Knowing God

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Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”

~Job 42:6, NKJV

The proud of heart have not seen God, nor does it know Him.

~Jeremy Burroughs

It is very easy and common for us to take the Bible out of context. After misspeaking twice in a row a few days ago, the next scripture I read was Job 42:6, “I abhor myself.” I read that and said, “Amen, that is me!” Then I thought, I would really like to know more about this verse and what was going on in Job’s life. I read it out of the NLT and thought, I like the KJV better, but after doing some study, I realized that the NLT has it right and instead of getting comforted, I got convicted.

“I know that You can do anything, and no one can stop You. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

I don’t know exactly what happened but Job saw God in a new light. I assume it was similar to Isaiah who “Saw the LORD high and lifted up.” Job’s circumstances were horrible and he had questioned God. Job had been asking God for an explanation but God never responded. After a long struggle God gave Job a revelation of Himself; He allows Job to see Him in a way he had never seen Him before and it changed Jobs attitude and his life. Job still did not understand what was going on but suddenly, he had the faith he needed to trust God completely and so he repents of questioning God instead of trusting Him. It was after his repentance that God restored him.

God’s infinite power and wisdom should humble us. Those who refuse to bend the neck do not understand who they are dealing with. As C.S. Lewis says repeatedly in his stories of Narnia, Aslan is not a tame Lion and all men would bow the knee in repentance if they saw God in the way Job and Isaiah saw Him. True repentance is a change of heart and mind that leads to a change in behavior. Remorse turns us inward and leads back to self: true repentance leads to Christ. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:10, For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation {Jesus}. We all sin and the only person who has a solution is Jesus. We will not make any progress turning to ourself.

  • Very thankful for another LORD’s day. It is a joy to worship Jesus in the presence of those who love Him. Thankful for a good worship celebration at the POINT and then getting to eat lunch in the new dinning area at DBC. Topped it off with Jambalaya last night. Very good day and we thank the LORD.
  • Bill is supposed to get moved to a rehab today but I do not know which rehab.
  • Wednesday November 4, Mid-week day service at 10:30. Terri’s team is serving lunch and it is KFC and the trimmings.
  • November 8 is our CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE. Granny T and the grandchildren are decorating this week. It will be from 2:00-4:00. Eat a light lunch that day because we are going to have a ton of Christmas goodies. No gifts: we just want you to see our humble abode and to share a little Christmas with you. It is also an acknowledgment and appreciation of the unbelievable help you gave us in getting into our new home.
  • Wednesday November 11, Veterans Day service at 10:30 followed by lunch {Stew}.
  • Menu for November Wednesday day services: Nov. 4 KFC, Nov. 11 Stew, Nov. 18 Pizza, Nov. 25 BBQ THERE IS NO PM SERVICE November 25 {Thanksgiving Eve}
  • December 4…49er Christmas Party at 11:30. Christmas finger foods. Bring your favorite Christmas candy or cookie.
  • We are counting our blessings in November and we are naming them one by one: We gave you seven things to be thankful for in yesterdays message. I am going to quiz you this Sunday and I will post them one time. Try to commit at least one to memory. {Luke 17:11-19, The Story of the Ten Lepors}
    • Jesus is a friend to sinner. He never social distanced Himself from those who needed him.
    • Jesus is near. He is as close as the breath coming out of your mouth. He is only a prayer away.
    • Jesus is merciful and gracious
    • There is wonder working power in His word
    • Jesus is approachable
    • Jesus delights in our coming to HIM: in thanksgiving, praise, worship and repentance
    • Jesus wants us to know Him better

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