We hold ourselves in pretty high regard, and we should. We should have respect for ourselves and look to be better each and every day.
“10Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor.” – Job 40:10 (ESV)
When I first read this verse this morning, my chest started to puff out a bit. I thought wow, God really does want me to be a bit greater in the world and take treat myself to some great things. Then I read the rest of the passage and the commentary to go with it.
“11Pour out the overflowings of your anger, and look on everyone who is proud and abase him.” – Job 40:11 (ESV)
The very next verse goes against all that we have been taught.
“Abase: humiliate; humble” – The New Webster’s Dictionary
When has God ever told us to humiliate or humble anyone other than ourselves? Only in this place as He is proving a point and challenging Job to be better.
When you look at verse 9 it all seemed to come together for me.
“9Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?” – Job 40:9 (ESV)
We have to be careful as we read God’s Word. Individual passages and verses may only give part of the story when read on their own and may make sense in the moment, but as you can see, when you study those verses, and gain more context, and include the verses before and after, you are able to more clearly understand and apply the Word of God.
Majesty is for God, not for me. Greatness is for God, not for me. I rely on Him for all of me.
When you are reading God’s Word, are you applying all of it, or just the parts that “speak” to you? Are you applying God’s Word for His greatness or your own? Is majesty for God or are you looking to get yours?
Trevor's Thoughts 