Here we see the crux of the problem of the Job’s friends’ beliefs.  They think if someone does good they will be blessed but if they do bad they will be condemned. It is perfectly rational. We like a “good-blessed/bad-cursed” kind of life because we always think we are good and should be blessed.  Then, when we see the problems of others, we can shake our heads and wag our tongues with an air of superiority.

Yet God breaks through our perfect rationale with His grace and mercy. The message of the cross is that none of us deserve His blessing. “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 53:3). God’s mercy does not give us what we deserve; God’s grace gives us what we do not deserve.

Thank You, God, for demonstrating Your love for me through the power of the cross of Christ.