Job 12
In this chapter Job speaks to his three friends who have now given their opinion and judgement on him, and somewhat sarcastically says, 'No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you' (verse 2). He then asserts that he too has understanding despite being mocked and scorned by them.
He tells them to look at different aspects of nature and see God's hand - emphasising as my study Bible puts it, 'the destructive capacity' of God's hand'.
He illustrates this with examples of drought, floods, the overthrow of mighty men, the destruction of kings, princes and nations, of chief people in the earth having their understanding taken away and becoming as those wandering in a wilderness where there are no paths, groping in the dark without light and staggering like drunkards.
My thoughts today were very much caught by verse 10 which reads, 'In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind'.
Although Job was speaking of God's hand in its power to destroy and break down I found comfort here today, and perhaps it will comfort you - or - cause you concern about your own soul.
I have been feeling somewhat apprehensive about a planned journey this morning - last week I attempted to visit a friend, but due to protesters on the M25 I got caught up in horrendous traffic, closed junctions and experienced aggressive, frustrated drivers. I hadn't realised until I was in the middle of it that my satnav was giving directions from the offline map and consequently not re-routing and helping me out. I got lost, missed turnings and eventually reached home 3 hours after I had left it, without having seen my friend.
Today I am planning another attempt to visit my friend, but perhaps because I do not drive so often now and my experience last week I am a bit nervous, my mind running through possible scenarios including accidents, injuries and more. It was even mentioned in our worship service last night how we take for granted our safety in travel, and forget to thank the Lord for his care over us!
Do you ever fear travel? Do you ever fear a terrorist attack when you are on the underground, in the air or going over a bridge? Perhaps you just push it to the back of your mind and refuse to allow yourself to dwell on it, but perhaps today you too are going somewhere and you cannot shake off that feeling of unease - what if?
Well, today, as I am trying to ignore this thoughts and conscious that Satan will magnify any 'what ifs' I read this verse and was comforted. My life - and your life - is in the hand of the LORD.
Wherever I and you are going today, God is there.
As David writes in Psalm 139, 'Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou are there: if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me'. (Matthew Henry suggests that God is in hell in the sense of his wrath being there).
Whether you are travelling across the world, to the next village, to an interview, a building site, a coffee shop or school, God is there.
When once about to fly home from a holiday and feeling nervous these words in Psalm 116 verse 15 were also a comfort, 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints'.
Not only is our life in God's hands, not only is he everywhere and wherever we go, but the death of his people is something he watches over; something he has a planned time for - when his work through and in us is done- when we are as ripe corn ready to be reaped.
We know that although we have promises of long life to those who put their trust in God 'with long life will I satisfy him' (Psalm 91:16), and those who honour their parents, 'thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee' (Exodus 20:12), yet our 'times are in thy (God) hand' (Psalm 31:15). He knows the time when he will take each of his people home.
As Jesus himself reassures us, 'are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows' (Luke 12: 6,7).
God knows when he will take us to him even if it seems a cruel, sudden or unfair death - perhaps a death demonstrating the cruelty of Satan and humans. How that will be the ultimate all things working 'together for good to those that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28), as they are taken to join him in heaven for an eternal spiritual life and happiness! How that will be - as Joseph said to his brothers who had wanted to murder him - 'ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good (Genesis 50:20)!
And when that time occurs God is right there watching over his precious jewel, his child. As David writes in Psalm 23:4, 'though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me...'
We see this in Acts 7:55,56 when just before Stephen was stoned to death he saw 'the heavens opened, and the Son of man (Jesus) standing on the right hand of God.' Jesus, watching over him, knowing every single thing that was happening, and about to receive and welcome Stephen's spirit into heaven.
So as we go about our day today, as we go on journeys and face uncertainties, let us pray that we might personally believe and know that our lives are in God's hands both today and for eternity. As the Psalmist sings in Psalm 121 we might trust that 'the LORD which made heaven and earth...will not suffer thy foot to be moved'...for 'he that keepeth thee will not slumber...he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and even for evermore.'
And dear reader, if you do not yet know the comfort that your life is in God's hands - but instead are filled with fear at this thought - fear of how your life will end and fear of what will happen to you when you die - pray to him that he will show you that your life too, is precious to him.
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