Blog Through The Bible

John 3:22-36

2012-02-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

After this Jesus and his disciples went into Judea, where he spent some time with them and was baptizing. John was baptizing at Aenon near Salem because there was a lot of water there, and people were coming to him and being baptized. (John hadn’t yet been thrown into prison.)

A debate started between John’s disciples and a certain Jew about cleansing rituals. They came to John and said, "Rabbi, look! The man who was with you across the Jordan, the one about whom you testified, is baptizing and everyone is flocking to him."

John replied,"No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I'm not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him. The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete. He must increase and I must decrease. The one who comes from above is above all things. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all things. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever accepts his testimony confirms that God is true. The one whom God sent speaks God’s words because God gives the Spirit generously. The Father loves the Son and gives everything into his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever doesn’t believe in the Son won’t see life, but the angry judgment of God remains on them."
(CEB)

One of the challenges of translating certain passages is that it isn't always clear where the quotation marks belong because in the original Greek text that John's Gospel was written in didn't include quotation marks. In most cases, a plain reading in context points to where the quotes should go. But sometimes it isn't so easy.

Take a look again at this passage and see how John the Baptist starts speaking "No one can receive anything unless ... " In this translation, the quote goes all the way out to " ... the angry judgment of God remains on them."

Is it possible that the quote ends earlier and the latter part is "commentary" by John the Apostle?

For example, check out the ESV, TNIV and NRSV translations of the text where John the Baptist quote is ended with his statement He must increase and I must decrease.

Indeed, that does sound like a logical place for John the Baptist to have stopped speaking?

What was John the Baptist's message?

John the Baptist points toward Christ by explicitly saying he is NOT the Christ but the one sent before Him. John the Baptist then uses the analogy of the difference between the Groom and the friend of the Groom. He wraps up by declaring: Therefore, my joy is now complete. He must increase and I must decrease.

At this point, it is possible that John the Baptist elaborated further. But equally possible is that John the Apostle picks up the ideas but uses themes already introduced in the earlier parts of the Gospel to extend the conversation beyond John the Baptist's remarks.

The one who comes from above is above all things. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all things. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever accepts his testimony confirms that God is true.

The "above" type language is straight from the mouth of Jesus in the earlier parts of John 3. The "heaven" image has been used previously by Jesus John 3:13 and John the Baptist in John 3:31. The "testify" motif shows up in John 1:7-8, 2:25, 3:11. Almost all of these reference back to something connected to the divine nature of Jesus.

John the Apostle round out the commentary by drawing upon the majesty and the mystery of the Trinity in how God speaks through the sending of His Son and the giving of the Holy Spirit and the need to believe/trust in the Son. This kind of language makes a whole lot more sense post Pentacost - when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Church after the Resurrection and Ascension that would not have been available to John the Baptist.

The one whom God sent speaks God’s words because God gives the Spirit generously. The Father loves the Son and gives everything into his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever doesn’t believe in the Son won’t see life, but the angry judgment of God remains on them.

How is this rather "theological" section applicable to daily life?

I think we can definitely take John the Baptist's example of not taking the spotlight but instead point to Jesus the Christ. We really need a God is God and I am not attitude in life. And after we have by our life and deeds and words, pointed to Christ, we leave it to God since He is the one who gives the Spirit that works mysteriously, invisibly and sometimes/sometimes not subtly like the wind to change people's lives.

Lord, help me to trust in your Son and step into eternal living each day. Help me to decrease so that you may increase. Help me to point people to you. Amen

John 3:1-21

2012-02-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

It is interesting that Nicodemus came at night. He could be nervous about being seen with the controversial Jesus. On the other hand, a night time visit without the crowds could permit greater conversation without the distractions.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Thewind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

I wonder what else was in the mind of Nicodemus at this point. He either didn't understand Jesus or he understood but didn't accept Jesus' ideas.

I would guess that Nicodemus as an upstanding Pharisee and ruler of the Jews (probably part of the Sanhedrin, the leadership body of the Jews of the time) thought he would be able to see and enter the kingdom of God. In particular, he might think, "I'm born Jewish in a long line of Jewish ancestors and we are the chosen people. What do you mean I have to be born of some other way to enter the kingdom?!"

Aside from believing he was born of the right people to see the kingdom, he had very specific views on how God works in the world. The Pharisees were big on obedience to the law. The Sadducees were the keepers of the Temple. The Zealots wanted to restore Israel by getting rid of the Romans. The Essenes wanted to restore Israel by separating themselves from everybody who wasn't one of them. Put in "contemporary" terms, you might say the Pharisees were the populists while the Sadducees were the elites; the Zealots the revolutionaries while the Essenes were the isolationists.

And so, Nicodemus probably had a point-of-view on how God wanted things done. Thus, Jesus talking about "born again" and "born of water and Spirit" would fly in the face of his expectations of what was needed.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Jesus perked up Nicodemus ears with "born again," "water," "spirit" and "wind." But now, he shifted back to something he would definitely recognize: the story of the healing of the people when Moses raised up a serpent on a standard. The healing was from God but the requirement was for the people believe and follow the instructions to look at the serpent on the pole. To see the story go to Numbers 21:4-9.

John then steps into the narrator role and launches into an explanation and summary of what has just taken place. He starts this mini sermon with perhaps the most famous verse in the Christian Scriptures, John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
(KJV)

Belief isn't a blind leap into the dark. It is more like trust. In the dramatic moment in an adventure film, one character says to the other that is about to fall to their death, give me your hand and the hearer of that offer must decide, do I trust? Is the outreached hand accompanied with a snarling face? Or is the outreached hand extended with love in the eyes?

God has reached out to humanity, to you and to me, through Jesus the Christ.

Lord, thank you for your mercy in reaching out to us, to me. Out of your love, you were not content to let us die in sin and darkness. Instead, you sent Jesus to bring light, life and a way back to a right relationship with You, with others and with ourselves. Thank you. Amen.

John 2:12-25

2011-12-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there a few days. Now the Jewish feast of Passover was near, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

He found in the temple courts those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers sitting at tables. So he made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the temple courts, with the sheep and the oxen. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold the doves he said, "Take these things away from here! Do not make my Father's house a marketplace!" His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will devour me."

So then the Jewish leaders responded, "What sign can you show us, since you are doing these things?" Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again." Then the Jewish leaders said to him, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and are you going to raise it up in three days?" But Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body. So after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the saying that Jesus had spoken.

Now while Jesus was in Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover, many people believed in his name because they saw the miraculous signs he was doing. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people. He did not need anyone to testify about man, for he knew what was in man.
(NET)

John's Gospel has a certain directness that appeals to many readers. Of course, readers who want something more "subtle" sometimes feel John is too simple.

But, on the other hand, amidst the "simplicity" of John's telling of the Jesus story, delving deeper and looking more closely shows it isn't so simply at all.

One theme in John is the question of belief/unbelief.

Often times the people who believed Jesus were the ones we least expected to belief! And, likewise, the ones who didn't believe were the ones we think should know better!

The other big theme in John is pointing to who Jesus really is and to the Cross.

In this passage, there is a whole lot of pointing going on!

Jesus called the Temple, "My Father's House."

If you or I were really upset about commerce occurring in the worship space of a church and had the guts (I don't think I have that kind of boldness) to overturn the tables and chase them out, we might say, "Get out of here, you are using God's/Lord's house as a market place." I suppose some might say, "The Heavenly Father's House." But "My Father's House?" Dunno. Don't think so.

But for Jesus, entirely proper.

The pointing toward the Cross however is a bit more subtle. Jesus said destroy this temple and in 3 days I will raise it up again. If one heard that proclamation with no context of resurrection, it would sound like crazy talk. But John's post-resurrection editorial comment makes it clear to the listeners and readers of the Gospel: But Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body. So after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the saying that Jesus had spoken.

Another feature of the Gospel of John I hadn't fully appreciated was the "Jewishness" of it. Of course, much of the growth in the early church was in reaching the Gentiles. But the message of Jesus is rooted in God's work among the Jews. I do wonder what it was like for the Gentile believers who had no idea of any of the Jewish stories. I suppose as part of their church life, the teaching elders would have explained how God worked among the Jews and cited examples from the Hebrew Scriptures and the punch line would be: God is still working today and now includes everybody!

In John's writing of this Gospel, there are periodic mentions of Passover. Jesus is often at Jerusalem for the Passover in the various episodes in John. To this day, Jews celebrate Passover to remember how God delivered them out of the slavery of Egypt. And indeed, we now celebrate the ultimate Passover in that Jesus has delivered us from sin and death.

One controversy about this passage of driving out the money changers is about its location within the Gospel of John (very early) while in the other Gospels, it occurs very late.

Some speculate that Jesus drove out the money changers twice in his life time.

Another possibility is that the Gospel of John is not always chronological and that he juxtaposed this event with the water into wine event to suit his teaching aims. Perhaps, John wanted to pair the first sign (water into wine) with Jesus pointing to the final sign (death and resurrection).

We need to remember that the Bible writers should not be constrained by our 21st Century expectations of what a biography looks like. Today, we get 500+ page tomes with tons of footnotes and usually a chronological narrative. In the early church, the text was hand written on precious and hard to come by materials. Thus, the text tends to be terse compared to modern writing styles.

Also, these texts were read aloud for meetings as part of teaching components in worship. And so they are not mere reportage of the events of Jesus life but sermons. Thus, there are times when John steps in the text with explanation and amplification of the episode he recounted.

As we approach Christmas of 2012, let's remember the miracle of this story: God coming into the world to dwell among us. God could have used a megaphone and said, "God loves everyone." But no, he sent Jesus to dwell among us. And indeed, to suffer and die on a Cross. And rose again the third day! Death is no longer the last chapter for those who would trust in Jesus.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Amen!

John 2:1-11

2011-10-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

Now on the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine left." Jesus replied, "Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come." His mother told the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."

Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the water jars with water." So they filled them up to the very top. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the head steward," and they did. When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!" Jesus did this as the first of his miraculous signs, in Cana of Galilee. In this way he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (NET)

What to make of this episode?

This passage sometimes comes up in wedding celebrations with the officiant saying some variation of, "And so we know the high value of marriage for Jesus attended the wedding at Cana."

But compared to some of the other miracles, this does seem a bit "mundane" as miracles go as it is meant to keep the party going!

But perhaps that is part of the point of this "sign."

Remember, the idea of signs is to point to who Jesus is or point to the Cross or both!

And so, indeed, through Jesus, through his mission on the earth, He brings us to the knowledge of God and we are drawn into a celebration.

So perhaps this sign points to celebration and its a big one with 120-180 gallons of wine and to top it off wine of good quality.

At another level, one wonders if the water to wine miracle points to the Cross in a symbolic way?

Jesus told us to remember whenever as a church family we break bread (Jesus body broken for us) and drink wine (Jesus blood shed for us) in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper (or eucharist or communion; name depending on the type of church one attends).

And so interestingly, the wine was made from water placed into pots used for "ceremonial washing."

If the ritual of the time was ceremonial washing of hands with water, how much greater a washing of our whole being from our sins through the blood of Christ on the Cross?

And so as a result of this sign, his disciples believed in Jesus.

Perhaps, at a superficial level, Jesus must be special as he performed a transmutation of water into wine. But perhaps, they began to glimpse something more about the King who was ushering in the Kingdom of God? Certainly, after the institution of the Lord's Supper at the Last Supper, the symbolism of this miracle could be more striking.

Lord, thank you that you have brought us into your family to be Children of God and into a grand celebration. Thank you for the Cross which we remember with simple symbols of bread and wine. You have cleansed me from sin with your blood. May you continue to cleanse me by renewing my mind, strengthening my conscience and empowering my will to follow your ways. Amen.

John 1:29-51

2011-10-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

In addition to the role of signs pointing to Jesus and the Cross and the significance of that, John's Gospel offers portraits of the journey towards belief mixed with stories of unbelief.

Belief, in our modern language, has taken on the meaning, believing in something you know isn't true. In our day and age, belief is wishful thinking about something that isn't real.However, in the strictest sense of the meaning, in the Bible, belief is trust and a trust placed in someone worthy of trust. Thus, belief, trust, faith, in the Biblical sense, has some foundation.

And so in this portion of John, we get three examples of belief.

First, John the Baptist.

On the next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one about whom I said, 'After me comes a man who is greater than I am, because he existed before me.' I did not recognize him, but I came baptizing with water so that he could be revealed to Israel." Then John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending like a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. And I did not recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining - this is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' I have both seen and testified that this man is the Chosen One of God."

What was John the Baptist's journey to faith?

His mother Elizabeth knew Mary, the mother of Jesus. One wonders if John the Baptist grew up hearing stories about Mary and the miraculous/mysterious Jesus? Did he spend time as a youth with Jesus?

Interestingly, twice in this passage, John the Baptist said, I did not recognize him!

Is his failure to recognize him a feature of perhaps knowing Jesus while growing up and thinking Jesus as rather unremarkable?

In any case, in this episode, John the Baptist was moved to call him "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" And John the Baptist saw the Spirit descending upon Jesus. Apparently, God broke through!

The second episode tells about Andrew and Simon Peter's journey to belief.

Again the next day John was standing there with two of his disciples. Gazing at Jesus as he walked by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When John's two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Jesus turned around and saw them following and said to them, "What do you want?" So they said to him, "Rabbi" (which is translated Teacher), "where are you staying?" Jesus answered, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. Now it was about four o'clock in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is translated Christ). Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon, the son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

Andrew was already following John the Baptist. John the Baptist starting calling Jesus, "the Lamb of God!" And so Andrew decided to follow Jesus. Was it curiosity?

Andrew wound up staying with Jesus for the day. Oh, what it would have been like to be a fly on the wall during that time! Something amazing must have happened because Andrew told his brother Simon Peter, we found the Messiah!

John the Baptist saw the Spirit descending on Jesus. Andrew spent an afternoon with Jesus. As a result both believed.

The third story is Philip and Nathanael.

On the next day Jesus wanted to set out for Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." (Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.) Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets also wrote about - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael replied, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip replied, "Come and see."Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and exclaimed, "Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "How do you know me?" Jesus replied, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel!" Jesus said to him, "Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these." He continued, "I tell all of you the solemn truth - you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Why did Philip start to follow Jesus?We don't know for sure but look at what he told Nathanael: "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets also wrote about - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Somehow in spending time with Jesus, Philip who apparently knew his Scriptures very well, concluded Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures.

Meanwhile, Nathanael was skeptical. Yet, when Jesus said he saw Nathanael was under the fig tree, Nathanael's skepticism melted away. Should we assume that Nathanael was under the fig tree figuring no one else was around and yet Jesus knew he was there? But why was that so significant? Perhaps, Nathanael was engaged in serious meditation and prayer? Perhaps, he was deeply troubled by something? Perhaps, he was contemplating the news that John the Baptist was calling this Jesus of Nazareth the Lamb of God and wondering, is it actually possibly true?

The journey to belief is different for everyone.Perhaps, one has had parents and family members who were believers like John the Baptist may have known about Jesus since childhood.Perhaps, one gets to spend time with people who embody what it means to be a Christian like Philip getting to spend time with Jesus.Perhaps, one searched the Scriptures and find faith like Phililp.Perhaps, God meets us in some unusual way knowing us in a way only God could know us like Nathanael.

Lord, please work through me to reveal you to people I meet. Lord, please work in my church so that people see YOU when they come to church and when we go out about our lives. Lord, please work through the church around the world, especially in the hard places, revealing your love and your truth. Amen.

John 1:19-28

2011-10-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

Now this was John's testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed - he did not deny but confessed - "I am not the Christ!" So they asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not!" "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No!" Then they said to him, "Who are you? Tell us so that we can give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"John said, "I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said." (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. ) So they asked John, "Why then are you baptizing if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not recognize, who is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal!" These things happened in Bethany across the Jordan River where John was baptizing.
(NET)

One of the challenges of reading the Bible is to factor in the cultural and temporal distance between us and the people who first received a portion of Scripture. The early church would have read the text aloud in their meetings because the painstakingly hand written copies would be exceedingly rare and precious.

Today, we can read the text for ourselves from bound copies of the Bible or electronic versions on various devices. As such, we may miss the dynamics of how the text sounded. And so read this text aloud and right off the bat one can probably feel how it was written for the ear.

Note the triplet of negative confessions by John the Baptist:"I am not the Christ!" "I am not!" (Elijah)"No!" (I'm not the Prophet).

There was no question that John the Baptist was a compelling figure. His potent message had attracted considerable attention resulting in followers and opponents. It would have been very easy to let all of that acclaim go to his head. But he knew his mission and his role and so the triplet of negatives.

He then went positive to explain his role: I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, "Make straight the way for the Lord."

He followed up by pointing to someone greater than himself:I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not recognize, who is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal!

A couple of months back, I heard a podcast by Prof. Fred Sanders. He was making a point about the challenge of "pointing." As Christians, our role is to point people to Jesus. That isn't always so easy because of our own weakness but also the weakness of the one watching us pointing. He explained by way of illustraion, when we point at something, a dog may look at what we are pointing at or at the end of our finger. The more we point, the more the dog is intrigued by our finger. Thus, as human beings, in regards to pointing at spiritual truths, we may often get stuck looking at the fingertip and not what is being pointed at.

The people saw the dramatic preaching of John the Baptist and the positive responses of many of the listeners and thus, they wonder, Is He the Christ?

John the Baptist immediately, says, no, no, no. I'm pointing to someone else who is far greater. I'm pointing to someone else who is going to do something else far greater than I.

This notion of "pointing" or "signs" will turn out to be a useful template to view much of the Gospel of John.In future passages, Jesus would do miracles and these acted as signs pointing to something greater. But many in the audience would focus on the miracle itself and miss the point!

And so what is the point?The Prologue in John 1:1-18 and the purpose statement of John 20:30-31.

Sprinkled throughout the Gospel of John will be little "sermons" of what the point is interspersed with episodes of people missing the point or struggling to get the point. In some cases the people involved eventually come to recognize that Jesus is "God who became flesh to give us light and life."

Lord, have mercy. Help me NOT to miss the point. Help me to be someone willing to be like John the Baptist and speak for and point to Jesus, the Christ. Amen.

John 1:1-18

2011-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog, I opted not to try to blog straight through from Genesis to Revelation. I figured I'd sample different parts of the Scriptures. In some cases, I wanted to examine portions that don't come up very often in typical sermons or small group Bible studies. For example, the just concluded series of blog posts was on Nahum. Send me an email if you have heard a sermon from Nahum! Or even a quote of a verse from Nahum in a sermon! I'd be curious to hear how it was discussed.

For the next series, I thought I'd go with something familiar, the Gospel of John.When I first started to follow Jesus, I was advised to read the Gospel of John to learn more about Jesus. And indeed, over the decades, I have heard many sermons from John. And I'm sure in the re-reading I'll be doing for these blog posts it will be refreshing to go over familiar things and am looking forward to new insights.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it.

The start of John's gospel has the echo of Genesis and the Creation. A grand sweeping cosmic description. Jesus the Christ was the Word, is the Word and was there at the start and continues to be the source of light and life.

A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.

We are introduced to John, as in John the Baptist. From what I have read and have heard about the Gospel of John, John, the Apostle doesn't explicitly refer to himself in this Gospel. Thus, when you see the name John, it is almost certainly John the Baptist. It has been hypothesized that when John referred to himself in this Gospel, he used the phrase, the disciple whom Jesus loved.Indeed, in the Gospel of John the word love appears quite a few times, more than in Matthew, Mark and Luke combined. Also, he used love frequently in his letter I John.

The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. But to all who have received him - those who believe in his name - he has given the right to become God’s children - children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God. Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory - the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. John testified about him and shouted out, "This one was the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than I am, because he existed before me.’” For we have all received from his fullness one gracious gift after another. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came about through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known.
(NET)

This is the part that I think is most profound: God "became flesh and took up residence among us."

The "deist" god is one that created the universe and hasn't been heard from since. The god of "non-theist" religions is an impersonal god.

What do we have here?

The idea was asked pointedly by the big hit song a decade or so ago by Jewel, "What if God was one of us?"

What if God was one of us?
Just a slave like one of us?
Just a stranger on the bus
Tryin' 2 make His way home

We started in John with a cosmic big picture canvas. We also have before us in John, a God who inhabited a particular place and time. We have a God who was not content for humanity to remain in the darkness we have chosen for ourselves. Grace and truth was revealed through Jesus. God took up residence among us: his fingernails got dirt in them, his feet got blisters, he got soaked in the sweat of daily toil, he experienced the aches and pains of this life, he was accepted and received by some and rejected and not recognized by others.

Lord, thank you for the grace of Jesus in taking up residence among us, of taking up human skin and experiencing the full sorrows of a fallen world. Thank you that this truth has been proclaimed and preserved through the generations. May your followers continue to proclaim this mysterious, amazing good news to all the world! Amen.

Outline of Nahum

2011-09-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

1:1 Author - Nahum

Judgment upon Nineveh introduced
1:2-7 The character of God
1:8-11 Judgment introduced for the first time in text
1:12-14 God speaks (text has God speak in first person on 3 occasions)

Judgment upon Nineveh revealed - possible chiastic structure.
A. 1:15-2:2 Judgment announced - cause for the oppressed people to celebrate
B. 2:3-2:10 Judgment described
C. 2:11-12 Judgment compared to defeat of a lion, a symbol of Assyrian culture
D. 2:13 God speaks
E. 3:1-4 Judgment described
D' 3:5-7 God speaks
C' 3:8-11 Judgment compared to defeat of Thebes, a city the Assyrians destroyed
B' 3:12-17 Judgment described
A' 3:18-19 Judgment announced - cause for Assyrians to mourn

Nahum 3:1-19

2011-08-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Nahum is a bit hard to read because it is harsh.

The justice of God is fair but nonetheless hard to hear.

Onward to Nahum 3:1-19.

In this chapter, we get a blend of the description of the judgement that will fall on Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, God speaking directly and a final concluding announcement of judgement.

The judgement described, vv. 1-4.

The bold texts below are from the NET. Read it aloud. The translation seems to be trying to capture the cadences of a preached message of doom. It begins with a description of why judgement will fall on them.

Woe to the city guilty of bloodshed!
She is full of lies;
she is filled with plunder;
she has hoarded her spoil!

It is then followed by this series of images you can see and hear in drumbeat like fashion:

The chariot drivers will crack their whips;
the chariot wheels will shake the ground;
the chariot horses will gallop;
the war chariots will bolt forward!
The charioteers will charge ahead;
their swords will flash
and their spears will glimmer!
There will be many people slain;
there will be piles of the dead,
and countless casualties –
so many that people will stumble over the corpses.

Nahum then returns once again as to why this nation deserves judgement.
Because you have acted like a wanton prostitute –
a seductive mistress who practices sorcery,
who enslaves nations by her harlotry,
and entices peoples by her sorcery –

Periodically, in the text of Nahum, God speaks directly. We have seen this before in 1:12-14 and 2:13. We see this again in 3:5-7.

"I am against you," declares the Lord who commands armies.
"I will strip off your clothes!
I will show your nakedness to the nations
and your shame to the kingdoms;
I will pelt you with filth;
I will treat you with contempt;
I will make you a public spectacle.
Everyone who sees you will turn away from you in disgust;
they will say, 'Nineveh has been devastated!
Who will lament for her?'
There will be no one to comfort you!"

Again the drumbeat cadence of repetitions of doom. We would prefer to think about how God loves the world and sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior and we definitely should immerse ourselves in the truth of God's grace. But if God is truly a God who will receive the sinner who turns from their sins, what is God suppose to do about the sinner who doesn't turn from their sin? What is God to do about an nation that has sinned and won't change its ways? Would God be worthy of worship if God forgives the repentant sinner but doesn't judge the one who refuses to repent?

In vv. 8-11, we get an anchor into another historic reality of that era of ancient history in the citation of the judgement of Thebes which fell in 663 BCE. Assyria would fall in 612. Turns out in a bit of justice, it was the Assyrians who sacked Thebes though this article cites the date as 661. Nonetheless, what irony that those who destroyed Thebes would suffer the same fate!

You are no more secure than Thebes –
she was located on the banks of the Nile;
the waters surrounded her,
her rampart was the sea,
the water was her wall.
Cush and Egypt had limitless strength;
Put and the Libyans were among her allies.
Yet she went into captivity as an exile;
even her infants were smashed to pieces at the head of every street.
They cast lots for her nobility;
all her dignitaries were bound with chains.
You too will act like drunkards;
you will go into hiding;
you too will seek refuge from the enemy.

Nahum returns once again to a doleful recitation of the doom that will fall upon Nineveh in vv. 12-17.

All your fortifications will be like fig trees with first-ripe fruit:
If they are shaken, their figs will fall into the mouth of the eater!
Your warriors will be like women in your midst;
the gates of your land will be wide open to your enemies;
fire will consume the bars of your gates.
Draw yourselves water for a siege!
Strengthen your fortifications!
Trample the mud and tread the clay!
Make mud bricks to strengthen your walls!
There the fire will consume you;
the sword will cut you down;
it will devour you like the young locust would.
Multiply yourself like the young locust;
multiply yourself like the flying locust!
Increase your merchants more than the stars of heaven!
They are like the young locust which sheds its skin and flies away.
Your courtiers are like locusts,
your officials are like a swarm of locusts!
They encamp in the walls on a cold day,
yet when the sun rises, they fly away;
and no one knows where they are.

The methods of poetry can be used to potent effect with its evocation of images and sound and smells thorough word choices. Even the very pattern of repetition of ideas slightly changed with each line contributes to the mood. And here the doom and despair just hammers home hard.

Nahum ends with one final parting shot in vv. 18-19 which forms a counter-point to Nahum 1:15-2:2 which described the fall of Assyria and Nineveh from the perspective of celebration for the oppressed Israelites. For the oppressed, proclaim on the mountains the good news of Assyria's fall. For the Assyrians, are see themselves scattered like sheep on the mountain. For the Israelites, they can celebrate and experience restoration. For Nineveh, it is the end of line, their demise and destruction if a fatal injury and incurable wound.

Your shepherds are sleeping, O king of Assyria!
Your officers are slumbering!
Your people are scattered like sheep on the mountains
and there is no one to regather them!
Your destruction is like an incurable wound;
your demise is like a fatal injury!
All who hear what has happened to you will clap their hands for joy,
for no one ever escaped your endless cruelty!

Lord, your rulership in this world is breaking in for at the Cross of Christ there is good news. Your victory has begun but has not been completed yet. Help me as an individual and help us as a people who follow you to fight the wickedness within ourselves and strive to combat the wickedness in our society that destroys lives. God speed the days of restoration and heighten the visibility of your goodness in this world. Amen.

Nahum 2:11-13

2011-08-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Let's recap up to this point.

In Nahum 1:1 we are introduced to Nahum. Beyond what is in this verse, we know nothing else about him.

Nahum 1:2-8 stressed the character of God
Nahum 1:9-11 began the announcement of the judgment upon Nineveh.
God is referred to in the third person in this section.

Nahum 1:12-14 God spoke of judgment in first person.

Nahum 1:15-2:10 the judgment against Nineveh is described in very vivid terms.

And now let's enter a brief reflection on Nahum 2:11-13 where the imagery is of a lion (Nineveh) now decimated. Additionally, God spoke again in first person in verse 13 using the image of a lion for Nineveh.

Verses 11-12
Where now is the den of the lions,
the feeding place of the young lions,
where the lion, lioness, and lion cub once prowled
and no one disturbed them?
The lion tore apart as much prey as his cubs needed
and strangled prey to provide food for his lionesses;
he filled his lairs with prey
and his dens with torn flesh.

The lion is probably the most fierce animal in the ancient world. Elephants might be bigger but the sight of a lion pouncing on its prey and tearing it apart must have been one of the most scary and awe-inspiring sights. In the NETBible study note #77 on this passage, it said the Assyrians saw themselves as lions. Thus, this part here turns their national image of themselves on its head.

This section concluded with God speaking out against them.

"I am against you!" declares the Lord who commands armies:
I will burn your chariots with fire;
the sword will devour your young lions;
you will no longer prey upon the land;
the voices of your messengers will no longer be heard."
NETBible

We usually prefer thinking in more positive terms: if God is for us, who can be against us?

Here it is turned upside down, if God is against us, what chance do we have?

And indeed, Assyria was utterly destroyed.

How do we stand in the face of God in response to a passage like this?

I recently heard a lecture on the life of John Calvin. The speaker, Fred Sanders, admitted he was trained at a seminary that wasn't supportive of all of Calvin's theological ideas. But he believed he learned very much about how to approach the Scriptures in an honest and thorough way by reading John Calvin's magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion. Sanders admired Calvin's attitude of "doing theology before the face of God." In the end, Sanders shared, when we "do theology" we are trying to express our understanding of God and in order to do it seriously, we have to be willing to say our theology back to God.

Because of this endorsement from a non-Calvinist, I have decided I'll try to read this famous work. I suspect it will be in fits and starts as it is a very large work and not always the easiest reading!

I came across this in Chapter II, part II:
"... he embraces him not less as the avenger of wickedness than as the rewarder of the righteous; because he perceives that it equally appertains to his glory to store up punishment for the one, and eternal life for the other."

Yes, God is the God of the simple but profound truth, "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong."

As I read Nahum, do I also embrace this God who is the "avenger of wickedness?"

Lord, as one who wants to understand your ways and live for you, it isn't easy to think about the hard things of God. But, indeed, if I am to praise your goodness and kind mercies, I need to praise you for your justice that will fall upon those who are wicked. In this passage in Nahum, I see that no one escapes and judgment fell upon an evil nation. Lord, have mercy and help bring about repentance and reconciliation in the world today in all its hard places. Thy Kingdom come and with may the fullness of justice and restoration and reversal come too. Amen.

Nahum 2:3-10

2011-07-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

Poetry fires up the imagination. As you read poetry, it engages the senses: you can hear the sounds and see the colors and feel the anguish. And, indeed, the destruction meted out upon Nineveh was described in very vivid manner in the portions below found in Nahum 2:3-10.

The shields of his warriors are dyed red;
the mighty soldiers are dressed in scarlet garments.
The metal fittings of the chariots shine
like fire on the day of battle;
the soldiers brandish their spears.

The chariots race madly through the streets,
they rush back and forth in the broad plazas;
they look like lightning bolts,
they dash here and there like flashes of lightning.

The commander orders his officers;
they stumble as they advance;
they rush to the city wall
and they set up the covered siege tower.

The sluice gates are opened;
the royal palace is deluged and dissolves.

Some parts of Scripture are unique to the Scripture. In some cases, what was described in the Bible was also described in other literature of the times. And in some cases, archeological evidence support the descriptions of ancient literature including the Bible.

It seems that this particular event, the fall of Nineveh and Assyria would fall into that the category of being present in the Bible, other literature and archeology if Wikipedia can be taken as accurate on this point in the "historical context" paragraph. More can be found in their entry on Nineveh.

Nahum continued the prophecy about the calamity that would befall Nineveh ...

Nineveh is taken into exile and is led away;
her slave girls moan like doves while they beat their breasts.

Nineveh was like a pool of water throughout her days,
but now her people are running away;
she cries out: "Stop! Stop!" -
but no one turns back.

Her conquerors cry out:
"Plunder the silver! Plunder the gold!"
There is no end to the treasure;
riches of every kind of precious thing.

Destruction, devastation, and desolation!
Their hearts faint,
their knees tremble,
each stomach churns, each face turns pale!

NET

Chilling word pictures!

In reading the Wikipedia entries on Assyria and Nineveh, the archeological digs suggest that "destruction, devastation and desolation" would be an accurate description of what happened there.

An analogy might be made to 20th century history where by the end of World War II many parts of Germany and Japan were in ruins.

But what about the "big" theological point: the rise and fall of nations occur at the discretion of God?

I don't think one can "prove" this idea. I think that would be a faith claim based on revelation. However, one might make an inference from the idea of "justice" that there is a God. Using World War II as an example, most people view it as a "just war" because of the atrocities committed by the Axis nations. Where does this sense of justice come from?

Of course, some might argue, in the end, it was just a matter of raw power and that the Allies had more raw power and they prevailed because of that. Perhaps so.

In the final analysis, in my mind, I would be very sad if there was no God with the resulting situation that injustice in too many cases would prevail and be the last word. Of course, this does not mean, those who believe in God sit idle waiting for God to bring justice. Instead, we are to do justice the best we can with humility mixed with mercy. But sometimes, it is beyond us and we have to beseech God.

Lord, as I reflect today, there is injustice in the world. Lots of it. Just a few days ago, nearly a 100 people were killed by one evil man in Norway. We cry out for justice upon those who do evil. We cry out for mercy for us who have failed to stop injustice big and small when we had the opportunity to do so. Amen.

Nahum 2:1-2

2011-05-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Nahum 2:1-2
The watchmen of Nineveh shout:
An enemy who will scatter you is marching out to attack you!
Guard the rampart!
Watch the road!
Prepare yourselves for battle!
Muster your mighty strength!

The pronouncement against Nineveh gets more specific in chapter two after chapter one's more sweeping statements pertaining to God's justice and mercy. Now, the hammer of justice is about to fall and Nineveh can see it coming!

The first remark in the NET seems a bit odd to me, The watchmen of Nineveh shout, considering the 5 lines that follow.

According to the NET notes for verse 1, The introductory phrase “The watchmen of Nineveh shout” is not in the Hebrew text, but has been supplied from the context for clarity.

Perhaps, if it was rendered this way, it would make more sense?

An enemy who will scatter you is marching out to attack you!
Thus, your watchman should shout:
Guard the rampart!
Watch the road!
Prepare yourselves for battle!
Muster your mighty strength!

For the Lord will restore the majesty of Jacob, as well as the majesty of Israel, though their enemies have plundered them and have destroyed their fields.
NET

And so indeed, Israel/Jacob would be restored and those who had plundered the people of God will get their comeuppance which will be further described in the next parts of chapter 2.

I took a look at Harper's Bible Commentary for some analysis of Nahum. They too point out that Nahum portrays a fearsome God. They also point out that Nahum should be read in light of Jonah that is also about God and Nineveh.

We have all heard the story of Jonah being swallowed by a fish. What you may not know is that Jonah eventually went to Nineveh to tell them to repent or God is going to judge them. And, indeed, the people of Nineveh did repent and God spared them.

Thus, if one reads both Jonah and Nahum in sequence, one would have a clear picture that God doesn't just blast people without giving them a chance to change their ways. Indeed, it would seem Nineveh did turn back once before but by the time of Nahum, they had slipped back into wickedness and God's justice came back to the forefront.

Lord, you are both merciful and just. Those who have turned their back on your mercy have decided they want to face your justice. I pray thy kingdom come. I trust in your timing. As you delay, I ask that your call of repentance, your patient mercy and your gracious desire for reconciliation will be responded to. Amen.

Nahum 1:12-15

2010-10-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

Nahum 1:12-15 continued the proclamation against Nineveh but now God is described in the first person.

This is what the LORD says:
"Even though they are powerful -
and what is more, even though their army is numerous -
nevertheless, they will be destroyed and trickle away!

The rising and falling of great powers seems to be an inevitable part of the history of nations. One way of looking at this would be to attribute the instrumental cause of the Fall of Assyria to the rival forces of the era as described in ancient documents. However, in Nahum, God is viewed as the principle cause ...

Although I afflicted you,
I will afflict you no more.
And now, I will break Assyria's yoke bar from your neck;
I will tear apart the shackles that are on you."
The LORD has issued a decree against you:
"Your dynasty will come to an end.
I will destroy the idols and images in the temples of your gods.
I will desecrate your grave - because you are accursed!"
Look! A herald is running on the mountains!
A messenger is proclaiming deliverance:
"Celebrate your sacred festivals, O Judah!
Fulfill your sacred vows to praise God!
For never again will the wicked Assyrians invade you,
they have been completely destroyed."
(NET)

Would we dare do this today?

Would we dare attribute to God the principle cause of judgment, today?

Certainly, some people took a "prophetic" cloak and said that the 9/11 attack on America was God's judgment on the US for fill-in-the-blank reason(s). Thus, the instrumental cause would have been the 19 terrorists and the entities that supported them. Or some would proclaim the economic collapse of the last few years was God's judgment upon America's sin of greed. Again, an instrumental cause of the crisis could be identified but the principle cause would be God's judgment.

This kind of attribution to God's activity was proposed by Abraham Lincoln in regards to the Civil War in his Second Inaugural Address. Excerpt:

If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South, this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to Him? Fondly do we hope -- fervently do we pray -- that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether."

Nahum had the anointing of God as a prophet to speak for God. Jews and Christians accept that as an article of faith.

But what about us? Can we do the same?

I suspect not. I think we can only go as far as Abraham Lincoln did. Lincoln took a prophetic tone but mixed it with a strong dose of humility.

I would not assign God as behind any political party. I can't imagine transferring the words of Nahum 1:12-15 from the Assyrians to fill-in-your-political opponent. In my mind, that would be wrong.

But what if one considers some of the horrible things that happen in some parts of the world? In places where children are forced into the sex trade, what does one say? In places where women can be killed because they dishonored the family, what does one say? In places where opponents of a dictatorship are disappeared, what does one say?

In those situations I want to be able to hear God say,
And now, I will break the oppressor's yoke bar from your neck.
I will tear apart the shackles that are on you.
Your authority will come to an end.
I will destroy the symbols of your power.
I will desecrate the graves of those you honor because you are accursed!

I suppose I could pray like that in my prayer closet?

But what if I'm in the position of authority to sway or command others? Can one take that up that kind of language?

We can't abdicate the responsibility of using discernment in choosing a course of action to deal with injustice in the world!

But can we claim this kind of prophet language?

Would the kind of language Lincoln took in the closing from the Second Inaugural be appropriate?

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.

I don't have any answers. I just have questions. But I have no question about the reality that injustice still runs rampant in this world. I want God to fix it. And I want the wisdom to know how to do justice in the realms where I can have an impact and trust God in the realms where I have no impact. Is that arrogant? Is that wrong?

Lord, have mercy. I want to see the oppressor's yoke bar broken where ever oppression is found. We are made in the image of God and I pray where sinful humanity has placed chains upon our fellow man that you would tear apart those chains. Crush those earthly powers that mock the value of human life. With humility and grieving and love but with conviction help me to pray that thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And grant to me the strength and wisdom to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Amen.

Nahum 1:2-11

2010-09-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Nahum 1:2-11 continued our introduction to the book of Nahum. It sets the stage and begins the pronouncements of judgment upon Nineveh (Assyrians).

In some cases, Nahum spoke of God in the third person and on other occasions he spoke for God in the first person.

In this section, he used third person. There was much text describing God as fully capable and willing to let the hammer of justice fall! I've broken the text up into 5 blocks. If you only read blocks A, C and E, you may think that God is just mean! But blocks B and D put the fierce parts into context.

Take a look ...

(A)
The Lord is a zealous and avenging God;
the Lord is avenging and very angry.
The Lord takes vengeance against his foes;
he sustains his rage against his enemies.

(B)
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power;
the Lord will certainly not allow the wicked to go unpunished.

(C)
He marches out in the whirlwind and the raging storm;
dark storm clouds billow like dust under his feet.
He shouts a battle cry against the sea and makes it dry up;
he makes all the rivers run dry.
Bashan and Carmel wither;
the blossom of Lebanon withers.
The mountains tremble before him,
the hills convulse;
the earth is laid waste before him,
the world and all its inhabitants are laid waste.
No one can withstand his indignation!
No one can resist his fierce anger!
His wrath is poured out like volcanic fire,
boulders are broken up as he approaches.

(D)
The Lord is good -
indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress,
and he protects those who seek refuge in him.

(E)
But with an overwhelming flood
he will make a complete end of Nineveh;
he will drive his enemies into darkness.
Whatever you plot against the Lord, he will completely destroy!
Distress will not arise a second time.
Surely they will be totally consumed
like entangled thorn bushes,
like the drink of drunkards,
like very dry stubble.
From you, O Nineveh, one has marched forth who plots evil against the Lord,
a wicked military strategist.
(NET)

Does a fearsome God who destroys bother you?

I suppose if one thinks of God as some dawdling old grandfather who doesn't know what is going on this picture would be quite jolting.

This is NOT a passive God! This is a fierce and passionate God.

Block C testified to the power of God with vivid images. I don't know what kind of storms hit the Middle East typically but foul weather is scary whether it is a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm or monsoon. This was followed by a set of images that are the exact opposite: things drying up which leads to the slow lingering death and suffering of drought. The last set are images of the upheaval of what we feel to be the most stable: the ground under our feet and the large mountains on the horizon.

But is this all that God is?

Blocks B and D show the God of patiences and justice and one who protects.

If God is just the God of blocks of B and D without A and C, how would we think of God?

Not possible! In order for what it says in blocks B and D to be true, A and C have to be true.

This sets the stage for the final part in block E: God's hammer of justice is going to fall on Nineveh. Nineveh was given warnings before in the famous book of Jonah. In that story, Nineveh did turn from their wicked ways and were spared. But, they fell back to their previous patterns and now Nahum warns them that they will fall.

I'm glad that God is compassionate and desires to reconcile us to himself and each other. But I'm also glad that God is just and when the time is right, his justice will arrive in full force.

How about you?

Lord, the world is a mess. Some days, I feel I want to call up on you to rain down destruction upon people who make children into soldiers, who oppress and abuse women, who blow themselves up and kill and maim people going about their lives. Lord, in your time, you will bring justice. Help me to trust in your timing. Until that time, continue to pour out compassion, move amidst your people to serve others, bring people to the peace that knowing you brings. Amen.

Nahum 1:1

2010-09-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

In light of my new awareness of copyright issues. I'll be making some format changes. I'll still link to the Bible passage at hand by linking to Bible Gateway. From there you could check out how various translations render the passage.

I'll also paste the text in the post using the NET Bible from http://bible.org since their copyright rules are crafted for the internet age.

When I started Blog Through the Bible, I could have started from Genesis and blog toward Revelation.

However, I opted to "jump" around for the sake of variety.

And so, now, let's go back to the Hebrew Scriptures and visit a book that probably doesn't get preached on very often. Have you heard a sermon in Nahum?

image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nahum-prophet.jpg
Image is an 18th Century Russian Orthodox icon of Nahum.

Nahum 1:1 introduced us to the book.

The oracle against Nineveh; the book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite:
(NET)

The nation of Israel was formed out of the people that left Egypt, one of the big powers in the region. As Israel grew, they faced threats from various nations. One of them was the Assyrians based in Nineveh. Israel was unified under Saul, David and Solomon but they divided and eventually, the northern part was conquered by the Assyrians with the fall of Samaria in 722 BC. The Assyrians would be supplanted by the Babylonians when Nineveh fell in 612 BCE. Nahum made reference to what appeared to be a conquered Thebes in Nahum 3:8 which suggests that this book was written at some point after the fall of Thebes in 663 BCE and prior to the fall of Ninevah. To get a good overview of the historical timeline, be sure to check out Bill Creasy's web page.

I took a look at Walter Kaiser's commentary that covered Micah to Malachi (pp. 97-98) to find out what we know about Nahum. Kaiser reported that all we know is his name from this verse! The name in Hebrew means "comfort" or "consolation." Kaiser added that the location of Elkosh is uncertain but is suspected to be 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem.

Lord, thank you that you have sent prophets through the ages to warn, comfort, challenge and teach us. Amen.

Copyright Statement

2010-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have to say I hadn't even thought about the issue of copyright until I read this item over at the web site that hosts the NET Bible. Excerpt: Bible copyright policies typically require special permission before Internet posting, writing commentaries, allowing mission organizations to translate works into other languages, or when quotations exceed some verse limit.

Unless I crawl through all the blog posts on this site and count up the verses I've cut and pasted, I have no way of knowing if am out of compliance in terms of exceeding the number of verses cited without obtaining written permission. Likewise, I haven't indicated the version I was citing at the time of preparing the blog post. In any event, it would be a lengthy effort to fulfill the letter of the law in this case.

I hope this effort here will be taken as a good faith effort to acknowledge the intellectual property rights of the various publishers Bible translations I have used on this blog.

I have cited from the following translations:

English Standard Version

New American Standard Bible

New International Version.

New King James Version.

New Living Translation.

The Message.

Today's New International Version.

Going forward, I'll be quoting from the NET Bible since their copyright parameters lend it to easy usage on blogs. When I do quote from the other translations, I'll be much more attentive to tag the version used in a citation.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://bible.org All rights reserved.

Outline of II Peter

2010-09-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Introduction, 1:1-2.

The journey of faith, 1:3-4
1. Building on the faith, 1:5-8
2. A warning and an assurance, 1:9-11

The foundation of faith
1. The testimony of the apostles, 1:12-18
2. The testimony of the prophets, 1:19-21

The challenges to faith
1. False teachers harming the community, 2:1-3
2. Judgment falls upon those who have rebelled, 2:4-10
3. Characteristics of false teachers, 2:10-22

The conclusion of faith
1. The Day of the Lord, 3:1-10
2. How we ought to live, 3:11-18

II Peter 3:11-18

2010-09-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Jesus is coming back. The world as we know it will be changed. So how do we live as we await this?

2 Peter 3:11-18 ...

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

You ought to live holy and godly lives ...

It can't be said enough: theology without a changed life is meaningless.

Ideas should have consequences. If we believe that God cares about how we live our lives, then we better live our lives differently! Likewise, if we believe life is pointless, then an ethic of eat, drink and be merry makes sense... have a blast while you last. Ideas have consequences.

But some people might think, well, if Jesus is going to come back and fix everything, then why should we bother trying to fix anything?

Indeed, God doesn't "need" us to do anything. He could do anything He wants with a snap of His fingers. He could say it is so and it is so.

Yet, God has us participate with Him in the transformation of a broken world and reconciliation of human beings with each other and with their God whom they have ignored and resisted.

And so, we have a responsibility. We should ... make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

We need to seek Him with our whole being for help.

So we need to stand firm in God drawing close to Him in humility asking that we think clearly and not be swayed. We need to strive to do what is right. Sometimes, our emotions are drawn to do what is right. We feel in our gut compassion and so our hands move to hug someone hurting. Sometimes, our minds can see that something will be beneficial so we write a check to an organization that helps get clean water wells built in a developing country saving lives. Sometimes, we do what is right because it is what God says we ought to do. For example, God says we should reconcile with one another. We don't feel like it. Our head says its too hard. But we need to do it because it is simply the right thing to do.

Be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...

We live in a world where there is a struggle. The "spirit of the age" includes a "do it if it feels good" approach which we must resist. The intellectuals of this world attack the idea of believing in God and trusting the wisdom contained in a dusty old book like Bible. Yet, thinking more carefully and clearly, their evidence falls somewhat short of the confident claims they assert.

Lord Jesus, you came to save us by walking on this earth, dwelling among us, dying on the Cross and rising from the dead. And you will return to finish the work! God until you return, help me to live for you. Craft within me more humility so that I will seek you. Transform my whole being by stirring my heart, convincing my mind and strengthening my will to live holy and do good and be your hands and feet in this world. Amen.

II Peter 3:1-10

2010-08-17T23:15:00.000-07:00

2 Peter 3:1-10 ...

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

My immediate reaction was to think that Peter is referring to 1 Peter. But some commentators think that the subject matter and probable audience of 1 Peter and 2 Peter was so different that this line in 2 Peter referred to some other letter which has been lost to history.

This does raise the question of whether or not there are "lost letters" that should be in the Bible. Of course, that is unanswerable! What we can say is that there were a lot of other writings that did survive but in much smaller numbers than the texts that made it into the Christian Bible, the New Testament. The books of the so called Christian Apocrypha is numerous but they gained little to no consideration for inclusion into the New Testament because they were not widely accepted by the church, had questionable apostolic authorship and/or had content that was inconsistent with normative Christianity. More about the significance of apostolic authorship below.

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

There was a body of text that Judaism held up as Scripture: the Torah (5 books of Moses), the Prophets and the Writings. And it is clear from the NT letters that the Apostles believed they had a mandate from Jesus much as the Prophets of the OT had a mandate from God. Thus, the Apostles believed they provided authoritative teaching verbally (when they preached) and in written text for the communities of faith.

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."

One teaching that Jesus gave was that he would return.

But when?

As time past, people began to wonder, when is this going to happen? Why the delay?

Thus, the Apostle Peter responded ...

But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

The delay was due to God's patience and desire to provide time for humanity to repent - to turn around from choosing the way of the self to the way of God.

Dennis Prager the other day on the radio was saying the difference between people with a Judeo-Christian worldview and the secular worldview is identifying the source of the problems in the world. The secularist says the problem is society while the Judeo-Christian worldview says individual selfishness is the problem.

Thus, God's desire is for us to turn away from self and toward God for restoration. And so God waits ... but eventually ...

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Lord, thank you that you came to dwell among us. Thank you that you desire to restore us to yourself. We believe you will return one day to complete the restoration and to bring justice. Help me to keep my eyes on you while the world ignores you. Help me to have a gracious and persistent love for the people who don't call you Lord. Amen.

II Peter 2:10-22

2010-07-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

image source:
http://web.d261.k12.id.us/Teachers/jacobsen/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=17&Itemid=29

Rodney King was not the best messenger but his plea, "Can we all get along?" has some value. Tolerance has its place in a civil society, yet, we do need to be discerning in our lives. Unfortunately, there are people we have to watch out for. Parents should want their kids to choose their friends carefully. One has to be careful of strangers lurking at schoolyards. Those running a business have to hire their employees carefully. Sincerity isn't enough because people can be sincerely wrong. One can sincerely believe one has a $1,000,000 in the bank but when that check for the mortgage bounces because there was really only $100 in the account, all the sincerity in the world isn't enough.

And, sadly, in addition to the sincerely mistaken, there are people who are actively seeking their advantage to the harm of others.

And so what we have here in 2 Peter 2:10-22 are some very hard words to those who would take advantage of the unsuspecting.

Things to watch out for:

1 - People who talk big and brash.
There is confidence. And there is something that crosses the line. It almost certainly will include looseness with the truth.

Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand.

2 - People who leave a trail of broken people in their wake.
We often see nature as a beautiful thing and in many ways it is. But the reality is that there is a bloody side to nature: the predators eat the prey. However, our calling as human beings, should not allow us to destroy lives in the pursuit of our goals. Ends and means matter to us and this is what should separate us from the animals where the ends of survival is the prime directive.

They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done.

3- People who seek pleasure.
There is joy and happiness in the Christian life. However, we all know there is a line that gets crossed and reading the verse below is clearly crossing it.

Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

4 - People who seek to control others.
Jesus calls us to a life of service not to lord it over people or manipulate them to get what we want.

With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable;

5 - People who seek after money.

they are experts in greed - an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey - a beast without speech - who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

6 - People who drain the life out of others
Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Christians, Jesus followers, should be pointing the way to God, telling the truth and doing things that bring life to others. The false teachers act for their own benefit, use words to gain advantage and destroy and damage the lives of others.

These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity - for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

In the last analysis, those who are wolves in sheep's clothing will get justice.

If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

Harsh words, eh?

Can we accept a reality where the evil escape punishment and no one has a harsh word to say?

Or do we accept harsh words to warn and contend against people who mislead others and destroy lives in the name of God?

Lord, have mercy. Give me wisdom and discernment to see what really is. Not to be too quick to judge but yet not afraid to stand up for truth and righteousness. Guard me from hypocrisy. Infuse me with humility. But do not allow humility to be a reason for inaction. Do not allow my imperfections be an excuse for silence in the face of sin. May there be people who show me "tough love" and help me to offer the same to those you bring into my life. Amen.

II Peter 2:4-10

2010-07-01T21:43:00.000-07:00

image source: http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/lightening-unbelievable-535780_1024_768.jpg

Previously, Peter had stated that false teachers were in the midst of the community. In 2 Peter 2:4-10, Peter recited times in the past when judgment fell upon those who opposed truth and righteousness.

Example number one - the angels who rebelled.

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment

We know of humanity's fall from Genesis. However, there is also the fall of the angels which is much less described. Peter stated this theological reality here without any elaboration assuming the understanding of the reader.

What are the indications we have from the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures of the fall of the angels?

Revelation 12 painted a picture of a cosmic battle that has taken place and continues to take place. Most vividly, "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."

Less clear is whether Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19 described the fall of Satan due to pride. The primary meaning of the passages would be applied to the king of Babylon and the king of Tyre respectively. However, some interpreters have also assigned a second meaning to these passages as describing the fall of Satan and would link these passages with Luke 10:18. For a discussion of this idea see this article.

In any case, God judged the angels that rebelled.

Example number two - the world in Noah's day

if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others

Go here to read the beginning of the famous Noah and the Flood story.

Example number three - the wickedness of the people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly

To see the beginning of this story, go here.

and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)

The judgment of God is described here along with the rescue of Lot and the cautionary tale of what happened to Lot's wife.

if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.

Yet, amidst the judgment, God found a way to rescue the faithful. Peter wanted to assure the community from the history of God's dealings with humanity two truths: (1) judgment will strike down those false teachers who run contrary to what God wants and (2) God will rescue them.

Lord, give us discernment. We don't have perfect clarity on these matters. However, when we see something contrary to your truth and your ways, help us not to be fooled. Give us boldness and graciousness to stand against it wisely, to gently correct when it is a misunderstanding and to vigorously resist when it is clear those in error seek to misled. Lord, have mercy! Amen.

II Peter 2:1-3

2010-05-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

image source: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap071126.html

The next part of II Peter dove into the problem of false teachers. It goes on for quite a few verses so let's take them a bit at a time.

2 Peter 2:1-3 ...

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

How does one spot a false teacher?

There appears to be two areas they err: ideology and behavior.

What are their ideological mistakes?

Heresies are ideas that conflict with the established norm. Thus, if one claims to be a Christian, there are certain beliefs that are part of that claim, in particular beliefs about Jesus the Christ. These false teachers "denied the Sovereign Lord (Christ) who bought them!" If they didn't get the central thing right, they were definitely off to a bad start. Since Peter used the plural for heresy, there was probably other things they had incorrect. But, obviously, if the central teaching of Christianity, who Christ is, was off-line, they were false teachers.

Nothing has changed in a couple thousand years: people today have all sort of ideas about who Jesus was and is. In some cases, they don't claim to be Christians and so at least there is clarity. But, of course, the dangerous ones are those who claim to be Christians yet have odd ideas of who Jesus was and is.

Aside from ideology, there is behavior. What gave them away in 2 Peter's time?

"Shameful ways" ... "Bring disrepute" ... "Greed" ... "Exploitation" ...

Can some of these phrases be used to describe some of the scandals of religious leaders today?

Sadly, many examples can be found for each one of these.

The church is far from perfect. And so what makes an authentic Jesus folllwing community different than a group led by a false teacher?

Hopefully, we turn our shame into confession of sins and eventual reconciliation.

Hopefully, we do our best to make restitution to those we have hurt rather than continue to bring disrepute by covering up sins.

Hopefully, we are characterized by giving of our resources not gathering them in greed.

Hopefully, we are marked by a attitude of being a servant of others and not an exploiter of others.

Lord, help us, as the church who follows the living Lord Jesus, the Christ, be all this and thus true to who you want us to be. Amen.

II Peter 1:12-21

2010-05-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

image source: http://www.markmallett.com/blog/?p=537

Previously, Peter discussed the journey of faith his readers were on. Now, he went on to discuss the truthfulness of that faith.

I once heard Greg Koukl say, "The heart cannot believe for very long what the mind rejects."

Faith isn't (and shouldn't be) believing something one knows to be false. Rather faith is trust in something we have some indication to be true and trust in someone whom we have some basis to consider reliable.

And so the Apostle Peter dived into the foundation of faith and the truthfulness of it.

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Peter leaned upon his eyewitness testimony.

For instance, Peter recalled when Jesus told Peter about the manner of Peter's death.

This passage also specifically called upon the indelible images of the Transfiguration when for a brief moment, he, James and John got a glimpse of Jesus' glory like how Moses got a hint of God's glory up in Mt. Sinai. Peter, in a bit of self-deprecating humor, referred to his life as a tent which recalled his remark at the Transfiguration of wanting to build shelters for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.

There was a body of eyewitness testimony about the life of Jesus. Certainly, the teachings of Jesus were eagerly preserved. But also, episodes of His power and glory were part of that body of testimony. Jesus was much more than a good teacher.

And on top of the testimony about Jesus, Peter called upon the prophets of old ...

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

The message of God came to humanity through the Prophets. The message of God came to us through Jesus. And indeed, the Prophets pointed to Jesus. The Christian faith holds to a unity of ideas about God and life from the Hebrew Scriptures into the New Testament.

The Scriptures contain what God wants us to know... men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. It wasn't dictation. The writers weren't robots. In their personality, with strength and weaknesses, God worked through them to get His message out.

And so, in the Scriptures, there are direct teachings of what is good and right and true but also life stories that are far short of God's standards. Yet, even those things are meant for us to gain understanding of how life is to be lived.

Lord, thank you for intervening. You have spoken through the prophets. You went even so far as to send Jesus. And now, you have preserved your message by providing Scripture. And you have asked us, flawed and weak people who call you Lord, to carry your message to the world in the way we live our lives. Lord, help me to be live it out and be bold and ready to point people to you. Amen.

II Peter 1:3-11

2010-05-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

image source: http://forestry.about.com/b/2009/11/21/collect-and-plant-an-acorn-today-grow-an-oak-tree-for-the-future.htm

Continuing on in 2 Peter ...

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

I usually try to link to some image that I think connects to the text at hand. We all have biological life, hence the plant image above. However, is there more to life than just biological existence?

Indeed, Saint Peter talks of godliness and participating in the divine nature.

God doesn't merely exist but has character. Likewise, we don't merely exist but have the potential to take after God's character or to take after "the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

Are we left on our own to fend for ourselves?

We are provided promises and power from God!

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thus, we start with faith. Another word I like is trust. When we trust someone, we will do what they recommend. When we trust the pilot of the airplane, we give over our safety to the pilot. Thus, we start with trust in God.

On top of that:
goodness
When we speak of someone is good, what do we mean? I think of a person that seeks the well being of another. Someone who strives to do what is right.

knowledge
There is "book learning" but isn't there more to knowledge than that? There is also a sense of clarity of seeing things as they really are.

self-control
The ability to recognize the impulses we have and to deal with them. We have impulses to that aren't good and self-control is the ability to refuse them. We have impulses that are appropriate but must be regulated, i.e. too much of a good thing becomes bad.

perseverance
The ability to wait. The ability to plow ahead even if positive reinforcement isn't present.

godliness
What are the characteristics of God? Are we striving for those characteristics? What does God value? Do we hold the same values?

brother kindness
The picture in my head of this is meeting another person's need. We are family and we help each other out. We are part of the human family and we help each other out.

love
There is probably no better description of love than 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, love is kind ... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres ...

Also, check out Eugene Petersen's interpretation of these virtues.

But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

There is a tension between God's part and our part in this journey. Without God reaching toward us through Jesus, we have no hope. Now that God has done this, we respond and we strive. But as mentioned at the top of the passage, even in our responding, we need to rely on God's promises and power in our lives, thus the final destination is sure ... a welcome into the eternal kingdom!

Lord, give me power to live for you. Help me call upon your promises for wisdom and strength. Please transform my mind from its tendencies toward selfishness and discouragement. Amen.

II Peter 1:1-2

2010-05-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

image source: http://www.mystudios.com/art/bar/rembrandt/rembrandt-apostle-kneeling.html

Moving ahead now to 2 Peter.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

What is my identity?

Simon Peter described himself as a servant.

That is certainly one of the top virtues emphasized by Jesus.

Mark 9:35, Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

Peter also recognized that he did have a particular role as one of the original 12 and thus rightly claimed the title of Apostle.

Yet, in the very next breath, he diminished that distinction by saying that the faith of his readers was just as precious as his and his fellow apostles.

The reason: that faith was made possible by "the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ."

On top of the faith, grace and peace comes along because his readers know God and Jesus.

Christianity isn't just a collection of intellectual ideas, it is transformative of lives and a relationship with God.

In I Peter, this was emphasized in the context of the suffering that the believers faced. In II Peter, we will be seeing a different challenge that believers then and now, face.

Lord, it is all grace. Without what Jesus did, I'm lost. Without your preserving the faith and the faithful through the generations, I would not have heard of the message of Jesus. May more people in our cold-hearted and warring world come to know you and thus experience peace and grace. Strengthen those who follow you in difficult places. Amen.

Outline of 1 Peter

2010-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Introduction 1:1-2

Reflection on the grand scope of the new birth and salvation
1. Its future inheritance, 1:3-5
2. Its present suffering, 1:6-9
3. Its anticipation by prophets and angels, 1:10-12

Living life in the Now - Four rounds of exhortation in action/motive pattern
1. Action (prepare your minds...)
motive - God is holy, 1:13-16
2. Action (live in reverent fear...)
motive - Precious blood of Christ, 1:17-21
3. Action (love...)
motive - Born through the living and enduring word of God, 1:22-25
4. Action (rid yourselves of all malice...)
motive - Tasted the Lord's goodness, 2:1-3

Theology: our new standing in Christ
1. Metaphor of living stones on the Living Stone, 2:4-8
2. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God, 2:9-10

How then shall we live?
1. Good lives, Good deeds, 2:11-12
2. Submission
a. To authorities, 2:13-17
b. To masters, 2:18-20
c. The example of Christ, 2:21-25
d. In marriage, 3:1-7
3. Treat others well even if they don't deserve it, 3:8-12

Facing up to suffering
1. Our example is Christ's undeserved suffering, 3:13-22
2. Our example is Christ using suffering to defeat sin, 4:1-6
Summing up, 4:7-11
3. Our encouragement is that we are sharing in Christ's suffering, 4:12-19
Summing up, part II, 5:1-11
Postscript, 5:12-14

I Peter 5

2010-04-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

image source: http://itech.dickinson.edu/chemistry/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/flock_of_sheep.jpg

Winding up I Peter ...

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Peter, guided by the Spirit, ended this letter with an admonition about the role of being a shepherd to the flock. This message would have had a great emotional connection to him.

One of the episodes in his life that undoubtedly seared Peter's heart was being told by Jesus that he would deny Jesus. Peter, of course, insisted, no way, no how, not going to happen. But, as Jesus had predicted, Peter when challenged, denied Jesus three times.

Later on, Jesus restored Peter in John 21. Excerpt:

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

Peter wound up the letter with a few more quick hits on living life ...

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Saint Peter then came back around to the topic he had been addressing in chapters three and four: suffering.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Looks like the letter has ended!

But we get a bit of a postscript into the personal life of Peter ...

With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

Some scholars speculated that Peter, the lowly fisherman, would have been unable to write in Greek and thus Silas may have helped draft this letter. Perhaps Silas was the secretary who wrote down what Peter said. Perhaps Silas had a larger role in composing the letter.

In a sense, speculation about Silas's role mirrors the discussion on the human role in God's inspiration of the Scriptures. Scholars debate what it actually means for the Scriptures to be inspired. Was God dictating the words to Peter, Paul, Moses, etc.? Or was it some kind of partnership where God implants the ideas but the words come from the personalities and experiences of the human participant?

Whatever the mechanism of inspiration, the key question for us is: do I take the Scriptures as as authoritative guide for living?

She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Babylon might be a symbol for Rome?

In the historic Jewish experience, Babylon was the dominating world power that conquered Jerusalem in 586 BCE. In Peter's time, Rome was the world power.

Mark is believed to be the Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark.

And so ends, I Peter.

Lord, grant wisdom to those who are shepherds of churches today here in the USA and around the world. Give them courage to preach the truth of Jesus. Help us who want to follow you to take comfort in the story of Peter in how you worked in an ordinary fisherman and who had his share of blunders. Your grace is truly beyond our imaginings. Please work in you me today. Amen.

I Peter 4:12-19

2010-04-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

image source: http://www.indianolapres.org/joomla/images/candles-big.jpg

1 Peter 4:12-19 ...

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

When Peter wrote this, I wonder if he was thinking about the teachings of Jesus found in places like Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21?

Mark 13:9, But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

I also wonder to what extent the Apostles were familiar with each other's writings?

This verse reminded me of Philippians 3:10-11 where Paul believed he could in share in the sufferings of Christ and thus, like Christ be vindicated in resurrection, that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Philippians is estimated to have been written in AD 61, while I Peter dates prior to 67/68, the time he died. Thus, it is possible that Peter might have known about Paul's letter to the Philippians. However, another possibility is that the theme of sharing in the sufferings of Christ was simply a widely held attitude among the early believers and Peter is simply reminding his readers of this.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

The idea of being blessed for suffering recalls the part about suffering in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:11-12, Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

What is the believer's response to suffering?

On one hand, those who suffer for their faith could throw up their hands and simply give up in resignation to the karmic fates that have fallen them. On the other, one could say, there is so much suffering, I should eat, drink and be merry while I can and have a blast while I last.

Instead, Jesus followers are challenged to go a third way, yes, we are to have an acceptance that suffering is a part of life but we are also to have a zeal for doing good amidst it.

Lord, help me to be a faithful to you. I don't like the idea of suffering. And certainly, here in the USA, there isn't much suffering for having faith; maybe some ridicule. Yet, even that I fear. Lord, have mercy upon me and give me courage. And may you give an extra measure of courage for your followers who in other parts of the world suffer and die for calling you Lord. Give them a vision of your faithfulness and assurances that they will be welcomed into your kingdom with honor for their endurance. Amen.

I Peter 4:7-11

2010-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

Continuing on ...

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

There is a branch of Biblical Studies called textual criticism. Since the Bible is so old, what we have are copies of the lost originals. From what I have heard, the copies are quite good for documents of such antiquity. Now, some, Bart Ehrman being most famous, feel it isn't good enough. Interestingly, his teacher, Bruce Metzger, who died a few years back, who has access to the same scholarship as Ehrman, believed the Bible copies to be reliable.

I'm just a "blogger in pajamas" so I am not qualified to assess those claims in a rigorous way. However, I will say, that even reading the Bible in English, I do wonder if some "editing" and "cutting and pasting" did happen?

This passage is an example. Read by itself, it looks like St. Peter is winding up the letter and closing it out. But I Peter actually goes on for a bit more! Thus, is this the end of the letter and the material following was edited in? Or was Peter ending the letter and then decided to write more?

Would it bother you, if you are a believer in Jesus, if some editing did take place?

I think there is a difference between editing and fabrication. Fabrication would be problematic. But of course, a skeptic will say, how do we know? They would ask, if there are edits, are they authentic to Peter (and other alleged Bible writes) or added much later?

Thus, to the extent textual criticism helps us get to the "originals," we are using the minds God gave us. Then, with the best reconstructed original we have in hand, we ask, is it authentic and authoritative for our lives? Now, that question is a matter of faith.

Now, back to the text with the trust that it is authentic and authoritative ...

For Jesus followers, the arrival of Jesus and his resurrection changed everything. It marked the beginning of the end. And with that reality in mind, Peter in rapid fire fashion summarizes how we are supposed to live. Theological belief must manifest itself in life ethic.

1. Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray
2. Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins
3. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling
4. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others

Lord, thank you that the status quo has been overturned with your sending Jesus. Now, overturn the status quo of how I live my life. Give me clarity instead of a distracted mind. Help me to love rather than linger in selfishness. Strengthen me to choose a hospitable attitude over a distrustful one. Embolden me to use the gifts you have given me to serve others thus resisting the tendency to inaction. To you be the praise, glory and power for ever! Amen.

I Peter 4:1-6

2010-03-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 4:1-6 ....

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because those who have suffered in their bodies are done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

Done with sin?

Seems a bit much to say that!

Please remember that the English Bible we have is a translation from the Greek and in some cases the Greek could be tricky to interpret. Check this translation out: Christ, then, having suffered for us in the flesh, ye also with the same mind arm yourselves, because he (Christ) who did suffer in the flesh hath done with sin. The boldfaced part is my addition to the text based on one commentator I read. Theologically, we believe that Christ died on the Cross for our sins and thus has done away with sin and death. Thus, Peter was trying to draw a parallel to Christ with a relationship between suffering and the defeat of sin.

Suffering in our lives does have a transformative effect on our values and attitudes and perspectives. People who have had a brush with death often share they are more grateful for life and more attuned to what is the really important stuff. Individuals who have experienced suffering sometimes say they find greater compassion for the weaknesses and difficulties of others.

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Makes me think of the saying, youth is wasted on the young!

Leaving behind the old life can leave the new believer the object of ridicule. But the reality is that we all eventually have to stand before God and death is the equalizer.

For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Is this preaching to the dead?

This idea was hinted at in the previous "spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:19) if one takes that phrase to mean those who have died which is a debatable interpretation.

A second option for this passage is "those who are now (spiritually) dead."

A third option is offered by Eugene Peterson: Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

I think the third option fits in with what has gone on in the verses before.

Anyway, what do you think of these six verses?

Seems a bit "stream of consciousness" here?

Peter started off with how suffering helps wring out the sin in us. Peter then described the life of sin that the Jesus followers reading the letter had left behind. Peter then connected that to how preaching the Gospel gives life. I guess it comes sort of full circle: the preaching of the Gospel involves sharing the suffering of Christ.

Lord, thank you that you did not leave us to our mis-directed ways but rather you sent Jesus to suffer on our behalf, to even die on our behalf so that we may have new life. Amen.

1 Peter 3:8-22

2010-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Have had a ton of various projects at work and at church. But let's get back to 1 Peter ...

Previously ...

Theology: our new standing in Christ
1. Metaphor of living stones on the Living Stone, 2:4-8
2. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God, 2:9-10
How then shall we live?
1. Good lives, Good deeds, 2:11-12
2. Submission
To authorities, 2:13-17
To masters, 2:18-20
The example of Christ, 2:21-25
In marriage, 3:1-7

For an outline of I Peter 1:1-2:3 go here.

Continuing onward ... I Peter 3:8-22 ...

St. Peter winds up this part of the letter by exhorting the readers with the key behaviors!

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

He had come a long way from those days of Jesus and the 12 disciples. They often bickered and competed with each other. An older, wiser, humbler Peter encouraging the flock!

For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Here Peter reached back to his Jewish roots and cites a portion of a Psalm of David (Psalm 34:12-16) to strengthen the exhortation.

Peter then presses the point home citing what Jesus did ...

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.

Great stuff! I picture Peter like a football coach firing up the team with these words.

Then would it be unfair to say, I feel he goes "off the rails" as some of the next few parts are hard for me to understand?!

He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,

No problem there. But this ...?

through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.

What is this about? Spirits in prison? Is Jesus preaching to dead people from the past?

UPDATE: In digging around, another option for the meaning of "spirits in prison" is the fallen angels. I don't know which explanation works better. The strength of this view is that humans are body and spirit while angels are only spirit.

And then the following item about linking baptism with salvation?!

In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

I think Peter is pushing the imagery very hard here and it comes out a bit mangled. But the part I do see is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without that, we have nothing. And to the extent baptism is linked to that reality of ressurrection we are saved.

Just my view here as I contemplate the text. I did go check Eugene Peterson's Message rendering of this passage and he seems to be going in this direction as well.

My prayer Lord is that you would help me set apart Christ as Lord in my heart and prepare me to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope that I have and to do so with gentleness and reverence. Amen.

1 Peter 3:1-7

2010-02-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

The beginning part of I Peter 3 continues on the theme of submitting to one another.

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Re-read that again. How does it sound to you?

There is no question that when we read Christian Scripture, we are often colored by our knowledge or experience of how teachings have been misused.

Does this passage in any way justify spousal abuse or male domination or any such nonsense in the name of submission?

No way. No how. Can't be defended from what is in here.

Jump in our time machine and wind the clock back nearly 2000 years and read these words with that perspective.

Physical strength would have been at a much higher premium in that time and so for St. Peter to say, "treat them with respect as the weaker partner" would have been radical. The mind set would easily have been, the strong should dominate the weak. But the wisdom of the Scripture say, no to that.

Peter adds, "heirs with you of the gracious gift of life". Co-heirs! That's equality!

And though the word "submit" wasn't used explicitly for the husbands, the idea is there when Peter says, "Husbands, in the same way ... " after a list of encouragements to the wives. Again, mutual submission, respect, consideration ... no way, no how can male domination over women be defended here.

Lord, thank you for the wisdom preserved in Scripture to help us in our lives. It was useful then and it is still true for us today. As a new husband, help me to live up to this admonition of mutual submission, respect, consideration and living holy together with my wife, co-heir of the gracious gift of life you have given us. Amen.

1 Peter 2:18-25

2010-02-13T23:59:00.000-08:00

I Peter 2:18-25 ...

Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

This is hard to take. Unjust suffering is one of the things we all instinctively recoil from. And so it sounds hard for my ears to hear in this teaching from Peter to bear up under slavery.

Some have criticized Christianity for slavery. Yet, of course, it was William Wilberforce's Christian convictions that compelled him to oppose slavery.

So what gives?

We do have to remember, in one sense, when we read Scriptures, we are stepping into a time machine. When the Apostle Peter wrote this, Christianity was a still an obscure though growing community. Christians were not in a position to change the system at that time. If Peter had called for the abolition of slavery, the slaves he would have wanted to liberate probably would have wound up dead.

Christianity did eventually gain enough followers to have an influence in society but sadly it would be far too long before slavery would be opposed and eventually overthrown.

And even more sadly, today, there are now different forms of slavery. One Christian group dedicated to the fight against 21st Century slavery is International Justice Mission.

Does God understand this kind of suffering and injustice?

Indeed, he does ...

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

And so, God does know. He went through it in Jesus. And it is in his sufferings, we can be liberated. And in his power, we go forth into the world bringing the message of liberation of people's souls by helping them be reconciled to the Great Shepherd and by all means possible, also liberating them from real chains.

Lord, set me free. Break the bonds that hold me to false gods. Help me to see what idols I knowingly and unknowingly bow down to. Pull me away from selfishness. Give me the vision to see injustice and the ears to hear how I can help do something about it. Amen.

1 Peter 2:13-17

2010-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

Next up in 1 Peter ...

Is "submit" a bad word?

I suppose people think of someone with a rod beating an innocent person into submission. That's bad! As a side note, if a police officer beat somebody with her stick who was about to commit a murder or some other crime would be justified.

But of course, the idea of submit could be a child taking the parent's word that touching the hot stove is a bad idea. That's good for a child to submit.

image source: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/stnic/images/prop-crozier.jpg

The idea of submission comes up in this part of 1 Peter 2 and in the beginning part of 1 Peter 3.

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

The wisdom of Scripture here says that government's role is to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. There are many ways that can be accomplished.

In American politics, there is an ongoing debate on the proper role of government. Simply put, the left wants more government, the center less and the right even less.

I do not think there is necessarily a "Christian" view of politics at this level. As I see it, the question is to what end (hopefully, a good one!)? And if to a good end, then what means (as long as it is moral) help achieve those ends?

Thus, for me, my political views are shaped by pragmatic concerns once my Christian ethic tells me the end being achieved is appropriate. As an example, making health care more available is a noble goal. Just think of how many hospitals have Christian affiliations! And so what are some practical means to reach that goal of making health care more available? At this point, my perspectives are guided by practical considerations. Since this is a devotional blog, I won't go into this matter any further!

But what happens when a government fails to live up to this role of to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right?

There have been governments that have done the opposite.

Nazi Germany clearly needed to be opposed and it was and it cost millions of lives to defeat that terrible evil. The Iron Curtain needed to be resisted and for much of the 20th Century, those totalitarian governments oppressed, arrested and executed many people. Over time, with determined resistance within and opposition from without, that system collapsed.

And so in St. Peter's day, the Roman Empire reigned strong. I suppose in some areas the local governors were brutal and perhaps in some areas they actually tried to be just. In any case, the admonition here is to start a revolution by a transformed life: doing good ... live free but don't abuse it ... live as servants ... Show proper respect ... love others ... fear God ... honor authorities.

Think that is good advice for me, living in 21st Century America?

How about where you clicked to this blog?

Lord, have mercy on the rulers and authorities in my nation. Whether they call you Lord or not, may they be granted wisdom to govern justly and effectively. There is a lot of frustration among the citizens of America with the government. Some of it quite understandable. Turn our disappointments into a renewed commitment to live rightly in our daily life toward our neighbors. Help us to do good. Help us to use the freedom and opportunities in the USA for good and not just self-interest. Give me a servant heart. Strengthen the impulse within me to be respectful and loving to others. Guide me to fear you and honor and pray for those who rule. Amen.

1 Peter 2:9-12

2010-01-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Continuing in 1 Peter ...

There is often a pattern to the writings of the Christian Scripture: a statement or series of statements that get at some big picture truth which is then followed by an exhortation of how to live life. This is the idea of ethical monotheism, a phrase I first heard on the radio from Dennis Prager.

Briefly put, ethical monotheism says, if we believe there is a God then we have moral obligations to live accordingly.

And so, Peter, follows this pattern in 1 Peter chapter one and now again in chapter two.

We have the big story of the Living Stone and us as living stones which illustrates what Jesus the Christ has done for us. And now we have the big picture put this way ...

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

We once were on the outside: not chosen, not royal, not holy and not belonging to God.

But because of what Christ has done, we were brought in. This should not lead to a haughty exclusivism but rather a humble gratitude and a gracious sharing of what we have received.

And so indeed, Peter follows up this grand news of belonging when we once didn't with these encouragements on how to live life ...

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Living out the faith isn't easy. There is darkness in this world, yet we want to help bring people from that darkness into the marvelous light of God's love. The path for a Jesus follower can be misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected and even persecuted in some places in the world, yet we want to come alongside those in the world just as Jesus did when we misunderstood, ridiculed, rejected and persecuted him. Our calling is to hear the praise and commendation of our God and not the applause of the world or the comforts of our ease.

Lord, have mercy. Bring me from selfishness to living with an awareness of God and others. Bring me from silence to graciously sharing words of love and life. Bring me from fear to standing for what is right in wise ways. Amen.

1 Peter 2:4-8

2010-01-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

STONE and stones ...

As you come to him, the living Stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame."
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone,"
and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall."
They stumble because they disobey the message - which is also what they were destined for.

This passage brought to mind when I was new in the faith. I remember pastor Dr. Lin taught us, as a Christian you are a "Christ Junior." My first reaction was that sounds strange. He would elaborate: since he was the ultimate prophet, priest and king, we are small prophets, priests and kings too.

He would explain what that should mean.

As a priest, we need to be praying for people and bringing them to God.

As a prophet, we need to be sharing God's message with people.

As a king, we need to be exerting rulership over the areas of life God has given us responsibility for.

And so in this passage in Peter, we get to see that Jesus is the STONE and we are living stones... stone and stone juniors!

What about THE STONE?

He is living. What a crazy metaphor, eh? Stones are as dead and inanimate as anything we know. And yet, Jesus is the LIVING stone. He is risen from the DEAD!

He is chosen and precious and the one who can be trusted!

What about us, the little stones?

We are living too! We were once dead but Jesus has given us life. So we too are living... living stones.

For what purpose?

built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ...

Thus, as stone juniors, we are being built into collection of priest juniors.

This imagery must have been very encouraging for people in the congregations who heard this letter from Peter.

But aside from this positive image there is a parallel negative response.

Take a look again ...
As you come to him, the living Stone
... a chosen and precious cornerstone
......... you who believe
......... those who do not believe
... stone the builders rejected
A stone that causes men to stumble

The message of Jesus is a powerful message of life and hope. Yet, he was rejected in his time and his followers over the centuries since have been rejected.

In some cases, the adage, the biggest hinderance to Christianity has been Christians, applies. Sad to say, there is truth to that.

But is the message itself and Jesus himself a hinderance?

As beautiful a life and message that was and is, people stumble because of it.

Lord, have mercy. Help me be a priest that lifts up to you the needs of people around me. I pray for compassion for a chaplain intern as he stands alongside the person in the hospital bed and the family in the waiting room and shows the love of Christ. I pray for strength and wisdom for the doctors in Haiti who minister with their gift and training of medicine in the face of overwhelming need. I pray for us in the USA who have so much that we would give to help those who have so little. I pray for those who in the world who seek to destroy life for you ask us to pray for our enemies. May you break through the darkness that shrinks their hearts. And is it wrong for me to ask that if they do not turn, that the hammer of justice would fall upon them ending their ability to inflict evil and suffering? Lord have mercy. Amen

I Peter 2:1-3

2010-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

The news from Haiti remains grim.

President Obama has mobilized the resources of the US Government to help and is to be applauded for the swiftness and scale of the effort.

When it comes to disaster relief, politics must always be set aside and indeed, Former President's Clinton and Bush have teamed up to spearhead efforts.

Here is one list of agencies on the ground in Haiti.

Here is another list of groups working to assist Haiti.

There are many agencies doing work there and I hope you will pick one to support.

Please give to any reputable organization you trust. When people need help, we need to step up to the plate and give.

President Bush put it simply, "The most effective way for Americans to help the people of Haiti is to contribute money. That money will go to organizations on the ground and will be -- who will be able to effectively spend it. I know a lot of people want to send blankets or water -- just send your cash. One of the things that the President and I will do is to make sure your money is spent wisely."

And so now, I will go to an organization I have supported on many occasions in the past, World Vision, to donate.

Find one you want to support and please do so!

###

I Peter 2:1-3 ...

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Sometimes, the Bible has complicated stuff.

Sometimes, it is as plain as day.

Don't need to over think this one, eh?

If we have truly tasted the Lord's goodness in our lives, we have no option but to make every effort to set aside the old ways and grow in the newness of life and salvation He has given us.

Pretty much everything I Peter has been saying thus far has been along these lines.

Perhaps, it will do well to re-cap the ground we have covered in 1 Peter ...

Introduction 1:1-2

Reflection on the grand scope of the new birth and salvation
1. Its future inheritance, 1:3-5
2. Its present suffering, 1:6-9
3. Its anticipation by prophets and angels, 1:10-12

Living life in the Now - Four rounds of exhortation in action/motive pattern
1. Action (prepare your minds...)
motive - God is holy, 1:13-16
2. Action (live in reverent fear...)
motive - Precious blood of Christ, 1:17-21
3. Action (love...)
motive - Born through the living and enduring word of God, 1:22-25
4. Action (rid yourselves of all malice...)
motive - Tasted the Lord's goodness, 2:1-3

Lord, please work in my heart so that I would be your hands and feet in this world. Not only help me to set aside the old ways but make me bold and willing and empowered to live in a new way of love and reverence and alertness to what you are doing. Amen.

1 Peter 1:22-25

2010-01-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years! Okay, am about 10 days late...

Anyway, back to the lifetime project of blogging through the Bible...

Coming up on the end of Chapter 1 ...

The Bible does contain elements of "deep thought." But I think foremost there is a linkage between theology and living life.

Here in the latest part of chapter one is a very practical challenge:

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

There is the truth of a holy God and what God has done in sending Jesus.

Then there is a response that is called for ... love.

This isn't intellectual rocket science!

But it does require a transformation ...

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.

Do we naturally love without God changing us?

Parental love for children is real. The love of friends is real.

These are beautiful expressions of love and reflect God's desire for how we are to live.

But of course, we have a connection in both cases ... a family tie and some common ground that provides emotional affinity for our friends.

How hard is it love a stranger?

This is where the church as a community can rise or fall. The people listening to this letter from Peter might have some family ties to each other. Some might have friendship connections from daily life. But I would guess that some (many?) would be strangers to each other.

Will they live up to this call to love?

Will having the desire to follow Jesus in common spur a love beyond family and friends?

And, of course, will the call to love extend beyond their own church community?

Indeed, one can marshal evidence of how Christians have failed to love. All too true.

But one must also look at the schools, hospitals, orphanages, support groups and other things that people of faith have started.

And hopefully, my transformed life will be evidence that God is alive as well.

Lord, thank you for Jesus and the transformation he has brought. Help me to live out the command to love. Clear out the hardness of my heart and replace it with a new heart that sees with your eyes and hears with your ears. Amen.

1 Peter 1:17-21

2009-12-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

Continuing on ...

Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

What jumps out at you?

For me ...

"foreigners here in reverent fear"

and

"chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times."

I think one of the struggles of living out the Christian faith is finding the healthy tension between recognizing a higher calling (we belong to God) which leads us to be foreigners yet not become isolated from this present life in the process.

As an ethnic minority, I have experienced some of that "foreign-ness" in that there is sometimes not full acceptance by the majority culture. Some differences are innocuous and fall into the realm of mere "taste" or "preference." But some differences are real values clashes.

If we are living out the Christian faith, there will be times we feel like "foreigners." For example, today, there is a very aggressive strand of atheism that views Christians as intellectually deficient and the source of many problems in society. For less aggressive atheists, they view Christians as odd people but tolerable as long as they don't say too much.

Because of this, it will be easy to retreat to one's own enclaves.

But, of course, the life of Jesus and his message calls us to influence the lives of others by demonstrating love, calling people to turn back to God and building bridges. Thus, the temptation to retreat to a private precinct is to be resisted.

Its mind blowing to consider "chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times."

The mission of Jesus was planned before the creation of the world? Whoa.

As humans, we think in linear time: creation of world --> fall of humanity --> Jesus.

This passage says that Jesus was chosen to the sacrificial lamb before the creation... before the fall ... before it was necessary (in our sense of linear time)!

Jesus, as the sacrificial lamb, at that moment in human history, is effective not just for those in the first century but for us in the 21st century and for that matter for all time?!

And in God's time line, Jesus' revelation is "the last times."

People sometimes object to the Christian faith because it isn't rational.

In most people's mind, people believe that means Christianity is irrational and thus not true.

I propose for your consideration that that is inaccurate.

Rather, I consider Christianity supra-rational.

Is that a real word?

Yes.

Love cannot be comprehended by reason alone. It involves reason in that we observe the beloved and interact with words and deeds. But the choice of love, the commitment to love, the cherishing of the beloved requires more than reason.

Christianity posits that God is a person who is seeking to reconcile wayward creatures to himself and each other. Since this existentially is about relationships it cannot be exclusively a rational endeavor.

Do you buy it?

Lord, thank you for redeeming me. I was stuck in a futile path. I was alienated. I was without hope. But you have paid a price to transfer me from that lost life. Through Jesus' life, example, teaching, death and resurrection, there is hope and life and love. Help me to live in this truth with reverence. Amen.

1 Peter 1:13-16

2009-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Its Christmas!

Can we get an Advent perspective on this reading from 1 Peter?

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.

When is "when Jesus Christ is revealed?"

At one level, when Jesus came to be born in a manger, he was revealed!

Most didn't notice.

But Jesus will come again ...

Some think this passage describes Jesus return, At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. If so, there will be no missing it!

And so Peter appears to be encouraging us to set our hope on that future event. But suffice to say, hope and grace has already begun breaking into the world with the arrival of the Christ child!

The hearers of 1 Peter didn't live to see the day of Christ's return. And 2000 years later, we wonder when Jesus will return. Will it happen in our lifetime?

Mark 13:32-36 tells us no one except God knows when Jesus will return.

And what advice did Jesus give while we wait?

Be on guard ...
Be alert ...
Be about our assigned task ...

And Peter echoes Jesus words:
Prepare your minds for action
Be self-controlled
Set your hope on grace
Do not conform to evil desires
Be holy

Thank you Lord for Christmas! Grace has been given in the Christ child, grace is given each day and grace will be given to your people when you return. But for today my prayer is as the words of the Christmas Carol ...

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Amen.

1 Peter 1:10-12

2009-12-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Continuing in I Peter ...

Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Jesus changed everything.

The prophets of old pointing were pointing to that change. But they didn't get to see it in their lifetimes.

The angels "long to look ..." I wonder what does that really mean?

image source: http://www.binoculartips.com/

Imagine if you will, angels in the presence of God and God speaks to them of His plans to initiate a salvation plan through Jesus. The angels wonder, what is going to happen?

God, being God, can see how it will unfold ... down to the details of ...
people sneering at a pregnant Mary...
Joseph feeling the cold shoulders of people who think he's clueless...
Jesus experiencing the joy of people responding...
and the pain of people rejecting...
the agony of bearing the cross...
the power and glory of the resurrection...
the birth of the church...
and how the church will sometime embody the grace God wants to extend to God's delight...
and how the church will all too often fall into self-righteousness and cold heartedness grieving God...
the culmination of all things when God turns the kingdoms of this world into his kingdom...

But the angels, not being God, can't see how the future unfolds.

They wonder what is going to happen?

They know something wonderful is going to happen and so they in their own way, in ways we don't understand, do as God directs them and participate with us in the unfolding of what God is doing?

Thank you Lord that grace has come. Reconciliation with You and our fellow human beings is unfolding. The suffering of Jesus has opened the gates of salvation and that glory flows out and the angels watch with awe and wonder. May this Christmas season see a renewal in my own heart of the amazing thing you have done and a renewal of my commitment to take part in what you are doing in this world. Amen.

I Peter 1:3-9

2009-12-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

1 Peter 1:3-9 launches into a uplifting reflection of the end of our stories and how that helps us in the day-to-day.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

image source: http://www.callbox7.com/a-complete-guide-to-ambulance/

2000 years separate us in the USA from the recipients of this letter from St. Peter. In some ways, we are quite different from those people. I think that the shadow of death hung over them much more than it does today. In a time with no medicine or hospitals, death was probably something the average person saw quite often. A trauma on the street with no ER to rush them too, an infection with no antibiotics and on goes the list of things that could strike someone down that today we could do something about was a potential death sentence for the hearers of St. Peter's letter.

And so the living hope of Jesus would be very powerful. The idea that something that would not perish, spoil or fade would be immensely re-assuring.

How about us today?

Though we have banished many causes of death with medicine and technology, our essential mortality remains.

And so suffering is still as real today as it was then ... maybe here in the USA we can push it from our minds a little more easily ... but it still lingers and haunts in moments ...

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

... and so suffering remains a fact of life ... but rejoicing is possible ... how?

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

image source: http://www.eso.org/public/outreach/eduoff/vt-2004/Background/Infol2/EIS-D1.html

Pain, suffering, grief, death ... these remain constants in the human story. The slave in ancient Egypt worked to near death, the farmer in the early church seeing a loved one dying for reasons he does not know, John Donne wondering for whom the bells were tolling ...

And so we believe that this can be gone through and redeemed.

Humility, compassion, gratitude, trust ... these can come from suffering. These things, worth more than gold, could be won from the dark nights of despair.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Lord, through a glass darkly, I see. But I see. And I await the full dawning of the salvation you have begun. Help me to get a taste of the inexpressible and glorious joy. Amen.

I Peter 1:1-2

2009-12-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

It took quite a while to work through Job. The subject of suffering is both a theological and existential concern.

In this life long project of blogging through the Bible, I thought I'd continue to examine suffering.

As far as I can tell, there is no other Bible book that deals with suffering as directly as Job. But I think 1 Peter and 2 Peter do touch on the subject a bit more than many other writings of Scripture. These two books discuss many other topics as well.

So buckle up and let's continue the ride ...

Let's get to the introduction.

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

image source: http://saintpetersbasilica.org/Exterior/StPeterStatue/StPeter-Apos.jpg

I hope someday to visit St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

I would venture to say that Peter was probably the most famous of the 12 disciples as he was the most outspoken of the bunch sometimes to his detriment!

It is generally believed by scholars that the Gospel of Mark was influenced strongly by Peter's preaching. The Book of Acts which chronicles the growth of the early church has much material about Peter (Chapters 1-12). The Book of Acts eventually followed the role of Paul in the advancement of the church (Chapters 13-28).

Some scholars question whether Peter could have written I and II Peter because he was a plain old fisherman from Galilee.

Though Peter would not have had the high level of education of a Jewish rabbi, being a good Jew, he would had a solid knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures. He would also, of course, have had the benefit of sitting at the feet of Jesus!

It should be noted also that he give up the fisherman's life and would have spent much more time contemplating the teachings he heard from Jesus, re-examining the Hebrew Scriptures in that light, discussing with the other Apostles and the Holy Spirit was promised to the disciples to help them.

We can also speculate on the role Silas may have had in helping him craft this letter.

To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

image source: http://www.bible-history.com/maps/asia_minor.html

Today, Turkey is an almost exclusively Muslim country with a small number of Christians. But way back at the beginning of the church, Jesus followers could be found there, a small number also, in what was probably a society dominated by Greek and Roman polytheism.

who have been chosen
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,
for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Isn't this re-assuring?

These believers, whom Peter called strangers in the world, were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God!?

Won't delve into the philosophical implications of that here! 8-)

But it is re-assuring to know that God knew!

There is also the sanctifying work of the Spirit ... we are being made holy and pure.

This work was begun by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus for the purpose of our being obedient to Jesus.

All three persons of the Trinity are involved in our lives!

Thus, abundant grace and peace can be available to us.

Thank you Lord that you were not content to see us lost in this world alienated from you and living in turmoil. Instead you sent Jesus. Instead you sent the Spirit. You have called us to something better... to yourself. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Job 42:7-17

2009-11-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Epilogue to Job ...

After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has." So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job's prayer.

After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring.

The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. And he also had seven sons and three daughters. The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job's daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.

After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years.

And so after all the turmoil and shouting and questioning and arguing, we do reach, "and they lived happily ever after ..."

Did Job know he was on the center stage in a spiritual battle described in Job 1-2?

We don't know.

If he did know, he didn't appear to make any comment about it. If he did know, God's "answer" of I am the Creator and you are not was enough for Job.

And so what if Job never knew about the spiritual battle?

God showing up was enough.

Each of us faces struggles in life. In my humanity, I know I have sometimes, often times, asked WHY?

Yancey in his book, Disappointment with God suggested getting an answer to the WHY question might not actually help us because God's perspective is so much larger than ours.

And so our WHY question is washed away when we sense we are not alone. God "showing up" through Jesus. God "showing up" by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. God "showing up" when we are loved by family and friends. And indeed, God "shows up" in the kindness of strangers.

Is the story of Job true?

It is definitely true in the existential sense that all of us struggle with suffering and that we can argue ourselves into knots trying to explain it to ourselves and each other.

It is definitely true in that God "showing up" makes all the difference in the world.

But was the story "literally" true?

Will we meet Job in the afterlife?

If Job is a moral story than Job may or may not be a literal person. He could be a stand-in everyman for all who have faced suffering. The power of this tale doesn't rest on Job existing as is.

But, if Job was a literal person, did the story happen as literally described?

Job as a book has literary style. It is Hebrew poetry.

We do not talk to our friends in poetry. We talk in prose. We can reflect on life in poetry.

And so perhaps Job was a real man who suffered and his story was memorialized in the poetry of this book.

Another hint of "editing" or "stylizing" in Job was the speeches of Elihu.

Job was visited by his three friends and Job prayed for them.

As a side point, isn't it interesting how in life we go to comfort the sufferer and the sufferer winds up comforting the comforters?

But back to the idea of literary forms... Elihu isn't mentioned as one of the three friends yet he spoke in chapters 32-37 in pretty strong terms!

He was younger than the other three and held back until the end.

Yet, he isn't mentioned in any other way with the three friends.

Was he there all along and omitted in the friends list? Maybe he wasn't really close at all?

Or perhaps those chapters were added later?

Elihu's comments do have elements in common with God's speech at the very end. Maybe it was added by the editors of Job to foreshadow what God would say?

Don't know.

But whether Job's story is more or less as it was in here, underwent some editing or was a moral tale, I think the message stands regardless: suffering is real and our only comfort is having God show up not so much to explain it but to show us he cares for us as individuals.

"God with us" ... Immanuel = Heb. God with us. Jesus the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Lord, thank you that you invite me to bring my complaints to you. You hear my prayers. Thank you that you were not content to allow the world to continue in its course and so sent Abraham, Moses, the Prophets and most significantly Jesus. Though things seem lost now, you are at work restoring. Help me to receive that restoration and be an agent of it. Amen.

Job 42:1-6

2009-10-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

And so we reach the end of the story ...

Then Job replied to the LORD :
I know that you can do all things;
no plan of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.'
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.

When confronted with God, what is there to say?

God is holy. But what does Holy mean?

One simple answer I heard was that holy is all that makes God God and not us!

Though we are made in the image of God, that image is now marred. That is why we look at the world with a sense of unease and a sense that things are not the way they should be. Thus, in many ways God is so completely different than us. He is so "other" (holy) compared to us.

When Isaiah met God, he said, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

Are we stuck in this place of ruin?

Yes ... unless ... we recognize our state and allow God to restore!

For Isaiah, it came out this way: Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Lord, have mercy. On too many occasions I have walked in the opposite direction you want. All too often my thoughts are of self and not You and others. Yet, though you are holy and totally other than me, you have made a path for restoration. Thank you for such a gift. Help me to live in that. Amen

Job 40-41

2009-10-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Continuing toward the end of Job ...

Usually don't cover two chapters in one bite. But I figured addressing the "behemoth" and "leviathan" in one shot might be the way to go.

The LORD said to Job:
"Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?
Let him who accuses God answer him!"

Job had pretty strong words in lamenting his situation to God through the many chapters.

And God went face-to-face with Job in return.

I suppose we can take comfort in the fact that when Job went toe-to-toe with God that Job didn't become a smoking hole in the ground.

Now, before we get too comfortable, God can turn cities full of people into ashes as in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19.

Why the difference?

Sodom and Gomorrah was truly wicked ... Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous ... but Abraham begged God to spare the cities if 10 were found righteous. God said yes. Alas, not even 10 were found righteous and so Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.

How about Job?

We know from the beginning of the story that he was a righteous man. He wasn't sinless because no man is sinless. But he was right with God by seeking to live rightly and when he went astray confessing and seeking God's forgiveness.

Was his complaints about God ... was that sin?

It seems that God would rather we go face-to-face with Him with our complaints than go off and live a life of sin ignoring God.

Then Job answered the LORD:
"I am unworthy - how can I reply to you?
I put my hand over my mouth.
I spoke once, but I have no answer -
twice, but I will say no more."

Job wanted an audience with God and got it. The questions melted away and he had nothing really left to say.

God continued to dwell on His power as His response to Job's complaints...

Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm:
Prepare to defend yourself;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
Would you discredit my justice?
Would you condemn me to justify yourself?
Do you have an arm like God's,
and can your voice thunder like his?
Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor,
and clothe yourself in honor and majesty.
Unleash the fury of your wrath,
look at all who are proud and bring them low,
look at all who are proud and humble them,
crush the wicked where they stand.
Bury them all in the dust together;
shroud their faces in the grave.
Then I myself will admit to you
that your own right hand can save you.

Some scholars think behemoth was the hippopotamus!

image source: http://animal.discovery.com/mammals/hippopotamus/

Look at the behemoth,
which I made along with you
and which feeds on grass like an ox.
What strength it has in its loins,
what power in the muscles of its belly!
Its tail sways like a cedar;
the sinews of its thighs are close-knit.
Its bones are tubes of bronze,
its limbs like rods of iron.
It ranks first among the works of God,
yet its Maker can approach it with his sword.
The hills bring it their produce,
and all the wild animals play nearby.
Under the lotus plants it lies,
hidden among the reeds in the marsh.
The lotuses conceal it in their shadow;
the poplars by the stream surround it.
A raging river does not alarm it;
it is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth.
Can anyone capture it by the eyes,
or trap it and pierce its nose?

I've seen some hippos while on safari. I suspect the fact that I saw them at a pretty safe distance inside a large vehicle made them seem less fearsome!

We now get a description of the leviathan.

Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook
or tie down its tongue with a rope?
Can you put a cord through its nose
or pierce its jaw with a hook?
Will it keep begging you for mercy?
Will it speak to you with gentle words?
Will it make an agreement with you
for you to take it as your slave for life?
Can you make a pet of it like a bird
or put it on a leash for the young women in your house?
Will traders barter for it?
Will they divide it up among the merchants?
Can you fill its hide with harpoons
or its head with fishing spears?
If you lay a hand on it,
you will remember the struggle and never do it again!
Any hope of subduing it is false;
the mere sight of it is overpowering.
No one is fierce enough to rouse it.
Who then is able to stand against me?
Who has a claim against me that I must pay?
Everything under heaven belongs to me.

Some experts say the leviathan is a crocodile while others say a whale.

What does it sound like to you from the description so far?

Did the ancients in the Middle East hunt for whales?

I suppose you could throw spears and harpoons at crocodiles.

I will not fail to speak of Leviathan's limbs,
its strength and its graceful form.
Who can strip off its outer coat?
Who can penetrate its double coat of armor?
Who dares open the doors of its mouth,
ringed about with fearsome teeth?
Its back has rows of shields
tightly sealed together;
each is so close to the next
that no air can pass between.
They are joined fast to one another;
they cling together and cannot be parted.

Now this part sure sounds more like an armored beast like the croc!

image source: http://colquitt.k12.ga.us/tsmith/new_page_14.htm

Its snorting throws out flashes of light;
its eyes are like the rays of dawn.
Flames stream from its mouth;
sparks of fire shoot out.
Smoke pours from its nostrils
as from a boiling pot over burning reeds.
Its breath sets coals ablaze,
and flames dart from its mouth.

Fire-breathing dragon of fantasy tales?

Or is it poetic license in describing how fearsome a crocodile is?

Strength resides in its neck;
dismay goes before it.
The folds of its flesh are tightly joined;
they are firm and immovable.
Its chest is hard as rock,
hard as a lower millstone.
When it rises up, the mighty are terrified;
they retreat before its thrashing.
The sword that reaches it has no effect,
nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin.
Iron it treats like straw
and bronze like rotten wood.
Arrows do not make it flee;
slingstones are like chaff to it.
A club seems to it but a piece of straw;
it laughs at the rattling of the lance.
Its undersides are jagged potsherds,
leaving a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge.
It makes the depths churn like a boiling caldron
and stirs up the sea like a pot of ointment.
It leaves a glistening wake behind it;
one would think the deep had white hair.
Nothing on earth is its equal -
a creature without fear.
It looks down on all that are haughty;
it is king over all that are proud.

Again, the ruggedly look of this creature seems more in line with a crocodile than a whale or some other ocean faring beast.

Some insist that these two creatures were dinosaurs because they seemed so terrible and frightening.

I think that might be a stretch.

To us, the hippo and croc aren't as fearsome because we now have guns.

But to the ancients, these beasts would be quite scary for they had mere spears.

As Job listened to God speak of these mighty creatures, he is reminded that God made them. GOD is mightier than the mightiest. And God deigns to speak with Job.

Lord Jesus, you are the God who speaks the words of this story of Job. Yet, you set aside the rights of that divinity to make yourself like us, like Job. You even humbled yourself to dying on a criminals cross. And so you are vindicated and exalted to the highest place so that we have nothing to say against you and instead bow down and thank you for your grace and love. Amen.

Job 39

2009-09-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Job 39 ...

Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?
Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?
Do you count the months till they bear?
Do you know the time they give birth?
They crouch down and bring forth their young;
their labor pains are ended.
Their young thrive and grow strong in the wilds;
they leave and do not return.
Who let the wild donkey go free?
Who untied his ropes?
I gave him the wasteland as his home,
the salt flats as his habitat.
He laughs at the commotion in the town;
he does not hear a driver's shout.
He ranges the hills for his pasture
and searches for any green thing.
Will the wild ox consent to serve you?
Will he stay by your manger at night?
Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness?
Will he till the valleys behind you?
Will you rely on him for his great strength?
Will you leave your heavy work to him?
Can you trust him to bring in your grain
and gather it to your threshing floor?

God continues to give Job a tour of the natural world.

Check this page out and this one for some of the creatures that live in modern Israel.

Am guessing this Yael is some kind of goat?

image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:YaelEilat_ST_07.JPG

The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully,
but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork.
She lays her eggs on the ground
and lets them warm in the sand,
unmindful that a foot may crush them,
that some wild animal may trample them.
She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers;
she cares not that her labor was in vain,
for God did not endow her with wisdom
or give her a share of good sense.
Yet when she spreads her feathers to run,
she laughs at horse and rider.

image source: http://www.spectacularplanet.com/tag/ostrich

Do you give the horse his strength
or clothe his neck with a flowing mane?
Do you make him leap like a locust,
striking terror with his proud snorting?
He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength,
and charges into the fray.
He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing;
he does not shy away from the sword.
The quiver rattles against his side,
along with the flashing spear and lance.
In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground;
he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.
At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, 'Aha!'
He catches the scent of battle from afar,
the shout of commanders and the battle cry.

Image source: http://www.freedesktopwallpapers.ru/desktop.php?pid=1878

Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom
and spread his wings toward the south?
Does the eagle soar at your command
and build his nest on high?
He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night;
a rocky crag is his stronghold.
From there he seeks out his food;
his eyes detect it from afar.
His young ones feast on blood,
and where the slain are, there is he.

image source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/wallpaper/red-tailed-hawk-flying_image.html

And so Job was sitting there with his friends, amidst the ashes of his life in pain and sorrow ...

image source: http://www.biblicaltheology.com/job/job_01_01.html

... gets a zoology tour from God ... ?

A couple of months ago, I heard a sermon at church and the speaker mentioned the children's story, The Runaway Bunny.

Amazon.com summarized the story:

Since its publication in 1942, The Runaway Bunny has never been out of print. Generations of sleepy children and grateful parents have loved the classics of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, including Goodnight Moon. The Runaway Bunny begins with a young bunny who decides to run away: "'If you run away,' said his mother, 'I will run after you. For you are my little bunny.'" And so begins a delightful, imaginary game of chase. No matter how many forms the little bunny takes--a fish in a stream, a crocus in a hidden garden, a rock on a mountain--his steadfast, adoring, protective mother finds a way of retrieving him. The soothing rhythm of the bunny banter--along with the surreal, dream-like pictures--never fail to infuse young readers with a complete sense of security and peace. For any small child who has toyed with the idea of running away or testing the strength of Mom's love, this old favorite will comfort and reassure.

We all face hardship in a cold hard world. Job was not the first nor the last to feel the weight of crushed dreams, wealth disappeared, death of loved ones, lost health and sorrows which doesn't not sleep.

And so where is comfort found?

Is it in theological answers? Is it in any intellectual answer?

I suspect the only comfort is knowing that God is greater than all the great creatures of this world and that he stoops to meet us.

Job didn't get an answer, he got a visit. First, from his friends and then from God.

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to this world. Thanks for visiting Job. Thanks for revealing yourself to Moses and to other people of faith over the generations. I don't have answers to every question but I have You. And that is enough. Amen.

Job 38

2009-07-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

God speaks...

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
Who is this who darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
Now prepare yourself like a man;
I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!

We do know a lot more about the natural world these days compared to when Job was written down.

Here is something from KidsGeo.com about how big the earth is.

Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Or who shut in the sea with doors,
When it burst forth and issued from the womb;
When I made the clouds its garment,
And thick darkness its swaddling band;
When I fixed My limit for it,
And set bars and doors;
When I said,
‘This far you may come, but no farther,
And here your proud waves must stop!’
Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
And caused the dawn to know its place,
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
And the wicked be shaken out of it?
It takes on form like clay under a seal,
And stands out like a garment.
From the wicked their light is withheld,
And the upraised arm is broken.
Have you entered the springs of the sea?
Or have you walked in search of the depths?

With modern technology, humans have found the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean: 10,924 meters (35,840 feet) deep in the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench.

Have the gates of death been revealed to you?
Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?
Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth?
Tell Me, if you know all this.
Where is the way to the dwelling of light?
And darkness, where is its place,
That you may take it to its territory,
That you may know the paths to its home?
Do you know it, because you were born then,
Or because the number of your days is great?
Have you entered the treasury of snow,
Or have you seen the treasury of hail,
Which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
For the day of battle and war?
By what way is light diffused,
Or the east wind scattered over the earth?
Who has divided a channel for the overflowing water,
Or a path for the thunderbolt,
To cause it to rain on a land where there is no one,
A wilderness in which there is no man;
To satisfy the desolate waste,
And cause to spring forth the growth of tender grass?
Has the rain a father?
Or who has begotten the drops of dew?
From whose womb comes the ice?
And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?
The waters harden like stone,
And the surface of the deep is frozen.

I would imagine in Job's day they did see small bodies of water freeze over. They would know of snow capped mountains. I wonder if they had seen or had heard of from other peoples from other parts of the known world of icebergs?

image source: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/02arctic/logs/sep6/media/icebergs.html

Have you seen icebergs calving into the water? Its pretty impressive!

Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades,
Or loose the belt of Orion?

Image source: http://www.pleiade.org/hubble_m45-large.html

Can you bring out Mazzaroth in its season?
Or can you guide the Great Bear with its cubs?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you set their dominion over the earth?
Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
That an abundance of water may cover you?
Can you send out lightnings, that they may go,
And say to you, ‘Here we are!’?
Who has put wisdom in the mind?
Or who has given understanding to the heart?
Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven,
When the dust hardens in clumps,
And the clods cling together?
Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
Or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
When they crouch in their dens,
Or lurk in their lairs to lie in wait?
Who provides food for the raven,
When its young ones cry to God,
And wander about for lack of food?

image source: http://www.zazzle.com/hungry_birds_poster-228272826118380415

We do know a lot more about the natural world than Job did. And so have we in our knowledge gotten so full of ourselves that we think that that knowledge has killed God?

Or do we ponder still ... that there might (must) be something far greater than ourselves?

In the sermon at church yesterday, the speaker spoke of how humans fall into several categories: those of us stumbling in the dark looking for God, those stumbling in the dark looking for something but not quite ready to call that something God and those who don't even know they are in the dark in need of anything.

His take home message was that God was found in the place people least expected: Jesus on the Cross.

Lord, the wonders of the natural world are marvelous and grand and beautiful and wonderful. They stir in me a sense that there is something far beyond myself out there. Thank you that you came to us in the Cross to bring us back to yourself. Amen.

Job 37

2009-06-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

Elihu makes his closing remarks ...

At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.
After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'
and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'
So that all men he has made may know his work,
he stops every man from his labor.
The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.
The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
At his direction they swirl around
over the face of the whole earth
to do whatever he commands them.
He brings the clouds to punish men,
or to water his earth and show his love.

Even the ancients understood the "water cycle" of steam, water and ice. They attributed these things and various meteorological events to God's direct action. Of course, today, we know (though we can't predict) these phenomena are a complex interaction of various physical forces.

Does this mean God has nothing to do with them?

Some feel that as we discover more of the natural laws, God disappears. But what if God put in place those laws?

Elihu continues this theme of God at work in nature ...

Listen to this, Job;
stop and consider God's wonders.
Do you know how God controls the clouds
and makes his lightning flash?
Do you know how the clouds hang poised,
those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge?
You who swelter in your clothes
when the land lies hushed under the south wind,
can you join him in spreading out the skies,
hard as a mirror of cast bronze?
Tell us what we should say to him;
we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.
Should he be told that I want to speak?
Would any man ask to be swallowed up?
Now no one can look at the sun,
bright as it is in the skies
after the wind has swept them clean.
Out of the north he comes in golden splendor;
God comes in awesome majesty.
The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;
in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.
Therefore, men revere him,
for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?

Beyond our reach ... exalted in power ...

The charge is leveled at God that because evil exists God must not exist.

The traditional response is the mystery of free will.

If there were no human beings on the earth, would there be injustice?

So much of what ails the world today is what humans do to other humans.

No one would say it is unjust for a lion to eat a kudu. The lion has no free will in the matter: she has to kill an animal lower in the food chain to live and feed her cubs.

But we feel injustice when humans kill weaker humans.

We have a sense of "ought-ness." We ought to do this; we ought NOT to do that. And we feel that God OUGHT to do something about it when things go wrong.

And so we wonder why God is waiting around and appears silent.

Beyond our reach ... exalted in power ...

If God is good then somehow it will be "fair" in the end.

If in the end, there is no God then it was all just a dice throw as to what happened in our life. But if there is a God at the end of all this, then all the above that Elihu said makes sense. Scriptures gives us a peek at the end of the story or the whole story. Of course, it requires faith to believe that that story is actually true.

Lord, quite a choice? I suppose one could say I'll live rightly even if there is no "rest of the story" because it makes me feel good to live right. But I do feel it is more compelling to live right whether it feels good (sometimes it does) or not because you are bringing about the "rest of the story." And so I look at the wonders of nature and its vastness and think: we are either in this alone or there is a mighty and loving God who actually cares what is happening to little people on this pale blue dot. Strengthen my spirit to live rightly. Bolster my sense of ought-ness in terms of doing what is right. Amen.

Job 36

2009-05-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Job 36 ...

Elihu continued:
Bear with me a little longer and I will show you
that there is more to be said in God's behalf.
I get my knowledge from afar;
I will ascribe justice to my Maker.
Be assured that my words are not false;
one perfect in knowledge is with you.

Hmmm ... Elihu self-described as "one perfect in knowledge" ... don't know about you that sounds a bit arrogant!

God is mighty, but does not despise men;
he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.
He does not keep the wicked alive
but gives the afflicted their rights.
He does not take his eyes off the righteous;
he enthrones them with kings
and exalts them forever.
But if men are bound in chains,
held fast by cords of affliction,
he tells them what they have done -
that they have sinned arrogantly.
He makes them listen to correction
and commands them to repent of their evil.
If they obey and serve him,
they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity
and their years in contentment.
But if they do not listen,
they will perish by the sword
and die without knowledge.
The godless in heart harbor resentment;
even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.
They die in their youth,
among male prostitutes of the shrines.
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
he speaks to them in their affliction.

This is the picture of God I think most people have: the unrepentant bad guys get punished and those who stumble but turn back to God when God prompts get restored.

And when we look around and don't see this, we wonder if God is really around.

This feeling that "this is the way it ought to be" is an interesting one.

In the natural world, the strong survive and the weak die. Yet, in the "soul" of the human being, there is a urge to protect the weak. Where does that urge come from?

Where does our sense of "this is the way it ought to be" come from?

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress
to a spacious place free from restriction,
to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.
But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked;
judgment and justice have taken hold of you.
Be careful that no one entices you by riches;
do not let a large bribe turn you aside.
Would your wealth
or even all your mighty efforts
sustain you so you would not be in distress?
Do not long for the night,
to drag people away from their homes.
Beware of turning to evil,
which you seem to prefer to affliction.

And indeed, we have this sense of "ought-ness" and we then have to decide: do we trust in God who at times feels distant and unseen or do we trust money we can see?

And so Elihu then dove into a recitation of God's power especially displayed in the natural wonders of the world ...

image source: http://ed101.bu.edu/StudentDoc/Archives/fall05/ymaini/thunderstorm.htm

God is exalted in his power.
Who is a teacher like him?
Who has prescribed his ways for him,
or said to him, 'You have done wrong'?
Remember to extol his work,
which men have praised in song.
All mankind has seen it;
men gaze on it from afar.
How great is God - beyond our understanding!
The number of his years is past finding out.
He draws up the drops of water,
which distill as rain to the streams;
the clouds pour down their moisture
and abundant showers fall on mankind.
Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds,
how he thunders from his pavilion?
See how he scatters his lightning about him,
bathing the depths of the sea.
This is the way he governs the nations
and provides food in abundance.
He fills his hands with lightning
and commands it to strike its mark.
His thunder announces the coming storm;
even the cattle make known its approach.

God, the world is in chaos. Crazy dictators build bombs and missiles and starve their own people. Schools that should be places of learning are endangered by drugs and violence. There are many injustices and tragedies in this world. Lord, I trust that you will one day restore this lost and dying world. Until then, help us who call you Lord to work in your name to win what victories we can for justice and mercy. Amen.

Job 35

2009-04-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Job 35 ...

Elihu continued ...

Then Elihu said:
Do you think it is right for you to claim,
‘I am righteous before God’?
For you also ask, ‘What’s in it for me?
What’s the use of living a righteous life?’

As you can see, am using a more contemporary translation today!

Elihu seemed to be putting up a bit of a straw man here. I don't know if Job has gone this far. I guess I'd summarize Job's situation as, I'm not perfect, without sin, but I've tried to live rightly and right now it seems that whether I live right or not, I'm suffering!

I will answer you
and all your friends, too.
Look up into the sky,
and see the clouds high above you.
If you sin, how does that affect God?
Even if you sin again and again,
what effect will it have on him?
If you are good, is this some great gift to him?
What could you possibly give him?
No, your sins affect only people like yourself,
and your good deeds also affect only humans.

Elihu seemed to overstate here. On one hand, if we sin or don't sin, that doesn't change who God is. God is God and what we do or don't do has no impact on God's "godness." On the other hand, we have ample testimony from the rest of Scripture that God is pleased when we live rightly and saddened when we sin. Thus, in that sense, what we do matters to God.

People cry out when they are oppressed.
They groan beneath the power of the mighty.
Yet they don’t ask, ‘Where is God my Creator,
the one who gives songs in the night?

image source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/hubble6.htm

Where is the one who makes us smarter than the animals
and wiser than the birds of the sky?’
And when they cry out, God does not answer
because of their pride.
But it is wrong to say God doesn’t listen,
to say the Almighty isn’t concerned.
You say you can’t see him,
but he will bring justice if you will only wait.
You say he does not respond to sinners with anger
and is not greatly concerned about wickedness.
But you are talking nonsense, Job.
You have spoken like a fool.

Elihu backtracked on his earlier remarks that God doesn't care. Indeed, God does listen and justice will arrive (not necessarily on our timetable) and those who are evil who seem to escape now will eventually be called to account.

Lord of the universe, thank you that you have cared for us on this earth. You have given your laws in Scriptures and in our consciences. You have sent your Son as a demonstration of your love and initiative to restore your lost people. Injustice remains an ill in this world. I trust one day you will bring it fully to pass. Until then, help us who try to follow you to do justice, love mercy and do both with humility each day. Amen.

Job 34

2009-04-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

Elihu continued in Job 34 ...

Elihu further answered and said:
“Hear my words, you wise men;
Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.
For the ear tests words
As the palate tastes food.
Let us choose justice for ourselves;
Let us know among ourselves what is good.

As a tangent, I can't but help but feel that in today's society, words seem to mean less. It is so easy to send an email where it is informal, casual and often filled with misspelled words and poor grammar. I'm guilty of this. Or text messaging where everything is truncated into short hand abbreviations and other moves to say keystrokes.

Elihu, agree or disagree with him, recognized that words have weight.

For Job has said, ‘I am righteous,
But God has taken away my justice;
Should I lie concerning my right?
My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’
What man is like Job,
Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity,
And walks with wicked men?
For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing
That he should delight in God.’

Very pointed pokes by Elihu. He restated Job's lament. Yes, a good key to communication; reflect back the content and emotion of what you have heard!

But the second half is a pretty severe beat down of Job. Not such a good thing to do in communicating with someone who is suffering.

Leaving aside the head slap, what theological point does Elihu bring up next?

Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:
Far be it from God to do wickedness,
And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.
For He repays man according to his work,
And makes man to find a reward according to his way.
Surely God will never do wickedly,
Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.
Who gave Him charge over the earth?
Or who appointed Him over the whole world?
If He should set His heart on it,
If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
All flesh would perish together,
And man would return to dust.

Bottom line from Elihu: God is not evil and won't do injustice and so Job's claims that God is unfair is rebutted.

Elihu continued ...

If you have understanding, hear this;
Listen to the sound of my words:
Should one who hates justice govern?
Will you condemn Him who is most just?
Is it fitting to say to a king, ‘You are worthless,’
And to nobles, ‘You are wicked’?
Yet He is not partial to princes,
Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor;
For they are all the work of His hands.
In a moment they die, in the middle of the night;
The people are shaken and pass away;
The mighty are taken away without a hand.

More defense of God "the most just."

The strong defense of God's justice resonates with the intellectual part of me.

But I must say, I am moved by the word pictures of the fragility of human existence in the last part of the last two paragraphs .

If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,
All flesh would perish together,
And man would return to dust.
.....
In a moment they die, in the middle of the night;
The people are shaken and pass away;
The mighty are taken away without a hand.

image source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Sand_sculpture.jpg/250px-Sand_sculpture.jpg

I can craft my life ... but fast or slow, it will be swept away.

For His eyes are on the ways of man,
And He sees all his steps.
There is no darkness nor shadow of death
Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
For He need not further consider a man,
That he should go before God in judgment.
He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry,
And sets others in their place.
Therefore He knows their works;
He overthrows them in the night,
And they are crushed.
He strikes them as wicked men
In the open sight of others,
Because they turned back from Him,
And would not consider any of His ways,
So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him;
For He hears the cry of the afflicted.
When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble?
And when He hides His face, who then can see Him,
Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?—
That the hypocrite should not reign,
Lest the people be ensnared.

Theologically, God is considered omniscient.

Recently, some theologians in the open theism movement contract the meaning of omniscience away from God knowing the future. I'm not sure that is a valid move logically. Because since Elihu argues for a linkage between God's justice and God's omniscience (e.g. God's justice can only happen because God is omniscient). Thus, would taking away God's knowledge of the future be injurious to God's justice?

I have sympathy with open theism's attempt to address free will and theodicy but I am concerned it might compromise God's justice. Thoughts anyone?

Elihu sums up this part of his monologue with more hits on Job.

For has anyone said to God,
‘I have borne chastening;
I will offend no more;
Teach me what I do not see;
If I have done iniquity, I will do no more’?
Should He repay it according to your terms,
Just because you disavow it?
You must choose, and not I;
Therefore speak what you know.
Men of understanding say to me,
Wise men who listen to me:
‘Job speaks without knowledge,
His words are without wisdom.’
Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost,
Because his answers are like those of wicked men!
For he adds rebellion to his sin;
He claps his hands among us,
And multiplies his words against God.

One of the things we have to remember when we call the Bible, God's word: there are human words and actions which may run counter to what God wants. And so those negative things are in the Bible to show us deeds and ideas that are wrong which we should learn to avoid.

I think Elihu makes some good theological point but he seems less than helpful in the sympathy dimension. But he hits an important point here at the end: Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom. Job is without knowledge of some parts of Job 1-2. Now, would that knowledge make him feel any better? I don't know. Maybe not. And because of his deep physical and emotional pain, he is brutally honest with God and so should we expect his words to be "wise?" The point maybe not so much about answers to suffering but expressing how a faithful man wrestles with suffering.

Lord, I look around the world and see wickedness in every corner. I have to trust that you see all of this and will one day bring about justice. Grant me wisdom to do what little I can where I can to bring justice. Enable me with insight to know when to share theology with people in love and when to simply share love. Amen.

Job 33

2009-04-11T09:28:00.001-07:00

It is Holy Saturday as I write.

In the season of remembering what Jesus did on the Cross, Holy Saturday is the one I know the least.

In the Southern Baptist church that I grew up in, the special days of these season we marked were Palm Sunday which recalls Jesus entry in to Jerusalem. Good Friday, the day of Crucifixion. And Easter Sunday, the day of Resurrection.

In more liturgical churches, there is also Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. The ashes marked on the forehead in the shape of a cross is a sign of repentance which is an essential element of preparing the believer in remembering the events of holy week.

There is also Maundy Thursday which recalls the last day before the Crucifixion with emphasis on the foot washing of the disciples, the Last Supper, the prayers at the Garden of Gethsemane and the betrayal by Judas.

And lastly, there is Holy Saturday where in the more liturgical churches the services held are very sparse. This is in line with what the disciples would have felt on that day after the death of Jesus but prior to the Resurrection.

And so, I find myself drawn back to the tale of Job.

In a sense, we live in Holy Saturday. The work of Jesus, the Christ has been done on the Cross, yet we await His return in full glory. We live with trust in the significance of the Cross and anticipation that His Return will release us from the sorrows of this life.

And so onto Job 33.

Elihu had been silent until Job 32. He would speak from Job 32-37.

Elihu is bold in his addressing Job directly:

But now, Job, listen to my words;
pay attention to everything I say.
I am about to open my mouth;
my words are on the tip of my tongue.
My words come from an upright heart;
my lips sincerely speak what I know.
The Spirit of God has made me;
the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Answer me then, if you can;
stand up and argue your case before me.

But I do appreciate Elihu's humility in the next few lines:

I am the same as you in God's sight;
I too am a piece of clay.
No fear of me should alarm you,
nor should my hand be heavy on you.

Nonetheless, Elihu is concerned about some of the things Job had said in his monologues.

But you have said in my hearing—
I heard the very words—
I am pure, I have done no wrong;
I am clean and free from sin.
Yet God has found fault with me;
he considers me his enemy.
He fastens my feet in shackles;
he keeps close watch on all my paths.
But I tell you, in this you are not right,
for God is greater than any mortal.

Thanks to the study notes in Zondervan's NIV Study Bible, I'm reminded that Job did not actually claim to be sinless (see Job 7:21 and 13:26) but rather that as far as he knows he has acknowledged all his sins and that he has avoided egregious sins.

Why do you complain to him
that he responds to no one's words?
For God does speak—now one way, now another—
though no one perceives it.
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on people
as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
to turn them from wrongdoing
and keep them from pride,
to preserve them from the pit,
their lives from perishing by the sword.

Elihu tries to counter Job's assertion that God is silent.

image source:
http://www.ncbusinesslitigationreport.com/danger%20sign.jpg

Indeed, one ongoing question for those who believe in God is how does God "speak" to me?

Elihu here seems to be arguing that God speaks to us in the voice of the conscience to keep us away from wrongdoing, pride, the pit and perishing by the sword.

Elihu continued on this theme:

Or they may be chastened on a bed of pain
with constant distress in their bones,
so that their bodies find food repulsive
and their souls loathe the choicest meal.
Their flesh wastes away to nothing,
and their bones, once hidden, now stick out.
They draw near to the pit,
and their lives to the messengers of death.

And thus, pain is another "messenger" of God to steer us onto the correct path.

Reminds me of a C.S. Lewis quote ...
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Elihu then addressed the possibility of rescue apart from "self rescue."

Yet if there is an angel at their side,
a messenger, one out of a thousand,
sent to tell them how to be upright,
and he is gracious to them and says to God,
'Spare them from going down to the pit;
I have found a ransom for them—
let their flesh be renewed like a child's;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth'—
then they can pray to God and find favor with him,
they will see God's face and shout for joy;
he will restore them to full well-being.
And they will go to others and say,
'We have sinned, we have perverted what is right,
but we did not get what we deserved.
God has delivered us from going down to the pit,
and we shall live to enjoy the light of life.'
"God does all these things to people—
twice, even three times—
to turn them back from the pit,
that the light of life may shine on them.
"Pay attention, Job, and listen to me;
be silent, and I will speak.
If you have anything to say, answer me;
speak up, for I want to vindicate you.
But if not, then listen to me;
be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."

The great "R" words of the Bible: rescue, ransom, renewal, restoration, reconciliation.

image source:
http://www.outtatown.com/photos/06site2/wp-content/photos/the_cross.jpg

And so Elihu is telling Job that rescue, ransom, renewal, restoration, reconciliation is all possible.

For us today, on this Holy Saturday, we know that it has been done at the Cross. But we still suffer. We await the completion of the rescue, ransom, renewal, restoration, reconciliation.

The prayer for Holy Saturday from the Book of Common Prayer:
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the
crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and
rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the
coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of
life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Job 32

2008-05-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Job 32 ...

So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.

Elihu appeared on the scene without prior mention in Job 2:11. Job had been having a back and forth with those three friends. The short version of what was said would be: Job saying, as far as I can tell, I've lived rightly with his friends saying, since you are suffering you must have done something wrong.

Elihu, apparently, quietly listening all this time, decided to enter the fray.

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said:

I am young in years,
and you are old;
that is why I was fearful,
not daring to tell you what I know.
I thought, 'Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.'
But it is the spirit in mortals,
the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.

His remarks made me think of Joel 2:28-29,"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."

Certainly, we should respect our elders but, of course, wisdom can come from youth when it is directed by the Spirit. And so Elihu continued to set up his remarks ...

Therefore I say: Listen to me;
I too will tell you what I know.
I waited while you spoke,
I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words,
I gave you my full attention.
But not one of you has proved Job wrong;
none of you has answered his arguments.
Do not say, 'We have found wisdom;
let God refute him, not a mere mortal.'
But Job has not marshaled his words against me,
and I will not answer him with your arguments.
They are dismayed and have no more to say;
words have failed them.
Must I wait, now that they are silent,
now that they stand there with no reply?

Though this passage doesn't advance a particular argument at this point, I think it is an interesting window into the dynamics of the discussion.

Like Elihu, in reading much of the preceding prior chapters, I felt dissatisfied. At times, it all seemed repetitive. In some cases, the rhetorical flourishes were interesting but the point was essentially the same.

And so I await what Elihu will say... but first a bit more drum roll by Elihu!

image source: http://www.7gadgets.com/2007/11/28/wine-bottle-holder/3593

I too will have my say;
I too will tell what I know.
For I am full of words,
and the spirit within me compels me;
inside I am like bottled-up wine,
like new wineskins ready to burst.
I must speak and find relief;
I must open my lips and reply.
I will show no partiality,
nor will I flatter anyone;
for if I were skilled in flattery,
my Maker would soon take me away.

I suppose one lesson I can draw from this passage is in light of my role as a youth group volunteer. The adult people in the group do our share of teaching and we should. But clearly there are times when the youngsters are ready to speak up and we should give them that opportunity.

Lord, help me to teach others with wordless actions and when words are used may they be with humility mixed with boldness. Help me to encourage young people to explore your words and be open to give them the opportunity to express themselves in questions and a receptiveness on my part to learn from them. Amen.

Job 31

2008-04-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

Job 31 ...

At this point, it feels like Job is making a closing argument in his own defense ...

I made a covenant with my eyes
not to look lustfully at a girl.
For what is man's lot from God above,
his heritage from the Almighty on high?
Is it not ruin for the wicked,
disaster for those who do wrong?
Does he not see my ways
and count my every step?

The opening remark in his closing statement is the basic premise of all that has gone on before:
Doesn't God see my righteous ways?
Shouldn't ruin befall those who sin?

At the moment, Job wonders has God seen the good he has tried to do in his life?

Job wonders, why has ruin befallen me who has tried and mostly successfully to live rightly?

Next follows NINETEEN "if" statements ... go ahead and read it and get into the rhythm and cadence of Job's argument. I'll try to summarize at the end.

Image source: http://www.playbackstl.com/content/view/2228/156/

If I have walked in falsehood
or my foot has hurried after deceit-
let God weigh me in honest scales
and he will know that I am blameless-
if my steps have turned from the path,
if my heart has been led by my eyes,
or if my hands have been defiled,
then may others eat what I have sown,
and may my crops be uprooted.
If my heart has been enticed by a woman,
or if I have lurked at my neighbor's door,
then may my wife grind another man's grain,
and may other men sleep with her.
For that would have been shameful,
a sin to be judged.
It is a fire that burns to Destruction;
it would have uprooted my harvest.
If I have denied justice to my menservants and maidservants
when they had a grievance against me,
what will I do when God confronts me?
What will I answer when called to account?
Did not he who made me in the womb make them?
Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?
If I have denied the desires of the poor
or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,
if I have kept my bread to myself,
not sharing it with the fatherless-
but from my youth I reared him as would a father,
and from my birth I guided the widow-
if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing,
or a needy man without a garment,
and his heart did not bless me
for warming him with the fleece from my sheep,
if I have raised my hand against the fatherless,
knowing that I had influence in court,
then let my arm fall from the shoulder,
let it be broken off at the joint.
For I dreaded destruction from God,
and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things.
If I have put my trust in gold
or said to pure gold, 'You are my security,'
if I have rejoiced over my great wealth,
the fortune my hands had gained,
if I have regarded the sun in its radiance
or the moon moving in splendor,
so that my heart was secretly enticed
and my hand offered them a kiss of homage,
then these also would be sins to be judged,
for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.
If I have rejoiced at my enemy's misfortune
or gloated over the trouble that came to him-
I have not allowed my mouth to sin
by invoking a curse against his life-
if the men of my household have never said,
'Who has not had his fill of Job's meat?'-
but no stranger had to spend the night in the street,
for my door was always open to the traveler-
if I have concealed my sin as men do,
by hiding my guilt in my heart
because I so feared the crowd
and so dreaded the contempt of the clans
that I kept silent and would not go outside

17 if statements here!

Then there is a parenthesis which explicitly casts Job in the role of a defense attorney

("Oh, that I had someone to hear me!
I sign now my defense—let the Almighty answer me;
let my accuser put his indictment in writing.
Surely I would wear it on my shoulder,
I would put it on like a crown.
I would give him an account of my every step;
like a prince I would approach him.)-

Then two final if statements...

if my land cries out against me
and all its furrows are wet with tears,
if I have devoured its yield without payment
or broken the spirit of its tenants,
then let briers come up instead of wheat
and weeds instead of barley."

The statements fall into groupings as follows:

One set focuses on the general image of Job trying to live rightly with statement like these where Job is arguing I haven't ...
walked in falsehood
turned from the path
been led by my eyes
allowed my hands to be defiled.

The next group stresses that Job didn't take advantage of others by saying I haven't ...
been enticed by a woman
lurked at my neighbor's door.

The third cluster concerns Job's doing justly toward others where he said I haven't ...
denied justice
denied the desires of the poor
kept my bread to myself
others to perish for lack of clothing
worked against the fatherless.

Job though a wealthy man didn't regard wealth over God and so he didn't ..
put his trust in gold
rejoice over his great wealth
regarded the sun in its radiance or moon in its splendor.

I thought it was interesting that he juxtaposed wealthy with worship of the sun or the moon. Perhaps, in that time many people worshipped the sun and moon in a form of idolatry?

The next set of statements shows Job's graciousness to others for he
doesn't rejoice at my enemy's misfortune
made sure those under his care got their fill of Job's meat nor any stranger had to spend the night in the street.

He knew he was a sinner and he thus didn't ...
conceal his sin.

A word about that. I don't think we have to take out a billboard and show our sin to the world. I think what he means here is that if he sinned he brought it to God and if it involved another person, he brought it to the person he wronged.

Finally, Job defends his life by describing his fairness to the land he utilized by personifying the land ...
would the land cries out against me
would the land feel he devoured its yield without payment.

Part of Adam and Eve's charter besides be fruitful and multiply was to care for the land and here Job took that seriously.

The words of Job are ended.

Lord, how I would love, at the end of my life, to be able to go to you in peace knowing I've tried to do justice, love mercy and walked humbly with you. Help me to live today like the way Job did way back when. Amen.

Job 30

2008-03-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

Job 30 from Eugene Peterson's The Message ...

But no longer. Now I'm the butt of their jokes - young ruffians! whippersnappers!
Why, I considered their fathers
mere inexperienced pups.
But they are worse than dogs - good for nothing,
stray, mangy animals,
Half-starved, scavenging the back alleys,
howling at the moon;
Homeless guttersnipes
chewing on old bones and licking old tin cans;
Outcasts from the community,
cursed as dangerous delinquents.
Nobody would put up with them;
they were driven from the neighborhood.
You could hear them out there at the edge of town,
yelping and barking, huddled in junkyards,
A gang of beggars and no-names,
thrown out on their ears.

In the last part of Job 29, Job described what his life was once like. Once highly respected, his suffering now has diminished him in the eyes of others. Job is clearly frustrated and essential calls his critics worse than dogs. He seems them like people picking over the garbage! He feels they are picking at him like he has become garbage ...

But now I'm the one they're after,
mistreating me, taunting and mocking.
They abhor me, they abuse me.
How dare those scoundrels - they spit in my face!
Now that God has undone me and left me in a heap,
they hold nothing back. Anything goes.
They come at me from my blind side,
trip me up, then jump on me while I'm down.
They throw every kind of obstacle in my path,
determined to ruin me -
and no one lifts a finger to help me!
They violate my broken body,
trample through the rubble of my ruined life.
Terrors assault me -
my dignity in shreds,
salvation up in smoke.

What I wonder is whether Job is blasting the 3 friends who have been with him in this drama? Or if Job referring to other passer by peoples?

We have to remember, the book of Job itself is a stylized drama of the thoughts and feelings around one man's suffering and what people close to him would say in response.

In real life, there would be Job, the close friends and other more distant observers of the scene. I do wonder if this part is giving voice to how when the mighty (Job) have encountered tragedy people discard their relationship to him because they no longer benefit from that relationship?

And now my life drains out,
as suffering seizes and grips me hard.
Night gnaws at my bones;
the pain never lets up.
I am tied hand and foot, my neck in a noose.
I twist and turn.
Thrown facedown in the muck,
I'm a muddy mess, inside and out.
What Did I Do to Deserve This?

Haven't we all been in this place? And of course, Job far more beaten down than anything I have experienced!

I shout for help, God, and get nothing, no answer!
I stand to face you in protest, and you give me a blank stare!
You've turned into my tormenter -
you slap me around, knock me about.
You raised me up so I was riding high
and then dropped me, and I crashed.
I know you're determined to kill me,
to put me six feet under.

Harsh words from Job about God.

What did I do to deserve this?
Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help?
Haven't I wept for those who live a hard life,
been heartsick over the lot of the poor?
But where did it get me?
I expected good but evil showed up.
I looked for light but darkness fell.
My stomach's in a constant churning, never settles down.
Each day confronts me with more suffering.
I walk under a black cloud. The sun is gone.
I stand in the congregation and protest.
I howl with the jackals,
I hoot with the owls.
I'm black-and-blue all over,
burning up with fever.
My fiddle plays nothing but the blues;
my mouth harp wails laments.

This passage in Job is about as bleak as it gets!

As I meditate on this passage this Wednesday morning, this reminds me: Jesus knows.

Job said, "Homeless guttersnipes chewing on old bones and licking old tin cans."

Jesus in John 19:23-24: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be"; this was to fulfill the Scripture: "THEY DIVIDED MY OUTER GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS."

Job said, "But now I'm the one they're after, mistreating me, taunting and mocking."

Jesus in Mark 15:19-20: They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him.

Job said, "And now my life drains out, as suffering seizes and grips me hard. Night gnaws at my bones; the pain never lets up."

Jesus in Matthew 26:36-38: Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me."

Job said, "I shout for help, God, and get nothing, no answer!"

Jesus in Matthew 27:46: About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

Job said, "What did I do to deserve this? Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help?"

Jesus in Luke 23:39-41: One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!" But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."

A Job as Jesus figure parallel can be advanced to some degree?

Job one man under fire with suffering. Jesus the one who came to suffer to redeem us.

Job one man under fire with suffering awaited vindication. Jesus the one who came to suffer to redeem us went through the bleakness of Good Friday.

Job one man under fire with suffering awaited vindication and in the end, God visits him and restored him. Jesus the one who came to suffer to redeem us went through the bleakness of Good Friday to gain victory and vindication on Easter Sunday.

Job 30 on its own is bleak.

But at Tony Campolo said, Its Friday but Sunday is coming!

Lord, as the Easter season is here, I can't help but think about the connection between Job and Jesus. All that Job went through Jesus went through and even more. Thank you that you sought me even when I was afar off. Amen!

Job 29

2008-02-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

Job 29 ...

Job continued speaking:
I long for the years gone by
when God took care of me,
when he lit up the way before me
and I walked safely through the darkness.
When I was in my prime,
God’s friendship was felt in my home.

Job looked back on his earlier life when things were better. And indeed, as one reads on, Job lived a life that if I could say those things in my old age, I would feel I've had a good life.

What are the things most of us care about in life?

The Almighty was still with me,
and my children were around me.

Family ...

My cows produced milk in abundance,
and my groves poured out streams of olive oil.

Material benefits to meet our needs and in Job's case he had more than enough ...

Those were the days when I went to the city gate
and took my place among the honored leaders.
The young stepped aside when they saw me,
and even the aged rose in respect at my coming.
The princes stood in silence
and put their hands over their mouths.
The highest officials of the city stood quietly,
holding their tongues in respect.
All who heard me praised me.
All who saw me spoke well of me.

Respect and a good reputation for good character ...

For I assisted the poor in their need
and the orphans who required help.
I helped those without hope, and they blessed me.
And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.

Compassion ...

Everything I did was honest.
Righteousness covered me like a robe,
and I wore justice like a turban.

Integrity ...

I served as eyes for the blind
and feet for the lame.
I was a father to the poor
and assisted strangers who needed help.

Kindness ...

I broke the jaws of godless oppressors
and plucked their victims from their teeth.

Justice ... a real man blends gentle compassion with a fierceness for justice!

And so indeed Job has had a life well lived. And he had hopes for his sunset years...

I thought, "Surely I will die surrounded by my family
after a long, good life.

He then gives a metaphor that looks a lot like Psalm 1 ...

For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water,
whose branches are refreshed with the dew.

He continued on reflecting on his life ...

New honors are constantly bestowed on me,
and my strength is continually renewed."
Everyone listened to my advice.
They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
And after I spoke, they had nothing to add,
for my counsel satisfied them.
They longed for me to speak as people long for rain.
They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain.
When they were discouraged, I smiled at them.
My look of approval was precious to them.
Like a chief, I told them what to do.
I lived like a king among his troops
and comforted those who mourned.

In his suffering, he looked back on his life. Sure he is battered and burdened by what has happened. Imagine how much more pain he would have felt if he had not lived a good life?

In short, to live is to suffer. And if I have lived a wretched life and suffering befalls me, I would have deserved it. But if I have strived to live rightly and suffering befalls me, I would have the knowledge that I had done rightly and there are those who had benefitted. And of course, I'd have the knowledge that in the eyes of God, I would see his pleasure and he would welcome me into his presence with the commendation, well done, good and faithful servant.

Lord, help me to live the kind of life that Job is talking about here. When I speak to people in real life or when I blog broadcast to whomever is out there, let it be said, "They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain." Amen.

Job 28

2008-02-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Job continues his monologue ...

Gold and silver are mined,
then purified;
the same is done
with iron and copper.
Miners carry lanterns
deep into the darkness
to search for these metals.
They dig tunnels
in distant, unknown places,
where they dangle by ropes.
Far beneath the grain fields,
fires are built
to break loose those rocks
that have jewels or gold.
Miners go to places unseen
by the eyes of hawks;
they walk on soil unknown
to the proudest lions.
With their own hands
they remove sharp rocks
and uproot mountains.
They dig through the rocks
in search of jewels
and precious metals.
They also uncover
the sources of rivers and discover secret places.

I confess, the image that came to mind is the dwarves of the Lord of the Rings!

image source: http://uk.games-workshop.com/dwarves/tactica/images/art-balin.jpg

But where is wisdom found?
No human knows the way.
Nor can it be discovered
in the deepest sea.
It is worth much more
than silver or pure gold
or precious stones.
Nothing is its equal--
not gold or costly glass.
Wisdom is worth much more than
coral, jasper, or rubies.
All the topaz of Ethiopia and the finest gold
cannot compare with it.
Where then is wisdom?
It is hidden from human eyes
and even from birds.
Death and destruction
have merely heard rumors
about where it is found.

How much is it worth?

Jasper ...

Image source: http://crystal-cure.com/pics/cube-jasper.jpg

Topaz ...

Image source: http://www.djezpics.net/ezpics/Mohamed/Precious_Topaz.jpg

How much is it worth?

Lots of $$$ no doubt!!

Image source: http://interiorseniorcare.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/wisdom_magnet01.jpg

In the lingo of those Master Card commercials ... WISDOM ... priceless ...

Where to find this priceless wisdom?

God is the only one who knows
the way to wisdom,
because he sees everything
beneath the heavens.
When God divided out
the wind and the water,
and when he decided the path
for rain and lightning,
he also determined the truth
and defined wisdom.
God told us, "Wisdom means
that you respect me, the Lord,
and turn from sin."

Sounds a lot like Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Lord, I may not spend my days toiling underground mining for gemstones but I do spend a lot of time making a living. And I thank you that you have provided me a good job to provide resources for my needs and for me to give to other's needs. But Lord, please remind and challenge me to seek you for the wisdom I need for all of life. Amen.

Job 27

2008-01-26T21:47:00.000-08:00

Job continued his monologue from chapter 26 into Job 27.

I've linked to the NIV-UK. I've never tried that version so I thought I would today!

Interestingly, the NIV-UK laid out the text a little differently by breaking it up into sections. This sectioning isn't apparent in the online version of the NIV. I got my hardback edition of the NIV Study BIble and I noticed the spacing is a little bit larger between the sections and those spacings track with the NIV-UK online edition.

I didn't notice any obvious "Britishism!"

vv. 1-6

And Job continued his discourse:
As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul,
as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils,
my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit.
I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.

I can only say that Job is a transparent soul here as he has been throughout. With one hand, he acknowledges God is the source of his life "the breath of God in my nostrils," is powerful by calling him "the Almighty" and is present, "as surely as God lives." And on the other hand, he complained bitterly by saying God "has denied me justice" and "has made made me taste bitterness of soul."

He laid it all on the line in this paragraph in essence saying, my conscience is clear and my hands are clean as far as I can tell and I'm not caving into your suggestions that I am suffering because I sinned somewhere somehow.

vv. 7-10

May my enemies be like the wicked, my adversaries like the unjust!
For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?
Does God listen to his cry when distress comes upon him?
Will he find delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times?

My NIV Study Bible notes for this section suggested that Job is calling his friends enemies and calling down judgement on them. Perhaps. Probably so.

I think Job may also be stating in reverse what he believes with the rhetorical questions.

Put another way: I do have hope because I'm trying to follow God even as my life is draining away. God does listen to my cry amidst this distress. I am still trying to find delight in God and I will keep calling on him even if it is to complain!

vv. 11-12

I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal.
You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk?

By Job's words and unwillingness to cave in to "conventional wisdom" he is teaching his friends what a real relationship with God looks like.

vv. 13-23

Here is the fate God allots to the wicked, the heritage a ruthless man receives from the Almighty:
However many his children, their fate is the sword; his offspring will never have enough to eat.
The plague will bury those who survive him, and their widows will not weep for them.
Though he heaps up silver like dust and clothes like piles of clay,
what he lays up the righteous will wear, and the innocent will divide his silver.
The house he builds is like a moth's cocoon, like a hut made by a watchman.
He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone.
Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest snatches him away in the night.
The east wind carries him off, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place.
It hurls itself against him without mercy as he flees headlong from its power.
It claps its hands in derision and hisses him out of his place.

In 10 lines, Job layed out vividly what will happen to the wicked. What does a person possess? He described family, possession and sense of self. The wicked will lose all of it.

Job has lost family. Job lost his wealth. Job lost his health. But the one thing he still has: his sense of self before God.

So the righteous can lose almost as much as the wicked. But oh what a difference that one thing makes.

Lord, have mercy on my soul. How much of my sense of self is in stuff that can be taken away? I confess far too much. Help me to cast myself at your feet and ask for help in keeping the right perspective on my life. I have so much living here in the USA. I'm grateful for that. But help me not to be blinded from where my life truly comes from and has its meaning. Christ have mercy on my soul. Amen.

Job 26

2008-01-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

In Job 26, Job spoke.

Then Job replied:
How you have helped the powerless!
How you have saved the arm that is feeble!
What advice you have offered to one without wisdom!
And what great insight you have displayed!
Who has helped you utter these words?
And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?

Job took Bildad to the woodshed here saying what he said was simply not helpful.

After dismissing Bildad, Job turned to the existential reality of all human beings.

The dead are in deep anguish,
those beneath the waters and all that live in them.
Death is naked before God;
Destruction lies uncovered.

Is this a hint of afterlife theology?

If the dead have no existence (i.e. the body dies there is nothing left) then would they feel anguish?

And the construction of these lines of poetry paints a picture of a collection of those who have died who "live" (exist?) "beneath the waters" in a nether world?

Job, for a guy who had been ranting at God, extols God's power.

He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
he suspends the earth over nothing.

image source: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap971026.html

Only a few hundred astronauts have seen the Earth suspended over nothing!

He wraps up the waters in his clouds,
yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.
He covers the face of the full moon,
spreading his clouds over it.
He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters
for a boundary between light and darkness.
The pillars of the heavens quake,
aghast at his rebuke.
By his power he churned up the sea;
by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.
By his breath the skies became fair;
his hand pierced the gliding serpent.

Huh? Cut Rahab to pieces?

Turns out Job has used this imagery before in Job 9:13. The text notes in the NIV Study Bible says that it is a reference to an ancient mythological sea monster! The Jewish online encyclopedia offered this information about Rahab.

And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
how faint the whisper we hear of him!
Who then can understand the thunder of his power?

Our ability to understand God and the things of God are limited!

We are so busy with our lives that we occasionally note his whisper. What would we comprehend if God raised the volume? It would be like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Lord, have mercy. Great are your works we can see in the creation a reflection of your glory. Thank you that you whisper so I can understand some things. Help me to submit to you in humility knowing you know far more about the ways of the universe. And what faint whispers in my frailty I manage to hear, help me to act upon. Amen.

Job 25

2008-01-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Job 25 picked up with one of Job's friends speaking ... and its real short!

I guess the friends are getting tired. I think this is the shortest monologue so far?

A bit of "inside baseball" on reading the Bible before we breakdown the short speech from Bildad.

The Bible contains various literary forms. Each literary form contains sort of an "agreement" between the author and the reader. If you want to explore this idea some more check out How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.

Anyway, in poetry, one of the things to look for is parallelism. For instance, sometimes, Line 1 will say something and line 2 will say the same thing but using different words. Or line 1 will say something and line 2 will say the opposite to make a point. And other times, line 1 will say something and line 2 will explain line 1 and even on occasion subsequent lines will explain line 1.

So what do we have here?

Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:
"Dominion and awe belong to God;

Bildad's first line is then explained by the following three lines ...

he establishes order in the heights of heaven.
Can his forces be numbered?
On whom does his light not rise?

All of them are pictures of God's power.

The next set is 3 pairs of lines that say similar things but in different words.

How then can a mortal be righteous before God?
How can one born of woman be pure?

See the parallels?

Mortal = born of woman. Righteous = pure.

image source: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/details.php?gid=165&sgid=&pid=1750

If even the moon is not bright
and the stars are not pure in his eyes,

Moon = stars. These are similar in that they are objects in the sky. Today, with science, we know the moon is a cold rock in space while stars are hot fiery massive objects. But to the ancients, they were lights in the sky.

Not bright = not pure.

Again, the theme of purity and how we are not pure compared to God.

how much less a mortal, who is but a maggot -
a human being, who is only a worm!"

Mortal = human being. Maggot = worm. Technically, maggots and worms aren't the same kind of thing. But they are icky crawly things! I resisted the temptation to link to an image of a worm or a maggot.

Is Bildad wrong in what he is saying?

As a general observation on the state of humanity, it is a correct assessment.

But in the case of Job, it isn't relevant. Yes, he is born of a woman and a sinner. But he has also cast himself before God and is righteous in God's eyes such that God has allowed Job to be tested to demonstrate faith in difficult circumstances.

Lord, I come before you in humility knowing you are a powerful and righteous God and that I'm sinful and mortal. Yet, I can come boldly because you have cleansed me through Jesus. I can be shamelessly audacious in asking you for help in the meeting the needs of others. Please give wisdom to friends who are making important decisions. Please provide for the needs of people I know regarding employment issues. I do not know who might click on this blog post but whatever their need might be, may they seek you for help. Help me to live righteously with honesty when I fall short. Give me a mix of love, boldness and humility in how I interact with others. Amen.

Job 24

2007-12-27T21:14:00.001-08:00

Job 24...

As I read the second half of Job's current monologue (started in Job 23), he is going all over the place: on one hand, the wicked getting away with it, on the other, the vulnerable suffering, and yet on another hand, the wicked getting whacked by God.

The wicked getting away with it...

Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment?
Why must those who know him look in vain for such days?
There are those who move boundary stones;
they pasture flocks they have stolen.
They drive away the orphan's donkey
and take the widow's ox in pledge.
They thrust the needy from the path
and force all the poor of the land into hiding.

I'm guessing moving boundary stones would be a way to rob somebody of their land or extending the reach of one's own. And how evil is it to steal someone's flock? And to top that evil they take advantage of the orphan, the widow, the needy and the poor. It is bad enough to cheat and steal but to do so at the expense of the downtrodden is a double dose.

The vulnerable suffering...

Like wild donkeys in the desert,
the poor go about their labor of foraging food;
the wasteland provides food for their children.
They gather fodder in the fields
and glean in the vineyards of the wicked.
Lacking clothes, they spend the night naked;
they have nothing to cover themselves in the cold.
They are drenched by mountain rains
and hug the rocks for lack of shelter.
The fatherless child is snatched from the breast;
the infant of the poor is seized for a debt.
Lacking clothes, they go about naked;
they carry the sheaves, but still go hungry.
They crush olives among the terraces;
they tread the winepresses, yet suffer thirst.
The groans of the dying rise from the city,
and the souls of the wounded cry out for help.

image source: http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/nm/20071228/2007_12_27t125755_450x347_us_pakistan_bhutto.jpg

Injustice is commonly cited in the argument against God.

But what if God has asked us to be guardians of justice?

How much of the injustice in the world is the fault of the wicked and how much of it is the fault of the good who fail to act?

There is a saying: all that is required for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.

Nonetheless, Job presses his case against God...

But God charges no one with wrongdoing.
There are those who rebel against the light,
who do not know its ways
or stay in its paths.
When daylight is gone, the murderer rises up,
kills the poor and needy,
and in the night steals forth like a thief.
The eye of the adulterer watches for dusk;
he thinks, 'No eye will see me,'
and he keeps his face concealed.
In the dark, thieves break into houses,
but by day they shut themselves in;
they want nothing to do with the light.
For all of them, midnight is their morning;
they make friends with the terrors of darkness.

Job is upset... God, these people are getting way with being evil!

Yet, Job backtracks...

Yet they are foam on the surface of the water;
their portion of the land is cursed,
so that no one goes to the vineyards.
As heat and drought snatch away the melted snow,
so the grave snatches away those who have sinned.
The womb forgets them,
the worm feasts on them;
the wicked are no longer remembered
but are broken like a tree.

The wicked do pay a price! Which do you really believe Job? Job is all over the map! Don't we get that way sometimes? I know I do and Job has "given us permission" to bare the wrestling match of our souls before God.

They prey on the barren and childless woman,
and to the widow show no kindness.

Job returns to the wicked briefly but again slams back to God is going to get them...

But God drags away the mighty by his power;
though they become established, they have no assurance of life.
He may let them rest in a feeling of security,
but his eyes are on their ways.
For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone;
they are brought low and gathered up like all others;
they are cut off like heads of grain.
If this is not so, who can prove me false
and reduce my words to nothing?

Job ends chapter 24 where he began in chapter 23... with confidence in the ultimate justice of God.

Lord, today, evil reared its head in the killing of Bhutto and many others in Pakistan. It looks like the wicked are marching to victory in that country. You are the king of all kings and the nations are but a drop in a bucket compared to you. I do not know how to pray and what to ask for. Yet, I'm compelled to express my anguish before you. I pray that the wicked see the wickedness of their ways and surrender to the authorities. And if they do not see the evil of their chosen path, then I ask that you bring justice to the evil doers who would kill so wantonly so that they would not take more life. I place these requests before you and trust your justice and mercy and sovereignty. Amen.

Job 23

2007-12-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

image source: http://www.ffrf.org/fttoday/2006/nov/images/addis-doubt-church-cartoon.jpg

Job 23

Then Job answered and said:
Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy on account of my groaning.

Ever felt like this?

I can think of a few things I could (and do!) complain to God about.

Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; he would pay attention to me.
There an upright man could argue with him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.

Job believes that if he got an audience with God, he would be heard.

I have to confess I wonder if Job is over reaching here?

I think of Isaiah who got an audience with God in Isaiah 6. In verse 5, Isaiah says: Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!

Yet, as one who lives on the other side of Jesus, I can call upon Hebrews 10:19: Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus.

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.

The great question for those who believe: how do I know that God is actually there?

None of Job's senses can detect God, yet ...

But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

Do I believe that God is working in my life and that my faith will come out as good as gold after going through tough times?

My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.

Makes me think of that phrase, "man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Deut. 8:3, Matt. 4:4, Luke 4:4)

Job is oscillating between doubt and faith. He goes on to make great statements of faith in the sovereignty of God ...

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.

This ineffable and unfathomable aspect of God leads to tremendous humility and even fear ...

Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;

Yet, God has in his wisdom preserved this wrestling match of faith and doubt for believers for all time because what Job went through, we do as well and Job says this in the face of his fears and doubts ...

yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face.

Lord, let me not be silent. There are doubts that I feel and complaints that I have and I bring them to you. Though human eyes reading this blog will not know and human ears of my friends may not understand, I know I can enter into your presence with a mixture of boldness, humility and fear. As I await wisdom, correction and vindication, give me the strength to walk in your ways and in obedience to your words. Lord, help friends of mine who have given up seeking you to seek you once again. Help friends who are in the midst of trial to be affirmed. Help friends who have never sought you to somehow realize that you are closer than they think and that Christmas is more than just stuff but about life with you. Amen.

Job 22

2007-12-16T22:44:00.000-08:00

Am back!

To recap Job:
Ch. 1-2, sets the stage
Ch. 3-14, 1st set of monologues where Job speaks, friends respond, Job responds and so on. All three friends speak
Ch. 15-21, 2nd set of monologues, all three of Job's friends speak and Job responds.
Ch. 22-26, 3rd set of monologues, only two of Job's friends speak and Job responds.
Ch. 27-31, Job speaks at length
Ch. 32-37, Elihu, a fourth friend speaks at length
Ch. 38-41, God and Job speak
Ch. 42, conclusion.

Picking things up at Job 22 ...

Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
"Can a human being be of benefit to God?
Can even the wise benefit him?
What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous?
What would he gain if your ways were blameless?

Eliphaz is simply wrong.

The god described by Eliphaz is (1) unmoved by his creatures doing right and (2) only interested in zapping those who go astray as described by Eliphaz later on.

We know from Job 1 God is aware of Job's righteousness and is pleased by it.

"Is it for your piety that he rebukes you
and brings charges against you?
Is not your wickedness great?
Are not your sins endless?
You demanded security from your relatives for no reason;
you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked.
You gave no water to the weary
and you withheld food from the hungry,
though you were a powerful man, owning land -
an honored man, living on it.
And you sent widows away empty-handed
and broke the strength of the fatherless.
That is why snares are all around you,
why sudden peril terrifies you,
why it is so dark you cannot see,
and why a flood of water covers you.

We have no indication that Job sinned and if that is correct than Eliphaz is slandering Job.

If I were Job at this point, I'd punch Eliphaz in the nose!

"Is not God in the heights of heaven?
And see how lofty are the highest stars!
Yet you say, 'What does God know?
Does he judge through such darkness?
Thick clouds veil him, so he does not see us
as he goes about in the vaulted heavens.'

Eliphaz returned to the idea that god is too powerful and distant to really care what is going on. I suppose Eliphaz is holding onto a "deist" kind of god where god simply doesn't interact with us with the possible exception of a final judgement when we all die.

The materialist would say there is no god at all. The pantheist would say god is in the creation.

A theist would believe there is a god and god actually cares what is happening and can interact with us.

Will you keep to the old path
that the wicked have trod?
They were carried off before their time,
their foundations washed away by a flood.
They said to God, 'Leave us alone!
What can the Almighty do to us?'
Yet it was he who filled their houses with good things,
so I stand aloof from the counsel of the wicked.
The righteous see their ruin and rejoice;
the innocent mock them, saying,
'Surely our foes are destroyed,
and fire devours their wealth.'
"Submit to God and be at peace with him;
in this way prosperity will come to you.

Interestingly, Eliphaz appears to backtrack on the remoteness of god by advising Job to go to god and own up to sin which he believes that Job committed but didn't admit to.

The following are fine sounding words and would be appropriate in other contexts. But in this one it is just more salt in an open wound ...

Accept instruction from his mouth
and lay up his words in your heart.
If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored:
If you remove wickedness far from your tent
and assign your nuggets to the dust,
your gold of Ophir to the rocks in the ravines,
then the Almighty will be your gold,
the choicest silver for you.
Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty
and will lift up your face to God.
You will pray to him, and he will hear you,
and you will fulfill your vows.
What you decide on will be done,
and light will shine on your ways.
When people are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!'
then he will save the downcast.
He will deliver even one who is not innocent,
who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

This last part is indeed fine sounding. As typical Christian people, we have probably said such words to others or have heard such sentiments in sermons.

But what we should say is by context.

You might say that Eliphaz was about 33% right in this passage. But in context he was 100% wrong.

Lord, I don't get to give advice often. But when i do have that opportunity, help me to be wise. Help me to spend more time listening than talking. Grant me discernment to know if there is sin how to address it and when there is not to comfort the suffering soul. As the Christmas season is here, people's emotions may be closer to the surface. Open my eyes to be perceptive to the needs of others. Amen.

Taking a break

2007-10-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

Will be back to Job in a little bit!

Haven't stopped contemplating the message of the Bible though. Just thinking about things in a topical fashion for a little while.

Job 21

2007-09-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Job 21 is the halfway mark in the 42 chapter drama of Job.

The structure of the book has been a speech by one of Job's three friends with a response by Job and it is a back and forth between them.

Here Job speaks again ...

Then Job replied:
Listen carefully to my words;
let this be the consolation you give me.
Bear with me while I speak,
and after I have spoken, mock on.

Job is exasperated! He has essentially given up trying to argue his case to his friends. All he can do is ask them to listen even if in the end they aren't convinced and decide to poke fun at him.

Is my complaint directed to man?
Why should I not be impatient?
Look at me and be astonished;
clap your hand over your mouth.
When I think about this, I am terrified;
trembling seizes my body.
Why do the wicked live on,
growing old and increasing in power?

The friends had been arguing that the wicked falter. And by implication, since Job's life had gone down the drain, then he must have been wicked.

Job continues to argue, it isn't that simple, the wicked often do very well in this world.

He elaborates with the following examples:

They see their children established around them,
their offspring before their eyes.
Their homes are safe and free from fear;
the rod of God is not upon them.
Their bulls never fail to breed;
their cows calve and do not miscarry.
They send forth their children as a flock;
their little ones dance about.
They sing to the music of tambourine and harp;
they make merry to the sound of the flute.
They spend their years in prosperity
and go down to the grave in peace.

And not only are they, the wicked doing well, they mock god while they are prospering ...

Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone!
We have no desire to know your ways.
Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
What would we gain by praying to him?'

Yet, though the wicked prosper, Job doesn't want anything to do with them ...

But their prosperity is not in their own hands,
so I stand aloof from the counsel of the wicked.

However, its a struggle for Job. Even if he doesn't want to be a part of the ways of the unrighteous, he wonders what is God up to? He wonders why doesn't God strike them down?

Yet how often is the lamp of the wicked snuffed out?
How often does calamity come upon them,
the fate God allots in his anger?
How often are they like straw before the wind,
like chaff swept away by a gale?
It is said, 'God stores up a man's punishment for his sons.'
Let him repay the man himself, so that he will know it!
Let his own eyes see his destruction;
let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
For what does he care about the family he leaves behind
when his allotted months come to an end?

Despite his obvious frustration, Job still allows God to be God.

Can anyone teach knowledge to God,
since he judges even the highest?
One man dies in full vigor,
completely secure and at ease,
his body well nourished,
his bones rich with marrow.
Another man dies in bitterness of soul,
never having enjoyed anything good.
Side by side they lie in the dust,
and worms cover them both.
I know full well what you are thinking,
the schemes by which you would wrong me.
You say, 'Where now is the great man's house,
the tents where wicked men lived?'

Job saw that in the end, death is the great equalizer. But somehow, it seems not quite right to Job that good people and bad people wind up dead and that the bad people didn't seem to receive their just punishment while they were alive.

He challenges his friends, grab some people on the road and ask them if I am right about this?

Have you never questioned those who travel?
Have you paid no regard to their accounts-
that the evil man is spared from the day of calamity,
that he is delivered from the day of wrath?
Who denounces his conduct to his face?
Who repays him for what he has done?
He is carried to the grave,
and watch is kept over his tomb.
The soil in the valley is sweet to him;
all men follow after him,
and a countless throng goes before him.
So how can you console me with your nonsense?
Nothing is left of your answers but falsehood!

Indeed, if the grave is the very last stop and calamity and wrath and payment for sin must take place in this present life then one would be quite stuck: life is truly totally unfair.

If we believe that justice is an absolute concept and we look at our life experience then we have to conclude either (1) we are incorrect in our beliefs because the wicked can prosper in this life or (2) there must be an afterlife where the scales of justice are righted.

On the other hand, if there is no God to right the scales of justice in the afterlife then we have to say that justice is not an absolute concept but merely what those with power can enforce.

God, there are terrible injustices in the world today. It is horrible to know that people are bought and sold in human trafficking. Help those who are fighting that evil. Strengthen our poor power to fight such wickedness. In addition to strengthening the hands of those who stand against such wickedness, move in the hearts of those who do perpetrate such sin. Just as you opened the eyes of slave ship captain John Newton, open the eyes of today's slave traders to see they are wrong and need to make it right by stopping what they do. Lord, have mercy! Amen.

Job 20

2007-08-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Previously, in Job 1-2 the stage is set for the drama of Job's sufferings.

Job 3-14 is the first set of speeches where we hear Job followed by a friend in dueling monologues.

This pattern is continued in Job 15-21 with a second set of dueling monologues.

Here in Job 20, we hear Zophar give his second speech ...

Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
because I am greatly disturbed.
I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
and my understanding inspires me to reply.
Surely you know how it has been from of old,
ever since man was placed on the earth,
that the mirth of the wicked is brief,
the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
Though his pride reaches to the heavens
and his head touches the clouds,
he will perish forever, like his own dung;
those who have seen him will say, 'Where is he?'
Like a dream he flies away, no more to be found,
banished like a vision of the night.
The eye that saw him will not see him again;
his place will look on him no more.
His children must make amends to the poor;
his own hands must give back his wealth.
The youthful vigor that fills his bones
will lie with him in the dust.

Do you think what Zophar says is true?

Indeed, death is the great equalizer. The good and the bad, the great and the lowly, the rich and the poor, all of us share the same fate.

True enough. But does it address where Job is at?

Job knows this is true. What he is complaining about is, where is God?

Job's concern is: I've really tried my best to live a right life and my situation seems just as bad or even worse than the fate of wicked people. What gives?

Zophar goes on ...

Though evil is sweet in his mouth
and he hides it under his tongue,
though he cannot bear to let it go
and keeps it in his mouth,
yet his food will turn sour in his stomach;
it will become the venom of serpents within him.
He will spit out the riches he swallowed;
God will make his stomach vomit them up.
He will suck the poison of serpents;
the fangs of an adder will kill him.
He will not enjoy the streams,
the rivers flowing with honey and cream.
What he toiled for he must give back uneaten;
he will not enjoy the profit from his trading.
For he has oppressed the poor and left them destitute;
he has seized houses he did not build.
Surely he will have no respite from his craving;
he cannot save himself by his treasure.
Nothing is left for him to devour;
his prosperity will not endure.
In the midst of his plenty, distress will overtake him;
the full force of misery will come upon him.

Do you think Zophar is taking a jab at Job?

One could say that Job was "In the midst of his plenty, distress will overtake him; the full force of misery will come upon him..."

Indeed, distress and misery overtook Job. In Zophar's paradigm, it is the price to be paid by the wicked.

When he has filled his belly,
God will vent his burning anger against him
and rain down his blows upon him.
Though he flees from an iron weapon,
a bronze-tipped arrow pierces him.
He pulls it out of his back,
the gleaming point out of his liver.
Terrors will come over him;
total darkness lies in wait for his treasures.
A fire unfanned will consume him
and devour what is left in his tent.
The heavens will expose his guilt;
the earth will rise up against him.
A flood will carry off his house,
rushing waters on the day of God's wrath.
Such is the fate God allots the wicked,
the heritage appointed for them by God.

Zophar mobilizes very vivid word pictures to describe the fate of the wicked.

I think this passage, along with a lot of other ones where Job's friends speak, illustrates the perils of making judgments about people's lives.

In isolation, what each of Job's friends say is mostly true. But in the context of Job's life, what they say is not pertinent.

The wrong lesson to draw from Job is to say we never make determinations about people's lives.

In life, we are asked to be discerning. After all, Jesus, in one of many picturesque statements, says, Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Jesus could be as tough as nails as he was with the religious leaders of the day. He could also be compassionate like he was in the various people he healed. And in some interactions, he was a mix of both.

So indeed, it may be cliche to say, what would Jesus do?

But he is our example.

We have to be honest and admit Jesus did have tremendous advantages in that he had a hotline to God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit!

We have access as well through prayer and the filling of the Holy Spirit, but humility demands I acknowledge that my heart isn't always pure, nor is my mind constantly focused God-ward and I'm a broken and leaky vessel for the Holy Spirit to be poured into.

Thus, I come to exercise discernment about people's lives with great caution and humility. Yet, we are asked to help each other in life and when necessary helping may mean reading someone the riot act. Hopefully, we will do a better Job than Job's friends.

Lord, clear the clutter of my mind so I focus on you. Keep working on my heart clearing away things that are wicked within me. Strengthen my will to want what you want. Nurture the coals within me that burn for you and stamp out the ones that lead me away from the paths of righteousness. Help me to be wise in how I lead others onto that same path. Amen.

Job 19

2007-08-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Job 19 was this morning's reading.

Then Job answered and said:
How long will you torment me
and break me in pieces with words?
These ten times you have cast reproach upon me;
are you not ashamed to wrong me?

The old cliche is sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. I suppose in some situations that may be so. But when you are in pain and your friends are saying hurtful things, it can be pretty tough to bear.

Job said "10 times you have cast reproach" reflects how badly beaten down he feels by his friends. He could be counting specific insults given by his friends in which case maybe there were 10 zingers that he has counted. If you are keeping score at home, up to this point Eliphaz has spoken twice, Bildad twice and Zophar once. Zophar is about to speak in Job 20. Thus, the friends have spoken five times which would make 10 an exaggeration. But I think the point is taken in any case that he feels broken up by his friend's lack of support.

And even if it be true that I have erred,
my error remains with myself.
If indeed you magnify yourselves against me
and make my disgrace an argument against me,
know then that God has put me in the wrong
and closed his net about me.
Behold, I cry out, 'Violence!' but I am not answered;
I call for help, but there is no justice.
He has walled up my way, so that I cannot pass,
and he has set darkness upon my paths.
He has stripped from me my glory
and taken the crown from my head.
He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone,
and my hope has he pulled up like a tree.
He has kindled his wrath against me
and counts me as his adversary.
His troops come on together;
they have cast up their siege ramp against me
and encamp around my tent.

Job's recitation of his woes used word pictures of battles and nature torn down. As he saw it, it was as if God was at war with him. The next part of his monologue took the pain to another level as he felt abandoned by the people in his life ...

He has put my brothers far from me,
and those who knew me are wholly estranged from me.
My relatives have failed me,
my close friends have forgotten me.
The guests in my house and my maidservants count me as a stranger;
I have become a foreigner in their eyes.
I call to my servant, but he gives me no answer;
I must plead with him with my mouth for mercy.
My breath is strange to my wife,
and I am a stench to the children of my own mother.
Even young children despise me;
when I rise they talk against me.
All my intimate friends abhor me,
and those whom I loved have turned against me.
My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh,
and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends,
for the hand of God has touched me!
Why do you, like God, pursue me?
Why are you not satisfied with my flesh?

Brothers, relatives, close friends, guests, servants, wife, children, intimate friends ...

Job feels everyone close or far in relationship have abandoned him.

Is there any hope in Job right now?

Oh that my words were written!
Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
Oh that with an iron pen and lead
they were engraved in the rock forever!
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!
If you say, 'How we will pursue him!'
and, 'The root of the matter is found in him,'
be afraid of the sword,
for wrath brings the punishment of the sword,
that you may know there is a judgment.

Probably the most famous part of the Book of Job!

The great statement that God redeems and that those whom God redeems will stand before God in the flesh.

There are many ideas of the afterlife: there isn't one, only the soul survives but the body is destroyed or the soul migrates to another body. But here, Job in this life will die (my skin has been thus destroyed) but Job, as himself, will meet God (yet in my flesh I shall see God).

And what might Job feel upon meeting God?

"My heart faints within me!"

We only know God partially right now and at times we glimpse the greatness of God but I admit a lot of times God seems hard to figure out. But one day, I, like Job will meet God and will fall down before him!

What else does Job say here?

" ... wrath brings the punishment of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

Justice. We all feel there is something not quite right about the way things are and so we work to make them right. But we know for those who "get away with it" in this life, they will have to face the God of Justice.

Lord, Job was battered by the suffering of this life and wounded by the words of his friends. Yet, he kept seeking you however imperfectly. In the final analysis, what is the alternative? To take the path of Job's wife and say curse God and die? You are the author of life, you are the righteous judge and you are the redeemer. Where else am I going to go for true life? Lord, help me to lay my sin before you for you to take away. God, help me to lay before you my burdens and sorrows for you to weave into my life making me a more holy and loving person. Amen.

Job 18

2007-08-12T22:41:00.000-07:00

Job 18 tonight.

I link to Biblegateway.com because with ease you can change to another translation and you can even get translations into many languages other than English!

I've tended to post using NIV, TNIV, ESV, NKJV. I've occasionally gone with the NLT and once in a while the Message. I personally like the NASB because I grew up with it. But cutting and pasting it from the Biblegateway.com is tough because I have to remove so many footnotes!

On the spectrum of more literal to less literal, I believe the order would be NASB -> NKJV -> ESV -> NIV/TNIV -> NLT -> Message.

For personal reading, I've been going with the NIV/TNIV. But for more serious examination, I'd supplement with the NASB. Within this blog, I've mostly used NIV/TNIV but have and will occasionally use one of the other ones to keep things fresh!

But back to Job 18 ...

Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:
How long before you stop talking?
Speak sense if you want us to answer!
Do you think we are mere animals?
Do you think we are stupid?
You may tear out your hair in anger,
but will that destroy the earth?
Will it make the rocks tremble?

Paraphrase: Job, shut up, you think we are dummies?

There is a time and place for "an intervention" when you whack somebody with a frying pan to knock some sense into them. I think this might not be one of those occasions!

Surely the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
The sparks of their fire will not glow.
The light in their tent will grow dark.
The lamp hanging above them will be quenched.
The confident stride of the wicked will be shortened.
Their own schemes will be their downfall.
The wicked walk into a net.
They fall into a pit.
A trap grabs them by the heel.
A snare holds them tight.
A noose lies hidden on the ground.
A rope is stretched across their path.

Paraphrase: the wicked will get their just punishment in time.

Generally true but irrelevant to Job because he is not wicked. He has sought as fully and sincerely as possible to keep a right standing with God. Bildad is giving knitting instructions to a guy trying to land a plane in rainstorm.

Terrors surround the wicked
and trouble them at every step.
Hunger depletes their strength,
and calamity waits for them to stumble.
Disease eats their skin;
death devours their limbs.
They are torn from the security of their homes
and are brought down to the king of terrors.
The homes of the wicked will burn down;
burning sulfur rains on their houses.
Their roots will dry up,
and their branches will wither.
All memory of their existence will fade from the earth,
No one will remember their names.
They will be thrust from light into darkness,
driven from the world.
They will have neither children nor grandchildren,
nor any survivor in the place where they lived.
People in the west are appalled at their fate;
people in the east are horrified.
They will say, This was the home of a wicked person,
the place of one who rejected God.

Paraphrase: Look Job, if you don't turn around and fly right, this is what is going to happen to you. I didn't flap my gums with all this poetry just because I like the sound of my voice (well, maybe I do). I'm telling you all this because you are going down this path!

Application question: When do we do "an intervention?" How do we know if a situation warrants taking a frying pan to someone to get them to see straight? Jesus definitely did that on some occasions! And once we decide an intervention is necessary, how do we do it?

I'm sure Bildad and the others think they are helping Job see things more clearly. But of course, we know they are wrong!

So I suppose we can learn the "negative" lessons here... how not to do an intervention!

(1) Saying things that aren't even applicable to the situation. The friends keep insisting Job sinned but Job has declared that he has tried his best to be in good standing before God.

(2) Strong words are sometimes necessary but personal attacks don't help. The beginning part of Bildad's statements are way too sarcastic!

(3) Say your piece and leave it at that. In the end, people have free will. You can take a horse to water but you can't make her drink. Some of the poetic rhetoric by Bildad is just that: a way to be emotionally manipulative. We can't control people. If we think they are on the wrong path, you tell them so but in the end if they are adults, they are responsible for their lives.

Lord, give me wisdom when I even dare think about giving advice to people. And give me humility should I share that advice. And give me love that is seeking the welfare of the other person and not trying to prove a point. And indeed, sometimes, the wisest, humble and loving thing to do is just listen. Help me to know when to do which. Amen.

Job 17

2007-08-04T15:07:00.000-07:00

Job 17 this quiet Saturday afternoon while the laundry is going.

My spirit is broken,
My days are extinguished,
The grave is ready for me.
Are not mockers with me?
And does not my eye dwell on their provocation?

As a young person, most of the time I am filled with a "fighting" spirit... BRING IT ON ... and other such Die Hard-ish kind of bravado.

But there have been times when I feel so beaten down that I can relate in a small way to Job's despair here. He wants to raise the white flag of surrender, to throw in the towel, to tip the king over in resignation.

Now put down a pledge for me with Yourself.
Who is he who will shake hands with me?
For You have hidden their heart from understanding;
Therefore You will not exalt them.
He who speaks flattery to his friends,
Even the eyes of his children will fail.

For today's reading, I clicked on the NKJV text. The phrasing ... Who is he who will shake hands with me? is interesting. Too bad I don't read Hebrew. I wonder what it says because in the NIV the phrasing is ... Who else will put up security for me? I wonder which is the more "literal" translation? Or are they both trying to bring into our language and culture an idea from the Hebrew language.

But anyway, using the NKJV imagery, is Job asking, God will you promise me to be with me? Will you shake hands with me on that God?

Job seeks vindication and the presence of God?

Job then takes a poke at his friends saying they don't understand.

But He has made me a byword of the people,
And I have become one in whose face men spit.
My eye has also grown dim because of sorrow,
And all my members are like shadows.
Upright men are astonished at this,
And the innocent stirs himself up against the hypocrite.
Yet the righteous will hold to his way,
And he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger.

Job feels he is the object of derision. He is in the land of sorrows and shadow. Yet, he believes there are upright who see his situation and are astonished unlike his friends who assume he must have secret sin he won't release. Job believes the innocent are riled up by the situation. He believes the righteous will stick to their guns even in light of what is happening to him.

When I look at the world and see injustice there is the temptation to just toss up my hands and join in. You know, what the heck, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. BUT, if we believe there is a God who cares about righteousness then we can't do that. Job despite everything is still hanging onto this thread. It seems a thin thread right now but he is hanging onto it!

But please, come back again, all of you,
For I shall not find one wise man among you.
My days are past,
My purposes are broken off,
Even the thoughts of my heart.
They change the night into day;
‘The light is near,’ they say, in the face of darkness.
If I wait for the grave as my house,
If I make my bed in the darkness,
If I say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’
And to the worm, ‘You are my mother and my sister,’
Where then is my hope?
As for my hope, who can see it?
Will they go down to the gates of Sheol?
Shall we have rest together in the dust?

Job again slips back into despair talking of death as the next stop in the journey of life for him.

I'm not certain how certain the translators are about the paragraph divisions in these texts. But this chapter had four stanzas.

The first one is quite bleak. The second and third ones exhibit some glimmers of hope. In the second he calls on God to shake hands with him as a promise and in the third he takes comfort that there are some who are outraged at his situation and aren't assuming the worst like his friends. But in the fourth, the existential realty of death is a heavy burden on him.

I was at a church camp and the speaker made an interesting remark that has stuck with me. Part of the job of the people in the church is to help each prepare for death.

Job's friends weren't being much help were they?

Lord, sustain those saints who are long on years and experience the aches and pains of this life. In the proper time, release them from the bonds of this earth that they may experience the fullness of your healing and joy of your presence. For us younger saints, help us to use the vigor of our youth for you and not waste it on things that do not last. Amen.

Job 16

2007-07-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Continuing onward to Job 16.

Job punched back at his friends...

Then Job replied:
I have heard many things like these;
miserable comforters are you all!
Will your long-winded speeches never end?
What ails you that you keep on arguing?
I also could speak like you,
if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
and shake my head at you.

His friends didn't say anything that Job didn't know already. He felt, c'mon guys, you are no help at all! I have heard everything you have said because I've said them to myself already!

But my mouth would encourage you;
comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

Real wisdom is needed in life on what to say to people in pain. How does one encourage and comfort?

Often times words do seem awfully useless. But yet, sometimes words are all we got to give someone. Can't help but think of James 3 where the power of the tongue (words) for good and evil are directly discussed.

If there is sin there, how do we speak truth that can restore?

If there is suffering there, how do we speak truth that encourages and comforts?

Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved;
and if I refrain, it does not go away.

Ever been there?

What is there to do when there is nothing that can be done?

Tearful nights, sleepless dawns.

Can't help but think of Robert Kennedy quoting Aeschylus' Agamemnon on the night Martin Luther King was assassinated:

"In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

Job continued to bare his heart to God and his friends ...

Surely, O God, you have worn me out;
you have devastated my entire household.
You have bound me - and it has become a witness;
my gauntness rises up and testifies against me.
God assails me and tears me in his anger
and gnashes his teeth at me;
my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes.
Men open their mouths to jeer at me;
they strike my cheek in scorn
and unite together against me.
God has turned me over to evil men
and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked.
All was well with me, but he shattered me;
he seized me by the neck and crushed me.
He has made me his target;
his archers surround me.
Without pity, he pierces my kidneys
and spills my gall on the ground.
Again and again he bursts upon me;
he rushes at me like a warrior.
I have sewed sackcloth over my skin
and buried my brow in the dust.
My face is red with weeping,
deep shadows ring my eyes;
yet my hands have been free of violence
and my prayer is pure.
O earth, do not cover my blood;
may my cry never be laid to rest!

This is the power of poetry at work: the visual words, the cadence of phrases, the deep emotions pour forth giving form to thoughts from within.

Yes, it sounds sacrilegious to be this angry at God!

As a "religious" person, I often think of myself as "a sinner in the hands of an angry God." And that picture is true! But here the tables are turned somewhat where God is in the hands of an angry sufferer.

Later on in Job, God responded and Job cowered in the presence of God and rightly so.

The choice was before him: "curse God and die" or engage God honestly and see what happens.

Indeed, Job goes on knowing he needed help ...

Even now my witness is in heaven;
my advocate is on high.
My intercessor is my friend
as my eyes pour out tears to God;
on behalf of a man he pleads with God
as a man pleads for his friend.
Only a few years will pass
before I go on the journey of no return.

Job didn't know about Jesus and what that would mean theologically. However, Job knew the human condition. He knew his condition. If he, if we, are to stand before God, we need help.

Lord, thank you that Jesus is my advocate before you. I can pour out tears to you and you will hear because Jesus has restored my relationship to you, O God. Amen.

Job 15

2007-07-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

Previously,
Job 1-2 Narrative Prologue
Job 3 - Job's lament
First cycle of poems
Eliphaz - Job 4-5, Job replies - Job 6-7
Bildad - Job 8, Job replies - Job 9-10
Zophar - Job 11, Job replies - Job 12-14

I was recently at the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit in San Diego. One highlight of the exhibit was the videos from the UCLA Qumran Visualization Project.

One of the scrolls on display was an Aramaic translation of the Book of Job. It was kind of a strange moment to think that I had just a little bit in common with that scribe 2000 years in the past and 1/2 a world away!

What did he think about when he wrote out Job 15?

Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
Would a wise man answer with empty notions
or fill his belly with the hot east wind?
Would he argue with useless words,
with speeches that have no value?

Them is fighting words!

He goes on with more jabs.

But you even undermine piety
and hinder devotion to God.
Your sin prompts your mouth;
you adopt the tongue of the crafty.
Your own mouth condemns you, not mine;
your own lips testify against you.

It seems that each speech by the friends of Job is getting progressively more aggressive. Eliphaz's prior speech in chapter 4 seemed downright mild in comparison!

Are you the first man ever born?
Were you brought forth before the hills?
Do you listen in on God's council?
Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
What do you know that we do not know?
What insights do you have that we do not have?
The gray-haired and the aged are on our side,
men even older than your father.

It is certainly true enough that Job probably wasn't the first man to suffer and wonder what the heck is going on. In someway, Job is "everyman" or at least every man who has tried to live rightly with faith in God. Someone who hasn't tried to live rightly would have no right to complain. And someone with no faith in God would have no God he or she would want to complain to!

Are God's consolations not enough for you,
words spoken gently to you?
Why has your heart carried you away,
and why do your eyes flash,
so that you vent your rage against God
and pour out such words from your mouth?
What is man, that he could be pure,
or one born of woman, that he could be righteous?
If God places no trust in his holy ones,
if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes,
how much less man, who is vile and corrupt,
who drinks up evil like water!

Such powerful words!

Sometimes when I'm feeling like the score is disappointment in life 5 me 0, I feel pretty low. As a person of faith, I ask myself, Are God's consolations not enough for you, words spoken gently to you? Do I really have the right to complain?

One thing I live by (I confess I often don't succeed) and I wonder if you think it is wrong of me to do this but I try to act happier than I actually am. Friends who know me will tell me I often fail at this! However, this is something I strive for. You see sometimes by acting happy you soon become happy. And even if that doesn't happen, I might still have an impact on those around me in a positive way. Do you think this is a good thing?

There is a scene in the film Cinderella Man when the character played by Rene Zellwegger is at the end of her rope with the children. When she is with them, she maintains a positive outlook. However, she then steps outside her home and breaks down and cries. She tried to act more happily than she felt because she wanted to protect her children.

The whole premise of the film Life is Beautiful is similar to this.

However, when I'm alone with God. I am at more liberty to be myself. Is this the right approach?

One last thought, from Job 1-2, we find that God has placed trust in Job in contrast to Eliphaz's point If God places no trust in his holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in his eyes, how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!

Eliphaz continues very confidently and belligerently ...

Listen to me and I will explain to you;
let me tell you what I have seen,
what wise men have declared,
hiding nothing received from their fathers
(to whom alone the land was given
when no alien passed among them):
All his days the wicked man suffers torment,
the ruthless through all the years stored up for him.
Terrifying sounds fill his ears;
when all seems well, marauders attack him.
He despairs of escaping the darkness;
he is marked for the sword.
He wanders about - food for vultures;
he knows the day of darkness is at hand.
Distress and anguish fill him with terror;
they overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack,
because he shakes his fist at God
and vaunts himself against the Almighty,
defiantly charging against him
with a thick, strong shield.
Though his face is covered with fat
and his waist bulges with flesh,
he will inhabit ruined towns
and houses where no one lives,
houses crumbling to rubble.
He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure,
nor will his possessions spread over the land.
He will not escape the darkness;
a flame will wither his shoots,
and the breath of God's mouth will carry him away.
Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless,
for he will get nothing in return.
Before his time he will be paid in full,
and his branches will not flourish.
He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes,
like an olive tree shedding its blossoms.
For the company of the godless will be barren,
and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes.
They conceive trouble and give birth to evil;
their womb fashions deceit.

Such vivid word pictures!

It is passages like these especially that tell me this story isn't "literal" in the sense this is a transcript of Job and his three friends sitting on the porch contemplating the mysteries of life. Do you and I talk in poetry to each other?

What probably happened was that the author of Job put into beautifully imaginative poetry the kinds of thoughts people have when they wrestle with the age old questions of justice, suffering, faithfulness, God and friendship.

Shakespeare's works aren't literally true but they are based loosely on real life events and embody real life experiences of the human condition.

So on the substance, is Eliphaz right?

9 times out of 10, people do get their comeuppance. The wheels of justice in this life sometimes do work and those who do wrong pay a price for their ways. But the difference in the story is that it is one thing to see the foibles of the rich and famous documented on the television news and then for them to wind up in jail. They are getting their just dessserts.

It is another thing to see someone suffering and assume they have some sin which we haven't seen.

Is Job suffering because he sinned?

Thus, as one may say, the premise of the question doesn't apply.

Lord, help me to take consolation in you during the difficult times. Help me to be loving to those around me who are in pain. Help me to be discerning about my sin and other's sin and slow to make judgments about others. And when I do make judgments on others, help me to do so with extreme humility and ready to give mercy and compassion with the goal of restoration and not to tear down. Amen.

Job 14

2007-07-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Am looking at Job 14 this morning.

Job is continuing the monologue he started back in Job 12.

Man who is born of woman
Is of few days and full of trouble.
He comes forth like a flower and fades away;
He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
And do You open Your eyes on such a one,
And bring me to judgment with Yourself?
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
No one!
Since his days are determined,
The number of his months is with You;
You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass.
Look away from him that he may rest,
Till like a hired man he finishes his day.
For there is hope for a tree,
If it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
And that its tender shoots will not cease.
Though its root may grow old in the earth,
And its stump may die in the ground,
Yet at the scent of water it will bud
And bring forth branches like a plant.
But man dies and is laid away;
Indeed he breathes his last
And where is he?
As water disappears from the sea,
And a river becomes parched and dries up,

Do you think about death a lot?

I don't. Certain events in life (death of someone I know, a personal health problem, some tragedy in the news) will cause me to think about death. And when I sit and think about it, I do have to say what Job is saying here: we are here and gone just like that.

Can I wake up every morning and think, I'm going to die today? I suppose it might focus my mind more on gratitude and making the most of the opportunity of life? Or would it just be depressing leading me to not even bother going out the door?

Of course, we have to allow Job this time of reflection because of his circumstances.

As one pastor shared with me, I don't have to preach too loud at funerals. At other times, pastors can get a megaphone in our face and we don't listen!

So man lies down and does not rise.
Till the heavens are no more,
They will not awake
Nor be roused from their sleep.
Oh, that You would hide me in the grave,
That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past,
That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me!
If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my hard service I will wait,
Till my change comes.
You shall call, and I will answer You;
You shall desire the work of Your hands.

Do you think Job believes in an afterlife?

A lot of times, Job talks of death and it seems like he is saying, that's it, you are in the ground and there is nothing more.

This passages seem to hint that he believes there might be something more.

What do you think?

Is it the part of me that knows of Jesus and the resurrection that biases me to think that Job had at least a hint of an afterlife?

From the next passage, I can't help but feel that Job is of two minds about the afterlife. At times, it seems like he thinks there is nothing more and at other times he seems to be hinting he believes there is more.

For now You number my steps,
But do not watch over my sin.
My transgression is sealed up in a bag,
And You cover my iniquity.
But as a mountain falls and crumbles away,
And as a rock is moved from its place;
As water wears away stones,
And as torrents wash away the soil of the earth;
So You destroy the hope of man.
You prevail forever against him, and he passes on;
You change his countenance and send him away.
His sons come to honor, and he does not know it;
They are brought low, and he does not perceive it.
But his flesh will be in pain over it,
And his soul will mourn over it.

It does seem bleak doesn't it?

I think the "hint" of an afterlife is that Job seems to care about justice as he talks about sin.

For now You number my steps,
But do not watch over my sin.
My transgression is sealed up in a bag,
And You cover my iniquity.

Job believes he has sin in his life but that God has forgiven him of his sins.

The simple calculation is that he is suffering right now and so he must have sin. If there is no afterlife, where is the vindication of his standing before God?

Perhaps, that is a reach of convoluted logic.

Lord, the physical life is precious to me. You want me to do justice in this life but I know there is still lots of injustice. You want me to show mercy to people in this life but sometimes that just doesn't seem like enough to make up for has happened. You want me to walk humbly with you but it seems hard when things happen that don't make a lot of sense. Help me to be like Job to be able to say like him,
If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my hard service I will wait,
Till my change comes.
You shall call, and I will answer You;
You shall desire the work of Your hands.
Amen.

Job 13

2007-07-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

Onward to Job 13.

Job goes into a thrust and parry mode.

He takes a poke at Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar and says their arguments are not unfamiliar to him.

Behold, my eye has seen all this,
my ear has heard and understood it.
What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.

What Job wants is an audience with God.

But I would speak to the Almighty,
and I desire to argue my case with God.

Job pokes his friends again!

As for you, you whitewash with lies;
worthless physicians are you all.
Oh that you would keep silent,
and it would be your wisdom!

Job switches back to wanting to make his case.

Hear now my argument
and listen to the pleadings of my lips.

He slaps at his friends again.

Will you speak falsely for God
and speak deceitfully for him?
Will you show partiality toward him?
Will you plead the case for God?
Will it be well with you when he searches you out?
Or can you deceive him, as one deceives a man?
He will surely rebuke you
if in secret you show partiality.
Will not his majesty terrify you,
and the dread of him fall upon you?
Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
your defenses are defenses of clay.

He demands silence from his friends so he can have the floor to make the case with God.

Let me have silence, and I will speak,
and let come on me what may.
Why should I take my flesh in my teeth
and put my life in my hand?
Though he slay me, I will hope in him;
yet I will argue my ways to his face.
This will be my salvation,
that the godless shall not come before him.
Keep listening to my words,
and let my declaration be in your ears.
Behold, I have prepared my case;
I know that I shall be in the right.
Who is there who will contend with me?
For then I would be silent and die.

The phrase that really jumps out at me is Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. Whoa. Audacious. Chutzpah. Any other words you want to use to describe Job here?

Job straddles that fine line of respect for God ... he realizes he could be zapped on the ground he is standing on ... and intimacy with God ... he wants to get in God's face!

He goes on and demands two things from God ...

Only grant me two things,
then I will not hide myself from your face:
withdraw your hand far from me,
and let not dread of you terrify me.
Then call, and I will answer;
or let me speak, and you reply to me.

Paraphrasing Job by drawing from my own prayer life when sometimes I feel anguish such that all I can barely croak out in prayer is, God I'm in pain (emotional or physical), make it stop, talk to me, listen to me. HELP!

How many are my iniquities and my sins?
Make me know my transgression and my sin.
Why do you hide your face
and count me as your enemy?

Job knows he isn't a perfect man. He pleads, God, did I mess up somewhere? I know its possible, tell me!

He brings all his doubts to God's feet

Will you frighten a driven leaf
and pursue dry chaff?
For you write bitter things against me
and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.
You put my feet in the stocks
and watch all my paths;
you set a limit for the soles of my feet.
Man wastes away like a rotten thing,
like a garment that is moth-eaten.

To be continued into Job 14 ...

Lord, Job, one of the oldest books in the Bible reads and sounds as real today as prayers anguished believers pray each night as they bring their sorrows to you. God, I have heard words from my mouth no where near as eloquent as Job's words but they come from the same heart. Lord God, grant comfort to those people in my life for whom I know sorrow is their portion at this moment. Grant me some of that blessing too as I face difficulties in day-to-day life. Amen.

Job 12

2007-07-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Previously, in chapter 1-2 we got the behind the scenes look at the cosmic struggle for faith and its meaning to God.

Job's opening lament was chapter 3.

Eliphaz spoke in chapter 4-5. Job replied in chapter 6-7.

Bildad spoke in chapter 8. Job replied in chapter 9-10.

Zophar spoke in chapter 11. Now Job launches into a reply in Job 12. His reply extended into chapters 13-14.

Then Job replied:
Doubtless you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you!

A little sarcasm here, dear Job?

But I have a mind as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know all these things?

Job comes out swinging saying he has thought about all the arguments his friends have been making about his suffering.

I have become a laughingstock to my friends,
though I called upon God and he answered --
a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!

He felt as if his friends are mocking him. He feels he has not only lost his possession, his family and his health but also his dignity and the respect of others. He feels alone in his belief that as far as he could tell he was righteous and blameless before God.

Men at ease have contempt for misfortune
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
The tents of marauders are undisturbed,
and those who provoke God are secure --
those who carry their god in their hands.

He blasted his friends saying, it is easy for you to criticize me because you have it easy right now.

Job then launched into a tour of the grandeur of the physical world as evidence that God is the Creator.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?

What does the animal world tell us about the nature of life?

Ever watch a nature documentary?

You see animals killing each other! We sometimes romanticize animals because in cartoons they talk and are singing songs. But real life, in the wild, is bloody and filled with death.

Is Job saying that humans are under the same scenario as the animals?

Job sees the creation and knows God is behind it. And if God is behind it, then questions of life and death and wisdom have to come from God.

In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Does not the ear test words
as the tongue tastes food?
Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?

Is Job being sarcastic again saying that his buddies are old and they really "understand?"

Or is he saying, he is the one who is truly wise because of his life experience and perspective sitting on the ash heap?

Either way, he launches into an incredible poetic statement of the power of God.

To God belong wisdom and power;
counsel and understanding are his.
What he tears down cannot be rebuilt;
the man he imprisons cannot be released.
If he holds back the waters, there is drought;
if he lets them loose, they devastate the land.
To him belong strength and victory;
both deceived and deceiver are his.
He leads counselors away stripped
and makes fools of judges.
He takes off the shackles put on by kings
and ties a loincloth around their waist.
He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows men long established.
He silences the lips of trusted advisers
and takes away the discernment of elders.
He pours contempt on nobles
and disarms the mighty.
He reveals the deep things of darkness
and brings deep shadows into the light.
He makes nations great, and destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and disperses them.
He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason;
he sends them wandering through a trackless waste.
They grope in darkness with no light;
he makes them stagger like drunkards.

23 verbs. Count them. 23 times. God tears down, God holds back, God leads, God reveals ...

There is an abstract theological debate about God's relationship to time and God's balancing of human free will and divine sovereignty.

I don't have any answers. I have ideas but certainly nothing I could "prove." I think it would be the height of folly to claim I can prove my views on God.

God has to have a "strange" relationship to time because time appears to be a function of the created universe. If God exists "prior" to the universe and time only exists because their is a universe than God's relationship to time must be quite beyond our comprehension.

As for divine sovereignty, I have a somewhat nuanced view which I don't know if it lands me as a heretic or not but I'm very careful when I describe the power of God. Some might say, God is so powerful, God can do everything. I feel that is not precise. God can do everything God wants to do. Do you see the difference?

For instance, can God do something evil? I say no. So that means God can't do everything! To which I reply, I believe God can do whatever God wants to do. God doesn't want to do evil so God doesn't do evil.

So what is the relationship to human free will?

How about a trivial example?

I suppose one might ask, does God make me put on that loud green tie today?

I suppose if God really wanted to make me put on that silly tie, God could do so. I suppose if God really didn't want me to put on that goofy tie, God could stop me. However, I believe that God can do whatever God wants to do and maybe, just maybe, God says, Rene, you can put on any tie you like. Has God's sovereignty been preserved? Has my free will been preserved?

Obviously, this gets a lot more complicated with matters more significant than the color of the tie I put on in the morning.

Sorry, dear gentle readers, I've gone from the sublime poetry of Job that attempts to describe the ineffable aspects of God power to talking about ties.

But I hope you see where my meditation has been going this morning.

Lord, you are powerful and can do what you want. But in your deciding what you want, you have given us incredible freedom and the consequences of that. Dear Jesus, there are days I'm deeply saddened by what I see happening around the world. I'm hurt to the core to see loved ones suffer. And yes, in my selfishness, I often bitterly complain to you about my own hurts. But I lay them all at your altar knowing my duty is to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before you. Job tried to do that his whole life and he is sitting on an ash heap and pretty upset. And for all his faults, he knows where wisdom is found and he is wrestling with you about it. Lord, help me to do the same in my life. Amen.