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| Volume 19 Number 11 November 2017 | Page 6 |
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| Volume 19 Number 11 November 2017 | Page 6 |
Chad Ezelle
I don’t think anyone really likes to be disciplined. It’s interesting, though, that the word “disciple,” which we all want to be, looks a lot like the word “discipline.” The two words are related. We all seek to be disciples of Jesus. In fact, our call is to go make disciples of the world, and much of discipleship involves discipline. We discipline ourselves to be under Christ’s Law. We discipline our flesh. We discipline our desires and wants. As we discipline ourselves, we become better disciples of Jesus and as we apply His Word to ourselves. Today, how can you discipline yourself to be a better disciple? Practically, how would it appear?
The King of Patience
Looked at His Life: Job!
Mark N. Posey
Job 1:21 reads, “And he said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.’” Job was rich, righteous and religious, but he had a terrible day. Job serves the world over as the example of perseverance under pressure! How did he react to the pressures of life (James 5:11)?
Job looked at the past. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb.” We, like Job, came into this world with nothing! We are completely dependent upon God! Job came into this world with nothing, so everything he had was indeed a blessing from the bounty and benevolence of God.
Job looked at the future. “Naked shall I return there.” We, like Job, take nothing with us when we go! We are completely accountable to God! Job’s prosperity was not luck or mere human ingenuity; it was because of the great and powerful blessings of God upon his life.
Job looked at the present. “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.”All the gain between birth and death is from God, and if God chooses to take away what He has given, that is His business and right! Job lost all of his possessions, children, health and friends, and yet, he continued to trust God completely (Job 13:15). Truly, we are impressed with Jesus’ words, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). We must always worship the Giver, not the gift; the Giver is always greater than the gift.
In conclusion, Job lost all his children, possessions, support and health. So, what did he do? He worshipped. “Blessed by the name of the Lord.” “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped” (Job 1:20). God is always worthy of glory, honor and praise. He is to be honored and praised in any and all circumstances of life.