Scripture Nuggets 3. 16. 2017

Scripture Read Job 21-22

Nugget Job 22:1-3, 21-23a

“The Eliphaz the Temanite answered: ‘Can a mortal be of use to God? Can even the wisest be of service to him? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous, or is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless? … Agree with God, and be at peace; in this way good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored’,…”

Devotional thought: Laying aside the depth and width of theological argument Job and his friends are in the middle of, from a practical point allow me to answer Eliphaz’s questions. Yes, a mortal can be of use and service to God. And yes, our righteousness and blamelessness would bring pleasure and gain to God; if we singularly and/plurally could be righteous and blameless. In the beginning it was so, and in the end it will be so again. That is the point of Lent, it is the reason Jesus Christ, the Son of God died and was resurrected and it is God’s desire. The Kingdom of God is not only near, it is here and we are invited to enter in, live, grow and remain in God’s Kingdom. Repent, return to God, not only be forgiven but also live in the freedom and fullness of God’s love. Love God, love others, love self – that will please God immensely!