Tag Archives: word of God

Devotions, Job

Job 4:7 – Don’t quote this out of context!

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Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? – Job 4:7

When reading the book of Job, we must take every sentence into the correct context. They are not like the words of the proverbs where every sentence contains great wisdom. For example, this sentence spoken by Eliphaz is clearly inaccurate. He gives the impression that life is sustained by one’s innocence – this is a gospel of works! No one is innocent in the eyes of God. We are all sinners and are sustained by His grace and mercies. If one quotes this sentence out of context, he will end up with a different gospel other than the gospel of grace altogether!

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Devotions, Nehemiah

Nehemiah 8:12 “…the people….rejoice greatly…”

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“And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.” Neh 8:12

The people gathered to listen to the exposition of God’s word. And “…they understood the words that were declared to them“. What was the effect of understanding the words declared to them? They “..rejoiced greatly”. When the word of God is clearly preached and taught, they give joy to our hearts….the joy of the Lord. And there will be great rejoicing. When it is not explained clearly, the people will be dull and unfulfilled. How sad it is when we hear but cannot understand…how sad it is when the word is not clearly declared. What great joy is missed.

Yes, it is the Lord who decides whether to bless the declaration of His word. Yet, the preparation for that declaration rests with the preachers. How important it is that we should pray for the preachers! How important it is that we should pray that the hearts of the listeners may be prepared to hear. Yes, the most boring sermons can be used by the Holy Spirit to bring about a revival. But we are not called to deliver boring sermons. Because the word of God is exciting and clear. And so, we must explain it in simplicity and absolute clarity and let God use it for His purpose and glory.