Have Faith. Job 28-29; Galatians 3

May the mumbling commence!

It took to the twenty-ninth chapter… but Job finally remembers his former blessings.  It’s about time!  Read from chapter twenty-nine:

"I long for the years gone by when God took care of me, 

when he lighted the way before me

and I walked safely through the darkness. 

In my early years, the friendship of God was felt in my home. 

The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me. 

In those days my cows produced milk in abundance,

and my olive groves poured out streams of olive oil. 

Those were the days when I went to the city gate

and took my place among the honored leaders. 

The young stepped aside when they saw me,

and even the aged rose in respect at my coming. 

The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths. 

The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect. 

All who heard of me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me. 

For I helped the poor in their need and the orphans who had no one to help them. 

I helped those who had lost hope, and they blessed me.

And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy. 

All I did was just and honest.

Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban. 

I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. 

I was a father to the poor and made sure that even strangers received a fair trial. 

I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and made them release their victims. 

I thought, 'Surely I will die surrounded by my family after a long, good life. 

For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water,

whose branches are refreshed with the dew. 

New honors are constantly bestowed on me,

and my strength is continually renewed.'” (Verses 2-20)

Job was fighting the good fight.  He was doing the best he could to be righteous.  But our best is never good enough.  To please God only perfect obedience will do.  

And perfect obedience is exactly what Jesus accomplished here on earth.  Faith in Jesus is our ticket to healed relationship between us and God and among ourselves.

Striving to be righteous is good, but only faith will save us.  Read from Galatians chapter three:

But those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, "Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all these commands that are written in God's Book of the Law."  Consequently, it is clear that no one can ever be right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." (Verses 10-11)

Through faith, a righteous person has life.  They work hand-in-hand, but faith is essential for salvation.

Enough mumbling for now…  

Peace Out