Today’s Reading, Job 17-20
Focal Scripture: Job 19:27 “I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within me.”
What do you long to see? I have a few items/places on my bucket list. I desire to go to Israel so I can see the places in the Bible for myself. I also long to visit England and walk in the steps of the Reformers. In the US I want to visit much of the West Coast. I want to see Redwood trees. I also want to visit most of the national parks on that side of the country. However, I desire nothing more than to see God with my own eyes.
In today’s reading Job is describing his pain and frustrations. Then Job says that he knows his redeemer lives. Even after his suffering and his pain, he longs to see God with his own eyes. Job is confident that this will take place. He knows that he will see God as a friend and not a stranger. The desire to see God is a longing of his heart. Job understood that to know God is a desire to see God.
So do you desire to see the Lord? I don’t mean a casual viewing. I mean an intense look into the face of the creator of the universe. I have learned over the years that people say they desire God until it comes time to make a definitive decision. Most people do not have a fervor for the Lord. They are actually passive with their faith. Knowing God sounds amazing, until you realize it will change your heart and your life.
Why do I say that? Because change is difficult, especially when you are called to live a life that is contrary to the world. If you lived in a way that desired to see the Lord passionately it would make you an outlier. It will also have you labeled as a freak. You would be a person who took their faith entirely too serious. Desiring to see God will change how you live and how you deal with others.
I challenge you to have a heart that desires to see the Lord. When you have this desire it will change how you view suffering. It will encourage you when life is difficult. Then finally it will push you to act and speak in a way that honors the Lord with believers and unbelievers. Have a heart like Job, desire to see God above everything else.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Job 21-23
