Fortunes Restored
And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Job 42:10
+
Fortunes Restored
The book of Job can be a difficult book to read and understand for many reasons. One reason is these verses at the end of the book. For many, there can be the temptation to view God’s doubling of Job’s fortunes as somehow a motivation for Job’s repentance. That he sought a material reward for his repentance. Still, others see this as prescriptive, that if something bad happens just repent and a double reward is coming your way. Neither is correct. Job’s restored fortunes were an act of God’s grace, not a reward for Job “doing the right thing.” Job suffering was real and no material reward could completely erase it. But in His loving kindness, God provided for Him, just as He provides for all the faithful who experience the cross. And just as Job did not expect a material restoration neither should we. The only restoration we need is with God in Christ. And He has promised that to us. No matter our lot in life, no matter the suffering and pain, Christ is with us. This world and all its suffering are short in comparison to an eternity with the Father. And so Job’s and our own restoration come through Christ when He calls us home.
Job 42:10
+
Fortunes Restored
The book of Job can be a difficult book to read and understand for many reasons. One reason is these verses at the end of the book. For many, there can be the temptation to view God’s doubling of Job’s fortunes as somehow a motivation for Job’s repentance. That he sought a material reward for his repentance. Still, others see this as prescriptive, that if something bad happens just repent and a double reward is coming your way. Neither is correct. Job’s restored fortunes were an act of God’s grace, not a reward for Job “doing the right thing.” Job suffering was real and no material reward could completely erase it. But in His loving kindness, God provided for Him, just as He provides for all the faithful who experience the cross. And just as Job did not expect a material restoration neither should we. The only restoration we need is with God in Christ. And He has promised that to us. No matter our lot in life, no matter the suffering and pain, Christ is with us. This world and all its suffering are short in comparison to an eternity with the Father. And so Job’s and our own restoration come through Christ when He calls us home.
Recent
Archive
2023
January
Responding to GodLamentationSeek GodThe Day of the LordA Matter of FaithThe Secure and the ComplacentThe Pride of the PeopleFrom Depths of WoeVisions of FireA Plumb LineAmaziahSummer FruitA Final VisionA Word of HopeA VisionHumiliationDisplacedStanding AloofHouse of FireRestorationHeeding God’s CallOverboardInside the Great FishFor a Second TimeMessage ReceivedNot FairA Lesson on MercyWho Is Like the Lord?O Earth!Then and NowLament
February
Courtroom DramaEnemies of GodThe Lord GathersFalse ProphetsZionRestorationWise MenIn, But Not OfGod’s ReproachSurvey the CrossLook to the LordVindicationThe Lord’s DeliveranceA Merciful HymnBack AgainLord’s Wrath and CareDoom and DeliveranceThe Enemies of GodOur ConquerorWoe to the City of BloodshedNo Other God’sAre You Better?Prophecy FulfilledThe Prophet SawHow Long?God in the MidstJustice ServedThe God of History
March
Waiting for an AnswerA Dire SituationA Twisting of the TruthIn His Image and In His LikenessThe Lord’s NameThe Sin of ManFear, Love, and TrustThe Day of SalvationThe Word of the LordThe Lord’s JudgmentClear and to the PointBe SilentThe Day of WrathSeek the LordGardensRunning After Other GodsSwordsThe Kingdoms of this WorldWhere is Your Trust?The Lord’s RemnantThe Truth of His WordThe Human HeartA Song of VictoryRebuildingObedience