Day 7 - Sabbath - Saturday - Connect the Testaments : A One-Year Daily Devotionals with Bible Reading Plan - Logos

October 30: An Obstructed View

Daniel 9:1–10:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17; Job 42:1–9

We need to see ourselves as we indeed are, but we can’t do that independently. Our communities can help us glimpse a more accurate reflection, but we truly know ourselves only when we know God. His light brings us understanding.

After suffering an incredible loss, Job tries to understand his pain. He speaks some truth, but he often misunderstands God’s motives and minimizes His love. As his friends try to help him grapple with his grief, they sometimes point out the truth, but they often cause even more pain and confusion. It’s only when God arrives to enlighten Job’s understanding that everything changes. First, God questions Job’s knowledge (Job 38:19–21), power (Job 38:25–38), and ideas about justice (Job 40:10–12). Then He shows Job that He is all of these things.

The realization exposes Job’s heart. “Then Job answered Yahweh and said, ‘I know that you can do all things, and any scheme from you will not be thwarted. “Who is this darkening counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I uttered, but I did not understand; things too wonderful for me, but I did not know. “Hear and I will speak; I will question you, then inform me.” By the ear’s hearing I heard of you, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes ” (Job 42:1–6).

We might struggle to understand our frailty before a God who is all-knowing and all-powerful. We might be blinded by pride and self-righteousness, which can hinder us from seeing our need for God. But it is only then that we discover how we can be redeemed from our needy state.

Although God had never stopped loving Job, He further demonstrated His love by blessing Job once again. We can be convinced of God’s love for us because He sent His only Son to die for our sins. Although He is excellent and we are small, He was willing to die for our sins. We can be assured of His love for us.

What area of your life is filled with pride? How can you humbly allow God to expose who you indeed are?

Rebecca Van Noord

 Barry, John D., and Rebecca Kruyswijk. Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012. Print.