Job 22-24
Job 20 may have been Bildad’s last shot at his humbled, grief-stricken friend, but now (Job 22) is Eliphaz’ turn. I really don’t want to be too hard Eliphaz’ words, nor on the others’ words—for that matter! With some exceptions, it’s not so much the words these three friends speak, as it is the assumptions they make, that put them in the wrong. In Eliphaz’ last speech, he speaks the truth: Even the best of us fall far short of God’s glory. All we need do is repent, “agree with God” (Job 22:21), and good will come to us.
Throughout all this, Eliphaz makes the false assumption that there is a direct connection between Job’s sin (After all, we all sin!), and Job’s predicament. Their rationale is our human tendency. We always want to know the “Why?” of things. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” we wonder. “They must not have been as good as we thought!” we answer. Or, conversely, “Why did this wonderful thing happen to me?” And, as Rogers and Hammerstein answered for Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, we think: “I Must Have Done Something Good.”
Of course, all such malarkey was put to rest in John 9, when the disciples assumed that sin helped cause the blindness of the man born blind, and Jesus said, “No.” But even here in Job 23-24, Job speaks in the very personal language of one who knows the general rules, but sees that his own situation does not fit. “I would lay my case before Him…I would understand what He would say to me.” (Job 23:4-5)
Take time to read Job 23:8-10a carefully. To sum it up, Job says, “Whichever way I turn, I cannot see the Lord. Though I can’t see Him, I know that He sees me!”
When it comes to others’ sicknesses and issues, they might be related to their sin; and they might not.
But’s always best NOT to assume.
Your brother in the Word,
Pastor Gary
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
MAY 23 JOB 20-21
Job 20-21
Where could the book of Job go from the words of height, hope and holiness we read at the end of chapter 19 yesterday? Job, at the end of his rope, exercised a faith so completely connected with the UNSEEN, that he was able to “see” his Resurrected Savior in the midst of his loss. We know that from a height so high, there would have to be a “let-down;” but how would it come?
It came through the “comfort” of his fickle friend Zophar.
Zophar spends what will end up being his final dissertation describing—not so subtly—the falls and frustrations of the wicked. Without saying his name, Zophar is warning Job that the joys and satisfactions of the wicked are short-lived.
Job interrupts his personal highs and lows to counter Zophar’s assumptions, and give him a taste of Zophar’s+ own kind of comfort: You can say that the wicked do not prosper, but it sure looks like they do. Where is your evidence, Zophar, that they don’t. The wicked sing and grow old and find joy at about the same rate as everybody else! You are full of falsehoods, and partial falsehoods!
Job 20-21 make you wish the book had ended with Job 19!
Your brother in the Word,
Pastor Gary
Where could the book of Job go from the words of height, hope and holiness we read at the end of chapter 19 yesterday? Job, at the end of his rope, exercised a faith so completely connected with the UNSEEN, that he was able to “see” his Resurrected Savior in the midst of his loss. We know that from a height so high, there would have to be a “let-down;” but how would it come?
It came through the “comfort” of his fickle friend Zophar.
Zophar spends what will end up being his final dissertation describing—not so subtly—the falls and frustrations of the wicked. Without saying his name, Zophar is warning Job that the joys and satisfactions of the wicked are short-lived.
Job interrupts his personal highs and lows to counter Zophar’s assumptions, and give him a taste of Zophar’s+ own kind of comfort: You can say that the wicked do not prosper, but it sure looks like they do. Where is your evidence, Zophar, that they don’t. The wicked sing and grow old and find joy at about the same rate as everybody else! You are full of falsehoods, and partial falsehoods!
Job 20-21 make you wish the book had ended with Job 19!
Your brother in the Word,
Pastor Gary
Thursday, May 22, 2014
MAY 22 JOB 18-19
Job 18-19
Yesterday, I concluded with: Maybe Bildad’s next word will get us there…inadvertently. Get us where? Get us back to hope!
As is so often the case, the most hope-filled, encouraging words from a particular book of the Bible arrive at the times of darkest despair: Take Jeremiah's incredible words of grace while surrounded by the charred remains of a dismantled Jerusalem (Lamentations 3:19-30). Take Jesus’ words on the last night of his earthly life (John 14:1-6, among others). Take Habakkuk’s words of hope in the midst of famine and failure (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Likewise, Job has reached that moment of hopelessness when God is able to birth real hope in him once again.
In Job 18, Bildad piles on with powerful logic: God punishes the wicked, you are wicked, therefore God is punishing you! In Job 19, Job reviews his present state: God has taken everything away from me, my friends and family have abandoned me, my health has gone, my breath is so bad that my wife can’t stand me! Oh, that my words were written on a stone!
What words?
The words he has said or the words he is about to say?
The words he is about to say.
And why would he want those words inscribed?
Listen: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last, He will stand upon the earth. After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God—I shall see Him myself—I and not another!
Like Stephen as he is being stoned to death, Job—when closest to death—sees by faith the source of his life and hope: the Redeemer!
Your brother of the Word,
Pastor Gary
Yesterday, I concluded with: Maybe Bildad’s next word will get us there…inadvertently. Get us where? Get us back to hope!
As is so often the case, the most hope-filled, encouraging words from a particular book of the Bible arrive at the times of darkest despair: Take Jeremiah's incredible words of grace while surrounded by the charred remains of a dismantled Jerusalem (Lamentations 3:19-30). Take Jesus’ words on the last night of his earthly life (John 14:1-6, among others). Take Habakkuk’s words of hope in the midst of famine and failure (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Likewise, Job has reached that moment of hopelessness when God is able to birth real hope in him once again.
In Job 18, Bildad piles on with powerful logic: God punishes the wicked, you are wicked, therefore God is punishing you! In Job 19, Job reviews his present state: God has taken everything away from me, my friends and family have abandoned me, my health has gone, my breath is so bad that my wife can’t stand me! Oh, that my words were written on a stone!
What words?
The words he has said or the words he is about to say?
The words he is about to say.
And why would he want those words inscribed?
Listen: For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last, He will stand upon the earth. After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God—I shall see Him myself—I and not another!
Like Stephen as he is being stoned to death, Job—when closest to death—sees by faith the source of his life and hope: the Redeemer!
Your brother of the Word,
Pastor Gary
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
MAY 21 JOB 15-17
Job 15-17
Let’s give it another whirl. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zopher have each had one opportunity to “comfort” Job; let’s give them another. Today, we begin with Eliphaz the Temanite. Eliphaz was the name of Esau’s eldest son, who is also called a “chief of Teman.” If not the same person, it shows that Job was written in the Patriarchal era, when such names and places were common.
Eliphaz begins his second attempt at “comfort” by calling Job “windy” and “full of unprofitable talk,” and worse: “condemned by his own words.” (Job 15:1-6) All God asks, Eliphaz says, is a repentant heart, but you insist on defending yours! No one is righteous before God! And you, like all the unrighteous, run in “distress and anguish.” (Job 15:24-26)
Job’s response is contained in Job 16-17. He’s had enough! For just a moment, I can imagine him turning the tables on Eliphaz’ words: “Miserable comforters are you all! Shall [your] windy words have no end?” (Job 16:2-3) Not only is God against me, so is my “company!” They amass against me! I’m their target! My “friends” scorn me! Though my prayers are pure (Job 16:17).
As Job concludes his words to Eliphaz, he sinks to his deepest degree of discouragement. With both God and people arrayed against him, the best he can hope for is death. “Where then is my hope? Shall we descend together into the dust?” (Job 17:15-16)
When one has sunk so low, where will they find hope? Maybe Bildad’s next word will get us there…inadvertently.
Your brother of the Word,
Pastor Gary
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
MAY 20 JOB 11-14
3rd BLOG after surgery!
Job 11-14
Eliphaz has “ventured” his first word; Bildad his. Now it’s Zophar’s turn, and off come the gloves! And here’s my paraphrase:
You talk too much! We need to hear what God is going to say (ironically, we will!). God won’t let you claim perfection and a pure heart! God knows a stubborn donkey when he sees one! But, I’ll tell you one thing: you’d better be ready. Confess. Put your sins away. Then your life will shine, and you can breathe easy!
Job’s response takes all of Job 12-14. In it, he allows himself some (righteous) sarcasm toward his “friends,” and maintains his focus on the Lord God of All.
“You are the people, and wisdom will die with you! (Job 12:2) Ask anyone, anyone in all creation; God is doing these things without any help from me. If I could, I would ask him a few questions about what He is doing. If he’d let me, I’d plead my own case—avoiding you demented doctors and false physicians. But despite you, and whatever He does with me, I will hope in Him (Job 13:15). So, Lord, ‘Call and I will answer, or let me speak and I will answer You’.” (Job 13:22). The way I feel right now; there’s more hope for a tree or a dead person, than for me! (Job 14:7,14)
The book of Job was written for believers in God who feel the hopelessness, the emptiness and insecurity that Job feels right now. No possessions, no wealth, no children, no family—except a grumpy wife, no standing, no respect. Yet, remarkably calm! When will his faith reach the sky?
We’ll find out, soon!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
Job 11-14
Eliphaz has “ventured” his first word; Bildad his. Now it’s Zophar’s turn, and off come the gloves! And here’s my paraphrase:
You talk too much! We need to hear what God is going to say (ironically, we will!). God won’t let you claim perfection and a pure heart! God knows a stubborn donkey when he sees one! But, I’ll tell you one thing: you’d better be ready. Confess. Put your sins away. Then your life will shine, and you can breathe easy!
Job’s response takes all of Job 12-14. In it, he allows himself some (righteous) sarcasm toward his “friends,” and maintains his focus on the Lord God of All.
“You are the people, and wisdom will die with you! (Job 12:2) Ask anyone, anyone in all creation; God is doing these things without any help from me. If I could, I would ask him a few questions about what He is doing. If he’d let me, I’d plead my own case—avoiding you demented doctors and false physicians. But despite you, and whatever He does with me, I will hope in Him (Job 13:15). So, Lord, ‘Call and I will answer, or let me speak and I will answer You’.” (Job 13:22). The way I feel right now; there’s more hope for a tree or a dead person, than for me! (Job 14:7,14)
The book of Job was written for believers in God who feel the hopelessness, the emptiness and insecurity that Job feels right now. No possessions, no wealth, no children, no family—except a grumpy wife, no standing, no respect. Yet, remarkably calm! When will his faith reach the sky?
We’ll find out, soon!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
MAY 19 JOB 8-10
2nd BLOG after surgery!
Job 8-10
After Job’s initial complaints and questions, Eliphaz “ventures” a word with him. “You’ve given people counsel in such situations, now it’s your turn to receive it.”
In Job 4-5, Eliphaz says much that is good and right. Here is some of it in my paraphrase: None of us stand perfect before God, and the trouble we experience is proof of it. In fact, the trouble itself is God’s reproof. “Despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” (5:17b) Once you’ve learned from this discipline, the Lord will bind you up!
In Job 6-7, Job says, in so many words, “You’ve got it wrong. I’ve really done nothing to deserve all this! If any of you can make me understand my sin, I’ll shut up! If this is the way God treats those who serve Him faithfully, I am without hope (7:6).
In Job 8, Bildad takes up the baton. He says: If you’d just admit your sin, and seek God’s mercy, you’ll find forgiveness, release, joy and laughter once again! Have you forgotten how this works?
In Job 9-10, Job, says: “You don’t get it, do you? God is mad at me and I have nothing to confess to Him. We’re at a stalemate! I need an arbiter! (9:33) God! Why did you let me be born, if this is the way of things? If I’ve sinned, show me! If I haven’t, help me!”
I wonder what the third guy will say.
We’ll find out, tomorrow!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
Job 8-10
After Job’s initial complaints and questions, Eliphaz “ventures” a word with him. “You’ve given people counsel in such situations, now it’s your turn to receive it.”
In Job 4-5, Eliphaz says much that is good and right. Here is some of it in my paraphrase: None of us stand perfect before God, and the trouble we experience is proof of it. In fact, the trouble itself is God’s reproof. “Despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” (5:17b) Once you’ve learned from this discipline, the Lord will bind you up!
In Job 6-7, Job says, in so many words, “You’ve got it wrong. I’ve really done nothing to deserve all this! If any of you can make me understand my sin, I’ll shut up! If this is the way God treats those who serve Him faithfully, I am without hope (7:6).
In Job 8, Bildad takes up the baton. He says: If you’d just admit your sin, and seek God’s mercy, you’ll find forgiveness, release, joy and laughter once again! Have you forgotten how this works?
In Job 9-10, Job, says: “You don’t get it, do you? God is mad at me and I have nothing to confess to Him. We’re at a stalemate! I need an arbiter! (9:33) God! Why did you let me be born, if this is the way of things? If I’ve sinned, show me! If I haven’t, help me!”
I wonder what the third guy will say.
We’ll find out, tomorrow!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
SATURDAY & SUNDAY MAY 17 & 18
MAY 17 & 18 JOB 4-7
1st BLOG after surgery!
Well, here’s how things shook down.
I should have written this BLOG over the weekend. I had pre-written the BLOGS for May 14-16, thinking—erroneously—“Surely that’ll be enough time for me feel like getting in the swing of things again.”
But, when the weekend came (and I was still in Paducah struggling to re-awaken my bodily functions, let alone my knees) I got it in my head that I had already finished the weekend BLOG (I hadn’t). So I didn’t worry about it.
When Monday, May 19, arrived, I knew I hadn’t BLOGGED for that day. But Monday turned out to be “travel day,” and the focus was on “getting home.” The five-plus hour drive from Paducah went very well, but NO BLOG.
My first night at home was at least two tics on the 1-10 meter worse than any night in the hospital; I think they kept the really good meds in Paducah. In any event, I’m considerably less spunky than I thought I might be.
I wonder if Job felt like that. Friday’s reading ended with fear, dis-ease, disquiet and restlessness. What he needed were some good counselors. And the three friends who berate him much of the rest of the book are anything but good counselors. At first, of course, they are subtle and indirect. They layer their criticism with niceties. But soon, the gloves come off, and the three of them collectively become Job’s greatest trial.
NOTE the pattern of their 29-chapter debate, for that is what it is. Job speaks, then tackles the comments of these friends, Epiphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, each in turn. There are three cycles, meaning that Job works his way through the friends three times (except for Zophar, who appears to give up early). And speaking of “debates;” who do you know that feels like debating in the midst of mourning tragedy?
Oh well, we’ll dig in, tomorrow!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
1st BLOG after surgery!
Well, here’s how things shook down.
I should have written this BLOG over the weekend. I had pre-written the BLOGS for May 14-16, thinking—erroneously—“Surely that’ll be enough time for me feel like getting in the swing of things again.”
But, when the weekend came (and I was still in Paducah struggling to re-awaken my bodily functions, let alone my knees) I got it in my head that I had already finished the weekend BLOG (I hadn’t). So I didn’t worry about it.
When Monday, May 19, arrived, I knew I hadn’t BLOGGED for that day. But Monday turned out to be “travel day,” and the focus was on “getting home.” The five-plus hour drive from Paducah went very well, but NO BLOG.
My first night at home was at least two tics on the 1-10 meter worse than any night in the hospital; I think they kept the really good meds in Paducah. In any event, I’m considerably less spunky than I thought I might be.
I wonder if Job felt like that. Friday’s reading ended with fear, dis-ease, disquiet and restlessness. What he needed were some good counselors. And the three friends who berate him much of the rest of the book are anything but good counselors. At first, of course, they are subtle and indirect. They layer their criticism with niceties. But soon, the gloves come off, and the three of them collectively become Job’s greatest trial.
NOTE the pattern of their 29-chapter debate, for that is what it is. Job speaks, then tackles the comments of these friends, Epiphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, each in turn. There are three cycles, meaning that Job works his way through the friends three times (except for Zophar, who appears to give up early). And speaking of “debates;” who do you know that feels like debating in the midst of mourning tragedy?
Oh well, we’ll dig in, tomorrow!
Your Bible brother,
Pastor Gary
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