Job 22, 23, and Luke 16
In Job 22, Eliphaz goes after Job again, accusing him and saying, “Your situation is a direct result of your limitless sins.” I realize I can be like Eliphaz sometimes, quick to judge myself and others and assume the worst.
I need to remember the Golden Rule—not just to treat others as I want to be treated, but also to think of them as I’d like to be thought of. People don’t need more judgment or criticism. We need to let Christ’s light shine through us, bringing hope in dark times. When my oldest son was in a terrible car accident and had to be airlifted to the hospital, we felt surrounded by darkness. But our church family stepped in and helped us through it, and the light of Jesus shone through them. Their love and compassion deeply moved us. They didn’t just pray for us; they took action.
In chapter 23, Job doesn’t respond to his friend’s accusations. Instead, he talks about his struggles again. He feels like he can’t find God anywhere and is lost in darkness. If only he knew where to find God, he could share his side. When I face dark times, I turn to Christ and our church. Where do you turn?
No matter if the harsh words and thoughts come from others or from inside myself, I need to keep looking for Christ and trust the Father of Lights to guide me.
Luke 16 teaches us to be honest—with our resources, our relationships, and our money. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, poor Lazarus waited outside a rich man’s house, hoping for scraps. He was covered in sores, and even the dogs came to lick them. The rich man never helped, not even with a kind word. How can I be more aware of others’ needs? How can I pray and take action?
They both died about the same time. Lazarus is found at a heavenly banquet, and the rich fella is in a place of torment. The rich fella shouted to Abraham, “Send Lazarus over here just to dip his finger in water, and cool my tongue, I’m burnin up in these flames.”
But Abe tells the rich fella that he can’t help. Remember, you had it all in life, and Lazarus had nothing; besides, no one can cross from either side. By then, it’s too late.
How am I using my time, talents, and resources to live the way Christ wants me to?
Dear Lord, help me use what I have to grow the Kingdom within me and the world today.