Dec 14: Job 16-17 | Hab 3 | 2 Pet 1,2

Reading 1 - Job 16:2

"I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all!" (Job 16:2).

"Wearisome" (RV mg). Job's friends continue to propound the same old theory.

"I must reflect on how many times I too have been a miserable comforter. What is that makes us think we have the freedom to judge others according to their sins, when we are equally sinful but we can't see it? This is clearly wrong and yet we do it all the time. Perhaps our reflections on Job's situation and suffering at the hands of his friends will make us stop and think" (Peter Cresswell).

Reading 2 - Hab 3:18

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Hab 3:18).

Habakkuk does not end with a wail but with a song. It does not end with inquiry but with affirmation. It does not end with frustration but with faith.

"Thank God for His glorious invitation and opportunity to serve Him totally with all your life and strength. And pray without ceasing for the precious divine blessing of ever more zeal and enthusiasm and dedication and intensity of effort. Working for God is the only true living: all other activities are various deceptive degrees of death. It is a joy and a privilege far higher than anything this dead, dull world can ever offer, or even comprehend. All worldly accomplishment ends in the grave" (GV Growcott).