What Hope Is That?

Daily Reading:  Job 11

But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last. (Job 11.20)

Devotional Thought:  As we read the book of Job - particularly the words of his 'comforters' - we need to remember that not everything they said was wrong.  Often their assertions are correct, but they are simplistically and incorrectly applied to Job.  It's always a danger to generalize things and give 'pat answers'. 

You've been in that situation, haven't you?  You've heard yourself saying - all too easily - words that sound hollow and simple.  When we give these pat answers, it is generally obvious to those who hear us.  And, it is often resented.  But, as with Job's comforters, it helps to remember that the reason they are pat answers is because they are so universally true.

One pat answer given to Job by his friends was that "the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them."  I can almost hear Job thinking, "Right... So?  I'm not wicked!"  Job's friends pre-judged him from wrong assumptions and their pat answers really didn't apply.  That is always a danger.  We must be sure that our pat answers apply and that our assumptions are correct.  We don't need to be afraid to give those universal answers; we just need to think about what we are saying!

Another thing they said concerning the wicked was "Their hope is to breathe their last."  Again, wrong assumptions.  That pat answer assumes that when we die we cease to exist.  But, the Bible says, "It is appointed unto man once to die, and then the judgment" (Hebrews 9.27).  The wicked do not have hope in death - only the righteous!  We alone have a way of escape - Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you died on the cross for my sins and you rose again for my life.  Living or dying, my hope is in you and in you alone.  You are my way of escape!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.129-136

129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.

130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.

132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.

133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.

134 Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.

135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.

136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.