March 9, 2021 – The Love of God!

The love of God is greater far,
Than tongue or pen can ever tell

   It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child, He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

(F. Lehman)

“Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. Do you know how God lays his command upon them and causes the lightning of His cloud to shine?” Job 37:14-15.

I read the story of Job, and the LORD said, Job is a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil! All his possessions and his family were taken from Job. His three friends came to comfort him and yet, Job did not charge God with wrong, but said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job:1:21 b.

After the speeches of his friends, the Lord speaks, Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:1-7.

All the questions God asks Job in the following chapters tells of the wonder, the power, and strength of our Lord. There is no one like our God who in the beginning chose us and created the universe. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth! Genesis 1:1.

This Father God went further because of His steadfast love: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

What other questions did God ask Job? “Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!” Job 38:19-21.

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season, or can you guide the Bear with its children? Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?” Job 38: 31-33.

“Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?” On the rock he dwells and makes his home, on the rocky crag and stronghold. Job 39:26-28.

Even as Job suffered, but did not sin, by turning away from God, afterward God gave him more riches that before. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29.

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:12, 16-17.

          Whatever you do—whether you eat or drink or not—do it all to the glory of God! I Corinthians 10:31. (The Voice).

Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Job 42:1-3.

What will our forever be? The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19.

After my Father died, my Mother wrote this poem, signifying her faith in God during this earthly separation.

What have I for a loving God—For all His wonderful gifts to me?

He gives and gives rich blessings, Shimmering bright like a golden sea.

So meager and poor, dear God, Is the love I can return,

Then into my ear, He whispered, “Dear child, you will learn.”

“You thank me now for flowers and sun, cool showers and thing you like best

But thank me, took for the times, O trial or a heart-sore test.”

When the lights are out and winds are high,

You must learn to walk by faith alone.

Knowing this, You will never tread a road I do not know or own.”

I hold your hand with nothing to fear,

As I begin once more through an unknown year.

(On the Threshold, by Anna Daisy Siemens, 1980)

O, What a Beautiful Name is our Master Teacher of Love: (Hillsong)

          You have no rival; You have no equal.
Now and forever, God You reign
Yours is the kingdom; Yours is the glory.
Yours is the Name above all names.