And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great. – Job 8:7
Ethology – the science relating to the character of man – comes from the word ethos and gives us the word ethics. If ever you were to look at a man of character, a person with the highest moral standards and irreproachable ethics, you would have to look at Job. He was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1-2).
But Satan was given permission to afflict Job in any way except death to try and make Job curse God. Thus, all Job’s possessions were stripped from him – they were stolen or killed, including his children. Job questioned God’s motive for bringing such pain and trouble to him, but his integrity was impeccable, and he refused to curse his Maker. His friend, Bildad, could only accuse him of impropriety and wickedness, mercilessly stating that sin is the cause of suffering and prosperity is the reward for righteousness. Such being the case, Job should confess his sin so he would prosper again. Bildad could not have been farther from the truth.
In another situation, Asaph was envious of the arrogant when he saw the prosperity of the wicked… until he realized that their outcome would not be good. When he went to worship God in His sanctuary, he realized that his desire could only be for the Lord who would be his strength and portion forever. “Those who are far from you will perish” (Psalm 73:3, 17, 26-27).
In this unsettled time of transition in government, ask the Lord that Satan’s attempts for evil will fail. Pray that U.S. government officials with integrity will stand firm for good, receiving their strength from God alone.
Today’s Verse: Job 8:7
And though your beginning was small,
your latter days will be very great.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 73:1-5, 16-19, 23-27
1 Truly God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
3 For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
5 They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
16 But when I thought how to understand this,
it seemed to me a wearisome task,
17 until I went into the sanctuary of God;
then I discerned their end.
18 Truly you set them in slippery places;
you make them fall to ruin.
19 How they are destroyed in a moment,
swept away utterly by terrors!
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
