Our readings today prompted a mix of thoughts. In the first, Job continues to lament his situation which is understandable; he was once held in great respect, but now his situation is the opposite – but remember that Paul told the Corinthians that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (or tested) beyond your ability … to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Job’s ability to endure was great; God knew the inner strength of his character formed from his commitment to Him. Job had said, “He knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold” (23:10).

Zechariah was a prophet sent by God when Israel returned from exile under Ezra. God revealed to him that an even greater scattering was coming. The people were not listening to “the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit though the former prophets …. I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was (became) desolate …” (7:12-14). This prophecy had its complete fulfilment after they rejected God’s son, our Lord. But as we read on in Zechariah we will see some awesome words that are now in the process of being fulfilled.

Then in Revelation we read the ultimate personal promise of Jesus – to “the one who conquers, I will grant him (her) to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (3:21). Then in chapter 4 we read the climax of praise to the Creator “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (4:11).

The parts of God’s word that contain such word pictures are a great challenge to us to believe, and then to show the heart felt nature of our belief by living lives of conviction. Have you accepted that challenge? Are you living in a way that proves that you have?