Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. –Galatians 5:24-25
The post “Grounded” had some thoughts about Zophar blaming Job for his hardship and that he believed Job needed to be disciplined like a parent who is grounding a child. The post emphasized the importance of focusing on the intangible qualities of Christ. The true treasures in life here on earth are spiritual in nature. The intangible qualities of faith, hope, and love that Christ demonstrated to us while physically on earth.
The purpose is to become a champion for God by developing a disciplined process and by following the perfect model, Christ. So today, take inspiration from the songLead Me to the Cross by Hillsongs. The Word became flesh and love was poured out for you and me. We can drink it in to be all we are made to be and that’s when we truly begin to walk in the Spirit.
*Why did the airplane get grounded? It had a bad altitude.
Parents have to use discipline for their children and many use the strategy of grounding. Maybe the child did something wrong or had a bad attitude so they keep them from going out to meet with friends as a form of punishment.
Reading today in Job 20, Zophar speaks for a second time as he responds Job’s comments. The tone of his reply seems to be coming from a feeling of being rebuked for what Job considers as bad advice.
As was the case in the first talk with Job, Zophar believes it is Job that has the problem and has done something wrong or lacks discipline towards the way of God. Zophar is blaming Job for his hardship and like a child being grounded by a parent, believes Job is being disciplined.
Zophar reiterates the theme of his previous talk to Job which is the argument of short-term success for those who do wrong and assumes that Job had obtained his wealth from being a dishonest person and now has lost it all because of his sin.
Zophar uses more illustrations for explaining his viewpoint. He says that evil is sweet in the mouth for a short time but then turns sour in the stomach to become the venom of serpents within (v. 12-14). Prosperity does not endure because distress begins to overtake as God rains down blows to the body and arrows start to pierce the skin all the way into the internal organs (v. 23-25). Terror will overcome the psyche of the wicked and God will bring His wrath which will overwhelm much like a flood that destroys their house (v 26-28).
Even though Zophar does not know the full story about Job and that it is Satan causing Job’s hardship, it is true that Zophar does make some sense because our wealth on earth is temporary and God’s judgment is certain. We must keep in mind that God is the judge and we must not accuse others like Zophar did.
These metaphors Zophar uses sometimes are fulfilled in our current society and sometimes they are not. For some, there is much pain when they lose it all but many times, people are never punished during their lifetime on earth. They are punished at the end of life on earth when God delivers His judgment.
That’s why it’s so important to focus on the intangible qualities of Christ. The true treasures in life here on earth are spiritual in nature. The intangible qualities of faith, hope, and love that Christ demonstrated to us while physically walking on earth.
The purpose is to become a champion for God by developing a disciplined process and by following the perfect model, Christ. In the movie “The Karate Kid”, the mentor taught karate in a different way. Not the way the student thought. The student learned karate by doing menial task as the repetition was burned into his mind with the movements that are also used in karate. So it is with reading God’s word, we are learning with repetition so the Word is engrained into our mind and used as a weapon against the enemy.
This day with You Lord, we have read Your Word and day by day through repetition, are disciplined Your Way. Your Word gives us a model to follow in gaining eternal treasures that are needed now for making the world a better place and also stay with us throughout eternity. Amen.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Within “Hearts on Fire”,the point made is that it makes all the difference when we believe our redeemer lives and we follow the plan. If a difficult past has been faced, it can be set aside and we can enthusiastically build a brighter future together.
Take inspiration from the video Team Hoyt – A Father’s Love (My Redeemer Lives). The video is based on a remarkable true story of a father’s devotion to his wheelchair-bound son and how their bond inspired millions of people worldwide.
Born a spastic quadriplegic, Rick Hoyt was written off by numerous doctors. They advised his parents, Dick and Judy, to put their firstborn son in an institution but his parents were determined to give their son every opportunity that “normal” kids had.
Then one day Rick asked his dad to enter a charity race and Rick wanted to run too so his dad would have to push his wheelchair while running the race. They were determined to overcome every obstacle that was put in their way and finished the race.
Then over the years, they ran over one thousand races as Dick Hoyt pushed Rick’s wheelchair, including marathons and triathlons. They continued to inspire millions embodying their trademark motto of “Yes, you can.”
Our aim as followers of Christ is to keep in mind that our redeemer lives. With this thought in mind, believers have a passion for doing what is beneficial for all because the Holy Spirit is aflame. Even in difficulty, our past can be set aside and we can look forward to better days ahead as we work together with hearts on fire for the Lord.
Reading today in Job 19, we note that Job thinks the source of his troubles come directly from God who has drawn his net around him (v. 6), blocked his way (v. 8), and uprooted his hope like a tree (v. 10). Job says the hand of God has struck him (v. 21).
The attitude of everyone around Job like his family and friends was negative. They see him as a stranger, he’s offensive, and they detest him. Job was in a bad place in life. He didn’t know that it was Satan causing all his problems yet he had faith in his redeemer.
Job says this in verse 25, “I know that my redeemer lives”. This thought makes all the difference because when we believe our redeemer lives, we can enthusiastically build a brighter future. This day with God, take inspiration from the poem below.
Step Ahead to Victory
Step Ahead to victory
Receiving the power
Of the Holy Spirit
For every hour.
An amazing power
To make things right
With strength that provides
Unlimited might.
With unity
Working as one
Towards victory
Because of the Son.
This day with You Lord, we have faced difficulties in the past and we will face difficulties in the future but it makes all the difference when we know that You are with us. You are pushing us ahead as we set aside the past and enthusiastically look forward to a brighter future together when we make it to the finish line. Amen
A poem posted at my other blog Step Ahead is inspired by the post “Servant Attitude”. Greatness is found when we serve others. By living this way, we bring more to society than personal recognition. We bring acceptance, appreciation, and affirm others as a child of God.
As the song Come To the Table by Sidewalk Prophets points out, grace starts from the outside looking in. It meets us where we are to help us win. Everyone can come to the table and take their place beside the Savior.
