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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for being a God who welcomes me into your presence. You told me that I should approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that I may receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need (Heb 4:16). I also praise you as the God of the living. You have complete power over death and the grave (Matt 22:32). Job asked, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). The answer is a resounding, “Yes,” for you have defeated death! Paul said that “he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Rom 8:11). Today in Your Word Today you told me how Job’s third friend, Zophar, agreed with Bildad and Eliphaz (not a single friend believed in Job’s innocence!). To Zophar, the fact that Job claimed to be innocent only showed how godless Job was. Zophar lectured Job sternly and warned him that you had not punished him as much as he really deserved (Job 11:6). Job sarcastically dismissed the “wisdom” of his friends (Job 12:2) and pointed out that you do not always act in predictable ways (Job 12:13–25). Job then continued to speak to you and plead for a chance to defend himself in court (Job 13:20–22). He concluded with a somber reflection on death and what might come after. He tried to picture life after death (Job 14:13–15), but his hope quickly faded and despair returned (Job 14:18–22). Reflection Too often I try to make it on my own as a Christian. I need to remember, as Job said, that with you are wisdom and might, and to you belong counsel and understanding (Job 12:13). I need to cast my cares on you instead of trying to solve my problems on my own (cf. 1 Pet 5:7). Request Father, help me to live with eternity in mind—there is life after death. The just and the unjust will both be raised (Acts 24:15), the one to everlasting life and the other to eternal death in hell (Dan 12:2). Give me your grace so that I may endure to the end. Thanksgiving Thank you for the living hope I have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! (1 Pet 1:3). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “When We All Get to Heaven” by Eliza E. Hewitt. Meditation Verse: Job 14:14. |