“Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. “Will you discredit my justice and condemn me just to prove you are right? Are you as strong as God? Can you thunder with a voice like his? All right, put on your glory and splendor, your honor and majesty. 11 Give vent to your anger. Let it overflow against the proud. Humiliate the proud with a glance; walk on the wicked where they stand. Bury them in the dust. Imprison them in the world of the dead. Then even I would praise you, for your own strength would save you.”
Job 40:7-14
“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” Job 41:1-6 NLT
God,
We can do nothing to save ourselves, do good deeds, try harder, give more, be good! Job was silenced and in Your presence could do nothing but repent. Repent: feel or express regret or remorse about wrongdoing or sin. A complete change of mind and behaviour.
I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes. What an amazing statement. Surely we echo it ourselves – those of us who have met with Jesus. Whether it was in a prayerful moment, in some Damascus road experience or praying the prayer of decision.
The Christian walk is a walk of repentance because good as we try we cannot be perfect. Jesus said as much, ” “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come,” (Luke 17:1) but it is also a walk of forgiveness. You do not forgive us once a week or once a day . . . You pour Your forgiveness on us as we go. “But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). And we rejoice.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 30th January 2025
Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Lyrics: Charlotte Elliot