Higher Education

My friend yesterday morning, in his attempts to encourage me (yesterday morning did not start off well) brought up the subject of Job, and what he had endured during his time of trial. The conversation got a little deep, when I had a realization of a possible plot twist that's never really explained.

Now, that I brought it up, you want me to enlighten you. But where would the fun be in that? Well, I kind of have to know, since it leads in to today's perspective on missions.

He brought up that Job was blessed in the end, more-so than he had been before the trial because he remained faithful to God. The perspective I replied with, was that his wife basically asked why Job didn't curse God and die. Was this a suggestion? Was she wishing Job would do this, as she was unable to keep the faith? Was it a "If this were me, I think I would..." hypothetical?

So God blesses Job in the end. More possessions. More wealth. More livestock. More children. What became of his wife? Is this a new wife? And if not, what's the conversation Job has with her about her faith?

You would have cursed God?
You suggested I take such a posture?
You were hoping I would take your advice simply to end the agony?
Any such conversation or series of conversations, seems difficult to navigate as they move forward in life together, now with more blessing from the hand of God than ever before.

To this, my friend replied on the various levels of people's faith. And essentially, how some you would think had a long-standing, depth of genuine faith simply don't, while others, relatively new or young in Christianity have incredible levels of faith.

Wednesday we prayed over the Word of God regarding our youth culture.
Thursday, albeit a late post, covered 2 Timothy 3; the final two verses and the benefit Scripture offers to church leadership, as well as living in general.

In verses 14-15, though, it highlights of all things, the longevity of people's faith.

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

What's funny about this, is the exact distinction between my friend and I. He, saved after getting married; me, born to parents who had already been saved; though they too, not till after getting married.

What really struck me though, as we join in prayer for missions, is Timothy's exhortation. "Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because who know who you learned it from." Christians are not convinced out of delusion or the writings of man, but by the Word of God revealed to man, whom He made in His image. Continue in what you've learned. Don't stop learning. Keep working at it. Keep working it out. Keep studying. Keep applying. 

The Holy Scriptures.

Whether one has been saved one day or 10,000 days (now I'll be singing "better is one day in your court than thousands elsewhere" for a while), may we be encouraged by the words of Timothy. And the story of Job, for that matter.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that believers, in these increasingly difficult and challenging days would stand strong. In times of trial and testing, persecution, misunderstanding and misrepresentation, may we hold fast to the Word of God and to the truth of His character. May His Word revealed, continue to cause us to grow and mature, that we would be wise for salvation through faith in Christ. For missionaries and those on the missions field, indeed, may God's Word not return void. Pray God for out His favor and blessing as they work to minister to the lost and the dying; the poor and oppressed and the suffering; may the Word of God bring life to those in desperate places.

Hearts ready to receive,
Ears ready to hear
Eyes ready to see 
Minds ready to understand
God is Love and His Word is Truth.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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