I’ve shared before how I turn to Job whenever I’m going through a rough trial, but his book holds many, many lessons, most of which I only discover when I need them most. This bears witness to the realization that the Bible truly is the living, breathing Word of God.
This week, while looking up “breath,” I found 3 passages in Job:
“As God lives, who has taken away my justice,
And the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter,
As long as my breath is in me,
And the breath of God in my nostrils,
My lips will not speak wickedness,
Nor my tongue utter deceit.
Job 27:2-4 NKJV
Now, I open my mouth;
My tongue speaks in my mouth.
My words come from my upright heart;
My lips utter pure knowledge.
The Spirit of God has made me,
And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:2-4 NKJV
Surely God will never do wickedly,
Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.
Who gave Him charge over the earth?
Or who appointed Him over the whole world?
If He should set His heart on it,
If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
All flesh would perish together,
And man would return to dust.
Job 34:12-15 NJKV
The Book of Job is believed to be the oldest (first) written book of the Bible. No one knows for certain who wrote it or when it was written, but scholars believe it was between the 7th and 3rd centuries B.C. Yet, Job and his friends knew enough about God and His characteristics to have these theological discussions.
They knew about His Spirit, that God gave us life, creating us from clay and breathing life into man’s nostrils. They understood God’s power, the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, even before the Ten Commandments. They knew all of this even though none of it had been written.
I believe this reinforces what Paul wrote:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21 NKJV
Father, we lift our hands and look up toward the Heavens in proclamation of Your divine power and glory. May others see Your image through us and find Your presence which is written on their hearts. May they come to know You and surrender their lives to You, their loving and merciful Creator. We pray these things in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
