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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 20 March 2023:
Job 9:2 — But how can a man be in the right before God?
There is no one and never has been anyone who could claim righteousness before God apart from Jesus who becomes righteousness (Romans 10:4) for those who live by Grace through faith in Him. Job appreciated the Holiness and Sovereignty of God, knowing that no person could meet His standard apart from His righteousness imparted to them. He did not know that Jesus would fulfill this requirement.
Job 9:11 – Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not; he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
The Spiritual God is not perceived in the physical, though His activities may be.
Job 9:15 – Though I am in the right, I cannot answer him; I must appeal for mercy to my accuser.
Even when we appear right in our own eyes, we still fail in sin. Our very thoughts are impure before the Lord. We all depend upon the mercy and grace of God.
Before we walked in Grace, we relied upon God’s mercy. Grace is getting a gift we don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. God is both gracious and merciful to us every day, and that reality should inspire how we treat others every day.
Job 9:17 — For he crushes me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause.
It is impossible for us to fully understand God’s purposes and ways, and it is the height of arrogance to suppose that God owes us an answer. In faith, we ask for answers and trust Him when there is silence. However, when there is silence, we must be cautious not to presume to know what God is thinking or doing. We must simply remain obedient and lean not on our own understanding.
Job 9:20 – Though I am in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; though I am blameless, he would prove me perverse.
Job knew he could not see his own unrighteousness or count on his own righteousness. If God’s mercy and grace depended upon Job’s righteousness, Job had no hope. Job’s friends told Him to repent and be saved, but Job did not know from what to repent.
Job 9:27, 28 – If I say, “I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and be of good cheer,” I become afraid of all my suffering, for I know you will not hold me innocent.
A positive mental attitude won’t solve our spiritual problems. Your hope does not rest in your attitude but rather in God’s providence.
Job 9:33 — There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both.
No third party can solve your relationship problems with God or come between you and God, and you don’t need to go through another person to get to God. Through salvation, we have direct access, a personal, one-on-one, constant relationship with God. However, Romans 8:34 also says, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” The Holy Spirit within you is your Counselor, Teacher, and Guide, and Jesus is your constant advocate before the Father who you can confidently call “Daddy.” Of course, familiarity should never breed contempt. The love we receive demands our complete and humble gratitude and respect.
Acts 28:2 — The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
Christians don’t have a monopoly on hospitality. Don’t let the unbeliever outdo your kindness.
Acts 28:4 — Justice has not allowed him to live.
Even unbelievers have a sense of eternal justice. However, they don’t understand that justice can only come from God, the only Just One, the source of all justice and wisdom.
Acts 28:11 — After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.
God can use ungodly resources and systems to spread the Gospel. Paul was not overly offended by these figureheads because he knew they meant nothing at all. Pay no regard and give no credit to idols and superstitions. Remember, all power and authority on earth has been given to Jesus by the Father. That means that Satan has none.
Acts 28:14 — There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days.
God wants you to seek out fellow believers wherever you go. God wants you to care for and support fellow believers.
Acts 28:23 — From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
How hard are you willing to try to convince others about Jesus.
Acts 28:24 — And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved.
Some will believe and some won’t. You are not called to do the sifting, just the preaching.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 20 March 2023: Go out of your way to find and fellowship with other Christian believers today. (Acts 28:14, 15)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 