Fool Jesus By “Looking Good” In Your Faith

Context is very important in understanding scripture properly. We must be careful to understand the context of verses we read and seek to understand in order to properly apply them.

Take time to review the whole context of Mark 11. Jesus had just entered Jerusalem to much fanfare and attention. It was approaching the last week of His earthly ministry. He confronted the hypocrisy at the temple whereby the place of worship had been turned into a “robber’s den”. He turned the tables of the money changers. He used a fig tree to demonstrate to His disciples the hypocrisy of the Jews who claim to serve God and put on a good appearance externally, but who bear no fruit. The punishment for claiming God by name and rejecting Him in action, as demonstrated by Jesus’ treatment of the fig tree, was direct and tangible. He withered the tree.

With that as a backdrop, Jesus and His disciples came again to Jerusalem and received some questions from the chief hypocrites… I mean priests. Their inquiry was not a genuine effort to understand Jesus. Mark 11:18 already indicates they were plotting to destroy Jesus… and Jesus knows it.   

Mark 11:27-33

Jesus’ Authority Questioned

      27They came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him, 28and began saying to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things, or who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30“Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men? Answer Me.” 31They began reasoning among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32“But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for everyone considered John to have been a real prophet. 33Answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Jesus has little time or empathy for hypocrites who claim God, but reject Him and do their own thing. He knows the people asking the question are just trying to trap Him. He treats them accordingly. He quickly turns the tables on them and sets His own trap. They refuse to answer, and so does He. Checkmate.

What does this mean for you and me? Jesus can see right through us when we claim to honor Him with our lips but reject Him with our attitudes and actions. He is not fooled as we can sometimes fool other people or even ourselves. Instead of trying to “look good” in our faith and still live how we want to, let us seek to genuinely and wholeheartedly sacrifice our desires to the service of our Lord and Creator. Let us ask for His help and then genuinely turn away from our plans and yield ourselves to the walk that Jesus calls us to live in following Him.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me not to try to fool You. I may fool myself, but never You. Help me to be fully honest and transparent with You. You know everything already anyway. Help me to embrace Your authority and accept Your rebuke without challenging it. Let it guide me to draw closer to You. Amen. 

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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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.