Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19Näide

The righteous do not always prosper, and the wicked do not always suffer in this life. Job observes that the wicked often live long, prosperous, and peaceful lives, which directly contradicts his friend’s assertion that his own suffering must be due to some hidden sin. Through Job’s protests, the author demonstrates that divine justice is more complex than simple human formulas can capture. In presenting his argument, Job confronts the mystery of God’s ways and the limits of human understanding. God’s wisdom is unfathomable. Suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin. True devotion is not what we can get from God, but from who God is. Believers must have faith that is not based on transactional rewards and punishments.

Even in the face of devastating divine judgment, humanity’s default response is hardened unbelief and a refusal to repent of its sins. God is fully in control, even in demonic forces. The vast number of survivors who witness this widespread death and destruction still refuse to repent of their sins. They continue to worship demons and idols and do not return from their evil ways. In essence, Revelation 9.3-21 serves as a warning. It showcases God’s intensifying judgment on a sinful world, yet expresses the fundamental problem of a hardened human heart that chooses continued rebellion over humbling repentance, even when faced with overwhelming and terrifying consequences.

God’s ultimate plan is coming to an end with no further delay, and prophets must initialize and deliver this message of judgment and salvation to a diverse, unbelieving world. We are being prepared for the final events of the apocalypse. In essence, the message is a renewed call to prophetic witness in the face of immense judgment. It teaches believers that while receiving God’s word is a blessing, fulfilling the mission of proclaiming that word to the world will be a painful and difficult task, especially during the climactic final days.

God is the God of purpose, order, and intention. We are literally to give praise to God in everything. Thanking him for everything we do through suffering is uncomfortable, yet that’s where we grow. Pushing through the torment with Thanksgiving helps us grow and transform more. I learned that even in the face of death and losing a loved one, I am to give thanks. This also motivates me to put more effort into helping fulfill the mission of proclaiming the word throughout the world. That book of life has already been established before the foundation of the world. It’s our duty to honor God by walking in fear of him, not a fear of the world. This takes being bold and courageous to not waver or compromise our faith, to not sit back and wait for others to share the truth. We say we want a stronger nation, our loved ones saved, corruption to stop. Well then, what are we doing to help this? Are we living out the calling God has asked us to do? Are we living out the true meaning of Christianity? If not, then what’s holding us back?

Father God, we thank you for your purpose, order, and intention. We thank you for divine intervention. We thank you for your perfect plan for humanity, for this world, for heaven and earth. Father, we’re sorry for compromising and wavering in our faith. Father, we ask that you would help us be bold and courageous, that you would help us speak truth and shine your light, Yeshua. We ask this in your mighty name, Jesus. Amen.

Primer contributed by Amanda Moon, Member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla