Scripture Nugget 1.19.2017
Scripture Read – Job 5-6
Nugget - Job 5:8-11, 15-17, 6:28-30
“‘As for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause. He does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number. He gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. … But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth, from the hand of the mighty. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.’ …’But now be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face. Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake. Is there any wrong on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern calamity?’”
Devotional thought: The argument between Job, his friends and God begins to be framed and heated. (A sidebar-thought; it seems that often when we begin to discuss, think through, offer explanation for something in Scripture [civil law, organizational rule, political discussion, etc.] the discussion gets louder and louder and reasoning more and more circular, so that each side attempts to prevail over the other; facts lose out to opinion and volume often wins the day we see this beginning in Job’s quest for understanding and his friends attempts to help.) There are snippets of truth from each that I see as offering a glimpse into the bigger narrative of God with his people. I find great advice in the phrase, “I would seek God, and to God I would commit,” and grace in this one, “He does great things and unsearchable marvelous things without number. He gives rain on the earth and send waters on the fields,” and salivation here, “he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” Why wouldn’t I seek and commit to the God who does such goodness? Well because, I am a sinner, who, deep-down in my humanness fears the wrath of God, fears I won’t be included; worse that I may be excluded from the promised gift. That’s the point! God invites all who are in need of his grace (and all need his grace); Imagine Jesus, on the cross – crucified, saying to you: “But now be pleased to look at me; for I will not lie to your face. Turn, I pray, let no wrong be done. Turn now, my vindication is at stake.” Repent, turn to God, the Kingdom of God is here. Christ, cries out from the cross and from his seat next to the Father for all to turn. To not let his love for you, me, us go to waste, don’t miss this opportunity. Let me always remember that it is by faith in God’s grace that I am saved, God’s grace was, is and always will be offered first – I/you/we have a choice to make, I will seek Good and commit to Him, receive and share grace. Thank you, Jesus!