"Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?"
The story of Job is a familiar one: a man who loses every thing, fortune, family, good name, even his health, even though he accounted himself righteous. Who is to blame? Why is there evil in the world? We want an easy clear answer.
But there is not such an answer. In his affliction, friends come to offer their advice though it seems they come more to enjoy Job's discomtort from a safe distance. Even his wife tells him to curse God and die. But, Job persists in seeking answers. That in itself is an act of hope. Finally, God speaks, but not with easy solutions.
Now we begin the journey, for most of us not while we deal with great problems, though some among us struggle greatly, and all of us sometimes suffer a lot. Now is the time to examine our lives, to rededicate ourselves to the Christ in whose footsteps we follow. Let us not forget that Jesus turned toward Jerusalem, knowing the sacrifice he must make. Let us follow with daily devotion and ready service, for there we find our hope lies not in our efforts or righteousness, but in the love of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So now begin the journey through the valley to the mountaintop of resurrection.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us each day to remember that we walk not alone but with your love and the support of this fellowship of believers. We pray for them and for all who need your hope and love. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment