Mystery and Grace

"But oh, that God would speak, and open His lips against you, that He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they would double your prudence. Know therefore that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. Can you search out the deep things of God? Can  you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven -- what can you do? Deeper than Sheol -- what can you know?"

 --Job 11:5-8  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on August 26, 2013 of Psalm 147:12-20; Luke 22:1-30; Job 10-11.

Job's third friend Zophar puts in his two cents worth. Like the others, he believes Job suffers as a result of his sin. But his condemnation is harsher, saying that Job isn't getting all he deserves and accusing Job of doing wrong by even trying to understand God's ways. But in doing so, as highlighted in today's focus verses, Zophar touches on two very critical aspects of our relationship with God. Let's look at the second point first. Can we search out the deep things of God, can we plumb His depths? God answers this one Himself when He finally responds to Job. He does so with a series of questions aimed at the defendant Job, beginning with, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding." (Please see Job 38:4.) God's message is that neither Job nor any other mortal man could ever do all the things God can do, could ever understand all that God knows. God repeats this word to us through His prophet Isaiah, who recorded, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8.) We could never understand why God does everything He does, nor are we meant to. If we knew all He knows, there would be no need for us to have faith in Him. It is our faith that allows us to accept the things we do not understand and still trust in God. On that day when we are reunited with our Father in heaven, He will make all things clear to us. Until then, we just have to trust in Him, in His sovereignty, and His promise through Jesus Christ.

The other point Zophar makes for us is also true, and painfully so. We do not get anywhere near what we deserve. Our sin, in God's eyes, is so immense as to forever separate us from Him. In His righteousness, even our thoughts are horribly sinful, let alone those we act on. How many of us always keep the Sabbath? How many always love one another? How many are willing to give up everything dear to us in order to truly follow Jesus? The truth is, rather than lash us with the punishments we so rightly deserve, God, in His unsurpassable mercy and grace, caresses us with bountiful blessings. And the greatest of these is His gift of the means of our salvation and reconciliation with God, the blood sacrifice of Jesus, made on our behalf and for our benefit. And all He asks in return is that we believe and follow Jesus. It's a good thing we don't get what we deserve. Amen.

Loving Father, You could strike us down at any time as punishment for our sins against You. Yet instead You show Your steadfast love for Your children by extending Your grace and mercy over us, by giving Your Son as a sacrifice on our behalf. Thank You, Father, for providing us a way back to You. In the wonderful name of Jesus our Christ we pray. Amen.