The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

RESTORED BY GRACE ALONE

God treats people in ways they do not deserve — and this is a good thing. All people deserve punishment from God for the sins they have committed against him. Instead of punishment, God decided to draw near to humanity in grace. His grace is a gift that people do not deserve to receive — and it can only be received with the surrendered hands of faith.

God had already displayed grace throughout Job’s sufferings. When Satan wanted to tempt and test Job, it was God who limited the extent of Satan’s attacks. That was grace. And Job’s past fortunes and eventual restoration were all by grace alone. His prosperity was not a reward for his integrity but a gift from God, who “restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” and “blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part” (Job 42:10,12).

Job encountered God. It was only after the intense season of suffering, prayer and waiting that a transformed Job got to see God for who he really is (Job 42:5). Job’s response of humility and repentance should serve as an example for every person who encounters God (Job 42:1 – 6). After all of Job’s questions and frustrations, he was left with the one phrase that he could confess in confidence: “I know that you can do all things” (Job 42:2).

When Job saw God more clearly, he also began to see himself more clearly. When people discover the reality of God, they find the reality of themselves. Job only discovered these things through an intense season that seemed unbearable at times. But God knows from the beginning what he intends in the end. God knew the journey that he needed to take Job through, so God did it. And for Job to arrive at the destination of a transformed view of God was sheer grace.

The ultimate way God has shown his grace is by sending Jesus Christ to die for sinners. The cross leaves people with limitless reasons for repenting of their rebellion against God, and it should lead them to walk, live and love more like Jesus.

Jesus, I know you see the big picture, so I don’t have to. Help me to trust you in every step of the journey, even the painful ones. Amen.