Dear, Wonderful OFRH Family,
Has our time in the ancient Book of Job imparted to you any unique nugget of wisdom? Please let us know. Perhaps it has reminded you afresh of how limited we ourselves are compared to the omnis-cient, all-caring wisdom of God. This month, we’ll complete our journey of many weeks in this very valuable section of Scripture. I trust it will lovingly nudge each of us to commit ourselves daily in a more profound way to our all-loving Lord because, even as committed believers, we at times cannot under- stand why we are hurting. Even the Apostle Paul, as committed to the Lord as he was, said, “…We are perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). So may the joy of the Lord be your strength.
As I was meditating on the words in the Amplified Version of First Peter 5:6-10, it occurred to me that it’s a wonderful summary of the entire Book of Job. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride] so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]…. The devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack – rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].”
Because the Christian life is a journey and because we’re traveling through the Book of Job together, this month the music CD we’re featuring is entitled “On the Jericho Road.” That song reminds us that Jesus bears each burden and shares each sorrow. It’s just one of 15 encouraging numbers by the OFRH men’s quartet on that CD, and you may order it for just $16.50 which includes shipping. (Sorry, but you’ll need to add $1.50 tax if you live in California.)
A lady in Johnstown, New York, sent a lovely card, a gift and a note last month. Let me share an excerpt: “Hi, Everyone, I listen to your program all the time. I enjoy it very much, especially Job. He knew that His Redeemer liveth. I do too. Jesus shows Himself true, over and over to me…. Take care everyone, for God careth for us very much. Praise His Holy Name. Hallelujah, what a Saviour.”
Rejoicing with her in His tender, loving care for each of us,
Michael Khanchalian, D.D.S.