NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

OBVIOUSLY

In his longest response to the criticism of his friends, Job continued to reject allegations that his sin was to blame for his suffering. Instead, he reminded them that their self-righteous analysis failed to account for calamities that befall faithful followers of God (Job 12:4) as well as for the prosperity of those who purposefully carry out evil (Job 12:6). With biting sarcasm, Job challenged his tactless companions to consult the creatures of the earth who were obviously more aware than them that the Lord ultimately rules over all that transpires on the earth (vv. 7 – 10;Ps 103:19).

In Romans, Paul agreed with Job’s supposition about creation’s ability to reveal God, reminding New Testament readers that the truth about God’s “eternal power and divine nature” can be understood from nature (Ro 1:20). The complexity and arrangement of each component in the cosmos as well as the order and intricacy of the smallest atom attest to the controlling hand of a purposeful and loving Creator. So clear are his fingerprints that those who claim ignorance of God are “without excuse.” With this knowledge also comes the certainty that no one can approach the Lord since humanity’s flawed nature is starkly inferior to the one whose glory is declared by the heavens (Ps 19:1). While everyone can learn about God’s characteristics from the natural world, the separation caused by sin necessitated the sacrifice of Christ to build the foundational bridge which makes knowing God possible at all (Jn 1:18; 3:16; 10:30; 14:6 – 10).

Jesus, help me to take notice of and appreciate the splendor and majesty of creation. Thank you for sacrificing yourself to build a bridge to the holy, perfect Creator. Amen.

Taken fromNIV The Jesus Bible