Job 15-17; Revelation 14

Job’s friends got it right at first, they sat with him for a week without talking. However, they couldn’t help themselves and had to open their mouths and show they weren’t as wise as their initial actions showed.

Job lets them know how he feels as a result of their “comforting” words in chapter 16, “miserable comforters are you all.” A great reminder to speak the truth in love.

In summary of these few chapters, Eliphaz gets up and says what we often wish were true. If you live a good life, you won’t deal with messy, depressing, hurtful situations. But,

The wicked man writhes in pain all his days,

through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless. (Job 15: 20)

So, unfortunately, as much as we try, sometimes we’ll make mistakes and God will have to let us have it. So, Job, fess up, what did you do? Job replies that he didn’t do anything. He’s a good guy and for unknown reason God’s just out to get him. He’s lost all hope and thinks he is about to die. Both sides of this conversation show a deep reliance on human intuition rather than God-grounded thinking. Granted, they didn’t have any written Scriptures to go on at the time, so they have a way better excuse than us for speculating.

Fast forward from one of the earliest stories in Scripture to the time yet predicted in the future. From the depressing outcry of a human man to the throne room of God. Revelation 14.

I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps,

3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand.

Is it any wonder that our human speculation often falls short of God’s plan? Even with this vivid description my mind swirls as I try to imagine that throne room. The throngs of people, the presence of holiness, the clear standard of right and wrong.

Lord, even when I can’t understand, help me to trust You completely. Help me not to keep trying to fit Your infinite ways into my finite box. Thank you for your patience and your awesomeness that is beyond comprehension. Can’t wait to worship at Your feet fully aware of all You are ~Amen

Erin (6intow)

Advertisement