Job 32:10, 17 – “So I say, ‘Listen to me, I too will tell what I think.’ ¹⁷ “I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion.”

 Life can be confusing, difficult, and mysterious, filled with uncertainties and questions.  However, there are some constants!  God is love!  God loves us!   As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God, my heart was stirred. Reading in Job 32, we encounter the fourth of Job’s comforters.  A man God did not even reference at the end.  The chief characteristics of this comforter or confronter were arrogance and self-righteousness.  He was a Pharisee before there were Pharisees.

He began by doing what most have done.  He got angry over views inconsistent with a theology he did not ascribe to.   He said in verse 10, “Listen to me, I too will tell you what I THINK.”   He reaffirmed that in verse 17, “I also will tell my OPINION.”

Just because we think something does not mean it is 100% correct to the exclusion of all other views.  That’s our world today, and it is just as prevalent in the church as in the world.  In verse 20, his true focus is revealed: “Let me speak that I may get relief…” That’s the true objective – HIMSELF!

The apostle Paul addressed that in 1 Corinthians 8:1 – “Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies.”  In 1 Corinthians 10:12, we have a powerful revelation and truth. “Therefore, let him who THINKS he stands take heed lest he fall.”   If we forget by whom we stand, we become self-righteous and doomed to failure, arrogance, and pride.

That verse is the context for verse 13, which gives us hope in trials. Then we should learn from the past that others endured, and in every case, it was not human ability, wisdom, or willpower but God’s grace that brought them through.  

Therefore, verse 13 is our iron-clad promise from God!   We can make it IF… if we depend on God and humbly surrender.   1 Corinthians 10:17 brings it all into focus – we are part of The Body of Christ.  Our stewardship is caring for each other.  Our life goal is verse 31 – Everything we do is to be for the glory of God.

We don’t know it all, and what we know must be applied through LOVE or with and in LOVE!  All of us struggle.  All of us need others.  All of us fail. ALL OF US!   Therefore, we need grace and need to know that we don’t know it all.  Your knowledge helps me grow in my knowledge and strengthens me for the journey. We are THE BODY OF CHRIST!

LORD, help us to embrace the constants of life and know that You are God and You are Love and You Love us!