11/24 – 11/30

As we conclude our reading of the Old Testament book of Job this week, his friends will continue blaming and accusing him of doing something wrong as the cause for his suffering. We will be introduced to a new character in chapter 32, Elihu. Elihu has waited silently among Job’s friends, listening to them before speaking. The conversation among them has angered Elihu. He believes that Job’s friends are wrong for what they have said to him. Elihu also believes that Job doesn’t understand God’s ways and therefore cannot fully understand our Almighty Creator. According to the younger man, Job’s statements about God have included false accusations made in ignorance. When Elihu finishes speaking to Job on behalf of our Creator, God then answers Job from a whirlwind with a humbling speech (Job 38:1). Job’s response to God is to “repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6 NRSV).

 

Ultimately, the answer to the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people,” is not answered within this book of wisdom literature. But the book does remind us to trust in the God who created everyone and everything for his purposes. The Lord, his ways, and his creation are far beyond the limitations of our human understanding. No matter what hardships, disasters, or losses we face or endure, we can be confident that “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NRSV). And nothing can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NRSV).

 

If you did not read the first 26 chapters of this Old Testament book you are encouraged to read chapters 1 and 2, as well as the section titles for chapters 3 through 26 before you begin reading the chapters for this week. The Study Bible notes for each verse and chapter might be helpful to read too. You are also encouraged to watch the Bible Project videos listed in this devotional to either gain a deeper understanding, or to be reminded of what you already know.

 

The format of this plan is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

• Read and pray the Psalm
• Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord
• Listen to and/or Sing a worship song or hymn
• Watch the video(s) before beginning to read on Monday
• Read The Bible verses for the day
• Pray
• Live according to your faith in Christ Jesus, practicing the ordinances

 

 

DAILY PSALM:

READ PSALM 100 or 107 to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God. Consider using the psalmist’s words as an opening prayer.

 

 

SILENCE & SOLITUDE:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the Psalm. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a worship song or hymn to help you respond to God. You may find it helpful to use the same song each day, or a different one on some, or all, of the days because of what the Bible verses bring to mind.

 

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

You are invited to watch the Book of Job summary video from the Bible Project using the link provided before reading verses this week:

 

The Book of Job’s Wisdom on How God Runs the World by The Bible Project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GswSg2ohqmA&t=36s

 

Book of Job Summary: A Complete Animated Overview by The Bible Project: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQwnH8th_fs

 

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES:

Sunday – John 4:1-42 (Practical Discipleship: Practice the Ordinances)

 

Monday – Job 27-28

 

Tuesday – Job 29-31

 

Wednesday – Job 32-35

 

Thursday – Job 36-37

 

Friday – Job 38:1-40:5

 

Saturday – Job 40-42

 

 

PRAY:

You are encouraged to pray in response to the Lord and what the Holy Spirit revealed to you within the Bible verses. You may find it helpful to use these prayer suggestions as well:

 

Sunday – Pray to receive the grace, love, and fellowship God is offering us. Offer thanks and praises to our God. Pray for the people of Jesus’ Church throughout the world, including Catholics, Orthodox believers, and other Protestants. The “other Protestants” includes the Livingstone Anglican Church.

 

Monday – Thank and praise the Lord. Pray for those who are closest to you, including family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

 

Tuesday – Thank and praise our God. Lift up leaders and those who point others towards God.

 

Wednesday – Thank and praise the Lord. Lift up the worries and concerns you have for the world, people in need, as well as for yourself.

 

Thursday – Offer thanks to God for the many blessings you have been given and continue to receive. You may find it helpful to write them in a journal or somewhere you can read through the list again later.

 

Friday – Thank and praise the Lord our God. Confess your sins and failures and ask for forgiveness as you forgive those who have sinned against you.

 

Saturday – Offer thanks and prayers of praise. You may find it helpful to kneel, lay on the floor, sit with your hands on your legs with palms facing up, or stand raising your arms as an expression of worship as you pray.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.