Devotion - Thursday, October 4

Job seems to be an interesting book.  I have received a higher than usual number of replies to these offerings when Job was the subject matter.  Today is the final reading from Job, so I thought it prudent to make one last post.

In Job 28 there is a wonderful image; particularly for those of us who live and pray in an academic community.  The writer starts the chapter with a list of where it is that we go to obtain all the things considered valuable or precious.  "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold... Iron is taken out of the earth... As for the earth, out of it comes bread."

Job underscores the value of all these things.  But he turns his attention to the treasure which is to be sought above all others.  "But where is wisdom to be found?  And where is the place of understanding?"

My favorite prayer, offered at the opening of each academic year, is for the furtherance of useful knowledge.  This is the precious commodity unearthed in our classrooms and labs.  And it is a treasure of great value.  "Useful knowledge" is to be sought and it is obtainable.

Wisdom and understanding  come to us by slightly differing means.  Like useful knowledge, they merit our hard work and attention.  There is a link between them and focused effort.  They come as a result of teaching ourselves to turn to God and seek God's counsel. 

Hear the last words from Job:

"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;

and to depart from evil is understanding."