Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures- Luke 24:25
Reflection upon Job 34and sharing some thoughts in “Accept the Help” provided the lesson that we need to have open minds in all the various ways God can give us help. The scriptures give us information to help discern right from wrong. Also, knowing the Word furnishes us with historical patterns that we can study and follow in doing what ought to be done. Prayer is also helpful as we ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit in making our decisions about how best to step ahead with confidence.
For added inspiration in opening up our minds, here is the song Come to the Table by Sidewalk Prophets. The lyrics emphasize accepting help, taking our place at the table, and being set free because of the Savior.
A man fell in the ocean and couldn’t swim. When a boat came by, the captain yelled, “Do you need help, sir?” The preacher calmly said “No, God will save me.” A little later, another boat came by and a fisherman asked, “Hey, do you need help?” The man replied again, “No God will save me.” Eventually the man drowned and went to heaven. The man asked God, “Why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “I sent you two boats!”
Reading today in Job 34, Elihu’s view of the universe and God is that God is always right, is just, and has a concern for us. He has great wisdom, infinite knowledge, and always knows what is best for us.
Of course Elihu is right about God but there is even more that he doesn’t touch upon. God made his people so they could work together, think, and act upon ideas. Sometimes we forget that God wants each of us to take action but many times we don’t have the initiative or just don’t know what to do.
We have a part to play too. That’s why there is a need for daily prayer to determine the steps we need to take. We then can make decisions based on the guidance from the Holy Spirit. Decisions are then made with a sense of freedom and confidence.
So the lesson from today’s passage for me is that the scriptures give us information to help discern right from wrong. Also, knowing the Word furnishes us with historical patterns that we can study and follow in doing what ought to be done.
This day with You Lord, our minds are opened in all the various ways you give us help through Your Word, from other people, and in our prayers as You guide us each day. With Your help, we don’t sink in the deep waters and drown but are rescued by our Savior. Amen.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Corinthians 15:57
Within “Score Some Touchdowns”, the idea is that God is the one that initiates our actions. Elihu speaks of dreams and visions that push us to step ahead. God can speak to us even through books, movies, and music.
I remember watching the movie “Something for Joey” about Heisman trophy winner Joe Cappalletti who was inspired by his little brother Joey who battled Leukemia. One game, Joey asked John to score 4 touchdowns for his birthday and he did. My friend, Jesus wants us to score some touchdowns.
Jesus is the most valuable person (MVP) who triumphs over evil to bring us the victory. That’s something to celebrate so here is a video called My Victory by Passion (Feat. Crowder) and as the song says, remember that Jesus’ death is hell’s defeat. The cross meant to kill is your victory!
A good game plan is so important to winning in sports. A team will set out to execute the game plan in practice. Similarly in life, a purpose and plan is important. No one wins all the time because some are hamstrung … some are hobbled but with Jesus, all are upright and all is won so see the victory. You will never fail as grace will give power for you to prevail.
Today as we read Job 33, we set out to score some touchdowns by executing the game plan of God’s Word. We’ve noted that Job’s past included a large family and significant wealth. In his past, he rescued the poor and the fatherless, and was the father of the needy. People listened to his advice but now he has lost everything. He believes God is against him and considers him an enemy (v. 10).
Job’s friends are trying to help but they haven’t established contact with Job’s situation. They believe Job is being punished for some wrongdoing but Elihu seems to establish some contact with Job’s situation in today’s passage. Elihu had been sitting back all this time and had been listening to the conversation with the other friends. Elihu now wants to represent Job before God and enlighten Job with wisdom by speaking from the Spirit of God (v. 4).
This chapter teaches that God is the one that initiates our actions. We can seek wisdom through a close relationship with the Lord and by understanding His Word. Elihu speaks of dreams and visions (v. 15) and today we have the Word to help with instructions that push us into action.
The progression in restoring people from the depths of trials and suffering starts with God. Then we have our own facts and truth from the past. Most of all, we can pray and listen for solutions. Answers can come during reflection, through our trials, and through other people who can possibly help with words of encouragement or the wisdom from their own experiences.
God speaks to us even through books, movies, and music. I remember watching the movie “Something for Joey” about Heisman trophy winner Joe Cappalletti who was inspired by his little brother Joey who battled Leukemia. One game, Joey asked John to score 4 touchdowns for his birthday and he did. My friend, Jesus wants us to score some touchdowns.
Lord, this day help us to score some touchdowns. We don’t want to be just a fan but we want to get in the game. Help us to give it our all for the team. Lord, in life we face trials and hardships and think it’s impossible for getting a win but the Good News is that we have a Savior who can rescue us from defeat and bring victory!
A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Faith Nutrients”. The lesson for us is that looking good on the outside is not as important as producing spiritual fruit with faith nutrients that grow on the inside and are shared to benefit others.
