Rumors versus reality

Today: Job 40-42

If you've ever watched a reality show, attended junior high or even (gasp!) a church, you know that rumors can be dangerous...and often, inaccurate. Rumors and reality are often vastly different. There's a big difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them. And when it comes to God, the difference between knowing about Him and actually knowing Him? Life-changing.

Job was a stand-up guy. He loved God. But in these chapters, he actually got to know God and hear His voice in a real, fresh way. Here's how Job responded:

"I'm convinced:

You can do anything and everything.

Nothing and no one can upset your plans.

You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,

ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'

I admit it.

I was the one.

I babbled on about things far beyond me,

made small talk about wonders way over my head.

You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.

Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'

I admit I once lived by rumors of you;

now I have it all firsthand—

from my own eyes and ears!

I'm sorry—

forgive me.

I'll never do that again, I promise!

I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay,

crumbs of rumor."

When we really know God (instead of just knowing about Him), it changes us. For Job, this moment marked a new start. He lived in awe of God's power and all-knowing nature. He surrendered himself to it. And when he did, God brought healing and restoration. Job moved from a place of total desolation on to a place of blessing. God poured multiple blessings on his life.

Tomorrow: Psalm 1-8

Solomon's prayer

Today: 1 Kings 8-9

A few days ago, I posted portions from one of David's prayers. In today's passage, Solomon's prayer of dedication at the temple stood out to me most. I thought it would be could to highlight portions of it here. [Note that the ellipses (...) indicate my omissions of the text. This is just a snapshot of some great verses--please read the chapters along with me for the full picture.]

O God, God of Israel,

there is no God like you

in the skies above or on the earth below

who unswervingly keeps covenant with his servants

and relentlessly loves them

as they sincerely live in obedience to your way.

You kept your word to David my father,

your personal word.

You did exactly what you promised—

every detail.

The proof is before us today!
Keep it up, God...

Can it be that God will actually move into our neighborhood?

Why, the cosmos itself isn't large enough to give you breathing room,

let alone this Temple I've built.

Even so, I'm bold to ask:

Pay attention to these my prayers,

both intercessory and personal,

O God, my God.

Listen to my prayers...

Tomorrow: 1 Kings 10-11

Sex, drugs and rocks

Today: Genesis 30-31

I thought yesterday's reading was full of soap opera-style drama. Well, today's chapters describe some stuff that's pretty out there, too.

There's this guy Jacob who has two wives (Rachel and Leah--who happen to be sisters) and two mistresses (his wives' maids). Leah's son finds these things called "mandrakes" that Rachel trades a night with her/their husband to receive. What in the world are "mandrakes" you might ask? I looked up the definition on Google and it turns out that mandrakes are plants that can be used medicinally or as narcotics--so basically Rachel traded a night with her husband for a type of drug. Wow--and I thought Jerry Springer had a lot of drama!

What's interesting throughout this complicated story is once again how God cares about the people involved--He saw their hurt and heard their prayers.

At one point, Jacob and his father-in-law/uncle Laban make a covenant with each other and with God, symbolized by a pile of rocks. God served as a witness, watching over them and protecting them. In the midst of dramatic situations, God cared for His people and made sure they were cared for.

Tomorrow: Genesis: 32-34