Job 30:1-31:40
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Great readings in Job today! In chapter 31 Job basically “rests his case.” He gives his final plea. This chapter is the last time we’ll read this many words from Job. Late in the book we’ll get some brief words of repentance from Job after God speaks. In chapter 31 I like how Job lays out his case – and lets everyone know what his retribution should be. He basically gives a series of if / then statements. If I did this, then that should happen to me. This is similar to the book of Exodus’ concept of the “law of retaliation”, from Exodus chapter 21 verses 23-25: “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” Do you see how Job’s logic in chapter 31 is similar to this law of retaliation? In Matthew chapter 5 Jesus calls us beyond the law of retaliation (which was really a law of “limited-retribution” in its day, limiting people to retaliate only based on actual harm done – meaning, eye for an eye. Not a life for an eye, etc.). Jesus called us beyond this law of retaliation and beyond limited retribution to the highest law of love. Bible.org has an in depth look at Jesus’ taking on the law of retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42 at this link. I think at the end of chapter 31 as Job rests his case, the scene may have looked something like this image below… with Elihu chomping at the bit to speak (as we know in chapter 32) in the upper left hand corner of this image…
Before we move onto Elihu – today in Job chapter 31 we read what I think is one of Job’s most profound pleadings. It is a 10th century B.C. pleading that is ultimately fulfilled by a little baby born in a manger in Bethlehem who is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Here is Job’s prophetic plea in verse 35: “”If only I had someone who would listen to me and try to see my side!” You and I are so very fortunate that we do not need to make such a plea as this. Jesus is in heaven seated on his throne and will receive our prayers! Jesus listens to us! Jesus sees our side! It is humbling to look back toward the time of Job, and realize that Jesus had not yet walked the earth as a man and taken on the sins of the world on the cross. Jesus had not yet risen from the grave and ascended into heaven. Job was looking for someone to listen to him and to see his side. You and I are blessed immensely in this regard. We do not need to look anywhere else other than to the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Casting Crowns’ song, “All You’ve Ever Wanted:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWH2MkmQIMM
What do you want? Click here for all you’ve ever wanted!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished.” Job 31:11 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you have no lust in your heart. Pray that you are not sinning against God through any lust.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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