March 5, 2018
Job 42-Part 3
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than the beginning. Job 42:12a
LET IT GLOW
Can you believe we are finally at the epilogue of this book? It has taken us 3 months to get through Job's suffering in 42 chapters. Thanks so much for staying with me. I, for one, have learned some needed lessons for my life.
God put Job in his place as He remained on the throne. Job was a "let it"; he let it be as God deemed best in his life. He let it happen as God purposed. Job let his sufferings change his heart. He let God lead him down the path of pride and delivered him from it.
Will we let God?
In the first part of this chapter, Job confessed his not having all the answers, not being in charge, as well as not able to do everything, as God can. Job repented of his sins. He did not suffer because of sinning, but he sinned in his suffering.
Not only did God reprimand Job, but He also reprimanded his three friends for their unmerciful charges. They were instructed to bring burnt offerings for their sin and Job would pray for God's forgiveness of their sin. Those men who stood over Job as judges came bowing before Job, waiting for him to pray for them. Would he?
The one who was offended (Job) receives the offerings of the offenders. (Swindoll)
My, how tables can turn. Because of Job's forgiving those guys, they did not get what they deserved. You know, Job could have asked the Lord to lay on them all that he went through, just so they understood what he experienced; to get back at them, because they deserved it. But Job did not. Now is that love and forgiveness first hand?
Yep, Job was a let it. He let God handle those guys instead of taking revenge into his own hands. Are we a "let it?"
Through our deepest hurts and pains, will we let God handle things?
When we are offended, will we forgive and pray for our offenders?
Jesus does forgives us.
Ultimate justice rolled down at the Cross. When it came, it came with mighty waves of mercy, freeing us forever from the guilt of our own sin. How good is that? (Swindoll)
A good definition of forgiveness is treating others like it never happened. I say, forgiveness is loving others like they never did it to me.
Through Christ we can, not in our strength, but in His.
LET IT GROW
Crushed, confess, repent, forgive others, keep the faith-lessons Job learned.
The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold. (verse 10)
How was everything twice as good for Job than before his sufferings?
- The boils disappeared, leaving no scars, perhaps.
- The fever broke with a cool breeze refreshing him.
- Friends came around once again, smiling and applauding.
- Job returned home, building a homestead twice the size.
- He had more children.
- His fortune was restored.
Job's herds grew to 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 team of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. He had 7 more sons and 3 more daughters. Job lived 140 years, seeing four generations of his children and grandchildren. That is restoration and double blessing.
The Lord was pleased and honored by Job's quiet obedience in doing what was right. Through all those troubles Job never cursed God.
Satan was silenced, defeated.
LET IT GO
Jesus instructed us, in Matthew 5:44 and 45, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Love my enemies, do good to them, pray for them.
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