Bible Reading Reflection from Job 8-14

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (KD) as a reading update (reflection) from one chapter of the Bible a day]

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟠:𝟚-𝟛

"How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a great wind? Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right?"

After Eliphaz, now Bildad. This guy was harsher than Eliphaz. He rebuked Job for complaining against God.

He was actually not defending God. Nobody can defend God BTW. He said so because he had a presupposition that Job was a sinner who deserved this punishment and must be humble before God.

He didn't even spare Job's children and said that they too were sinners deserving of this punishment. Sure, everyone is a sinner, but Job's suffering was not a punishment, certainly not for any of his sins or his children's sins. It's an affliction wrought on him by Satan to prove his faithfulness and God's victory over Satan.

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟡:𝟚

"In truth I know that this is so; But how can a man be in the right before God?"

I am not righteous like Job nor have been afflicted like Job, I am not even half his age I suppose. However, I can sense and have experienced to some level what's written in this book, which I also suppose everyone has to some degree.

Job affirmed the theology of Bildad that's why he said, "In truth I know that is so." However, he couldn't agree with Bildad's application that Job and his children were punishment-bound sinners. Job contended that he was guiltless (v21). We can have a right doctrine yet apply it wrongly😬

He also affirmed the sayings of his first friend, Eliphaz, and quoted one of his statements, "How can a man be right with God?" (4:17). Job knew this very well, but he also knew what his friends didn't know. He knew the theology of Ps. 130:3 even before that Psalm was written that God forgives sinners that He may be feared. That's why Job contended before, asking, “why won't God just forgive my sins?” (7:21) and even in this chapter, v34, Job asked that discipline/punishment be removed and mercy be given!

Martin Luther couldn't love God until he was made to see the mercy of God. He knew God was right and actually because of that he hated God before he discovered God's mercy. Spurgeon didn't like God before his conversion. He knew God was right to send him to hell, but his soul was not in peace until He was made to see the mercy of God. Even for me, if I don't know the mercy of God, I would never be a Christian. Christians are those who have found the mercy of God. Job was looking for the mercy of God.

In this time of divine testing, it was so severe that he concluded wrongly that though God is sovereign, He seemed to be unfair! (v22) Which BTW Abraham [perhaps his contemporary] contended and proved Job to be wrong in (Gen.28:25). And Job, at the end of the book did confess in ashes and dust that he had been wrong to think like that and that he knew little about the sovereignty of God.

Did you ever question the fairness of God? The only answer to that question is, "Repent in ashes and dust!" Or you would be someday just as Job did! Sometimes, I asked the fairness of God, and many times, I have repented already by the mercy of God. And as I live in this world, I think once a while I will be tempted to ask again, and I must remember this verse to keep in mind!

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟙𝟘:𝟟

“According to Your knowledge I am indeed not guilty, Yet there is no deliverance from Your hand.”

Interesting statement from Job. Compared to some other human beings we can be like angels. But in the standard of God, everyone is a filthy sinner.

However, Job’s statement is the opposite.  He contended that he was not a sinner before God's knowledge. That's actually a theological expression of God's righteousness. That when God grants salvation, He sees the recipient as righteous, blotting away his sins!

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟙𝟙:𝟚-𝟛

"Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, And a talkative man be acquitted? ‘Shall your boasts silence men? And shall you scoff and none rebuke?’"

Zophar, the third friend is harsher and is indicting Job more than the Bildad and Eliphaz. And he claims to know what Job does not get it! Job will respond to him later on.  And God will rebuke him later on as well!

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟙𝟚:𝟜

"I am a joke to my friends, The one who called on God and He answered him; The just and blameless man is a joke."

Natural man always mocks and ridicules the things of God.

Even Job's friends, I suppose were also far godlier, righteous, and even wealthier and wiser than many of their generation dared to hold Job in contempt.

BTW, our world is different now. In the religious world of Job, they believed a righteous man should prosper. In my religious world now, many people believe that a righteous man (pastor, evangelist, and missionary) should live in poverty!

Interesting! 😂

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟙𝟛:𝟙𝟝

"Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him."

The unwavering faith of Job. I am troubled if I feel my friend is unhappy with me. I am troubled if I feel my parents are unhappy with me.

What relief is there for someone who thinks God is unhappy with him? I can't imagine the extent of trouble Job was going on. Because, as we see in v23 and 26, Job was conscious of his sins. Yet, He did trust God's salvation till death — that He alone was the joy, hope, and meaning of his existence.

BTW, while Job's faith is to be commended, he erred in at least 2 areas: 1. He thought he can argue with God, but at the end of the book, God gave him a chance, Job uttered no argument and repented in ashes.

2. He thought God was counting his sins. In reality, God did not remember any sins of Job. God declared him to be righteous and blameless. Even in the end, God just asked him questions about the power of God. God didn't indict of his sins.

That's you and me too. Once we are His children, God sees us blameless and there's no record of sins against us!

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟙𝟜:𝟟

"For there is hope for a tree, When it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And its shoots will not fail."

Job felt that a tree's life is better than being a man. But he was not trying to be an environmentalist here! It's the disappointed Job.

Indeed, some trees lived long enough. Even after they were cut down, they still grow. Man, once dead, has no hope. No second chance. No reboot button like electronic goods.

However, in the following verses Job expressed his firm belief in the resurrection! And thus, man's life is better than tree after all!

Bible Reading Reflection from Job 1-7

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (KD) as a reading update (reflection) from one chapter of the Bible a day]

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟙

The Scriptures clearly stated that Job was a godly man right from v1. Satan was seen roaming here and there looking for people to devour v7. God challenged Satan to notice Job and said that Job was the godliest and holiest man on earth v8. Satan responded that Job worshipped God because God had been good to him. If God stopped being good to him, he would turn his back on God v9-11

Well, the book of Job is all about this point. Will we worship God only because He blesses us? Will you worship Him even if He slays [hurts] you? Job worships God, no matter what happens or does not happen to Him. Job worships God because God is God and he is created to worship God v21.

Is your theology in alignment with Job?

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟚:𝟜

"Satan answered the LORD and said, "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life."

Same setting with chapter 1. Satan failed miserably. God’s power of preserving Job's faith prevailed. If our faith in God is real, it shall prevail against all storms of life and Satan, because that faith is given to us by God. If it's our own faith, it will fail when tragedy strikes us.

Now, Satan comes up with a more pressing reality. Will Job worship God when he is in pain? Satan doesn’t think so. But like it's said before since faith is given by God, it shall endure no matter what, and so, Job's faith will be confirmed again to the utter defeat of Satan. Man will do anything to avoid pain. When people torture us, we would give up many things because of the scorching pain. Will you give up faith too?

Actually, Peter didn't. Rather, he asked for more painful death — crucifying upside down. Because it's the supernatural faith that resides in believers.

In this story, even Job's wife asked him to not only abandon God but curse God. Hopefully, we won't have such a spouse in our life! But one who will stick to the end with God. Let your spouse abandon you, but let your spouse never abandon God.

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟛:𝟙

"Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth."

The most righteous most holy man on the face of the earth didn't celebrate his birthday! Let that sink in your heart when you think of your birthday or attend any birthday party! 😬😂

Indeed, death ceases everything. It doesn't cure, it doesn't solve, it just makes things frozen. Job, like any man of suffering, preferred death over suffering. However, this was not suicidal. Because suicide doesn't solve, cure, or provide anything good.

Like David of Ps. 63:3, like Paul of Phil 1:21, Job’s theology was consistent that life—even with wears and tears, suffering and sorrow, adversities and failings—is better than death. And that's because God's goodness abounds in all things for us to enjoy Him!

Well, Job is a human, like us. He wasn't perfect. He was lamenting about suffering, losses, and shattered dreams. He is in a sense a philosopher of adversity.

From a standpoint of man without God, yes life is meaningless even with all the prosperity one may accumulate. And how meaningless if it's full of suffering!

But Job, and we, believers know that God is completely in control to protect, preserve, and also (to) prosper us when the right moment comes that will last forever!

Now, how will you celebrate your birthday next time? 🤔😆😂

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟜:𝟞

"Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?"

 Actually, v17 stands out to me, but that's because I knew it from before. And the goal of our Bible reading update is a new/fresh thing we learn in daily reading. So, for that v6 comes freshly.

Eliphaz was right to say v6. It is right for us too. Eliphaz most probably was not being harsh at this point. He was perhaps compassionate to Job at this point, which of course will turn into accusations later on.

What's the strength of a person? Wealth? Fame? Physique?

Ultimately, it's character/integrity. Job lived a life of a strong character. He was a man of integrity. That's the greatest eulogy a man can receive. But that's on earth. We must be also thinking about life after death. And there comes the fear of God. Man's life, even with the greatest integrity is worthless without a relationship with God. So, this verse reveals that Job was righteous before God and before man. Earth or Heaven, Life or Death, Job was secured.

Actually, it is because he feared God that he lived a life of integrity. Our affection for God affects our relationship with everything. And here, Eliphaz was reminding Job to continue to stay calm, cool, and hopeful because his life was well pleased by God and the people around him.

But the problem was Satan. And God decided to fight Satan by a man Job, and Job won somehow. Jesus (another man) won perfectly BTW.

My takeaway is: Where is my hope, strength, confidence, power, and influence? It should not be anything but my zeal for God and a life of integrity!

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟝:𝟠

"But as for me, I would seek God, And I would place my cause before God."

What a statement, but unfortunately from Eliphaz! But in the latter part of the dialogue, Job would state even more wonderful than this, proving Job's faith was greater than all of his friends.

This statement of faith by Eliphaz is great. And whatever he said in this chapter is again correct, but the presupposition they had is fundamentally wrong, and so is their conclusion. They never knew what was going on in heaven between God and Satan.

Their theology was that God blesses the righteous and pulls down the wicked, even when they are in a strong place, which by the way is true; the books of Proverbs and Psalms teach this truth. But Job's story was a supernatural event. God, choosing mere man Job to shame the powerful Satan.

Here, Eliphaz seemed to think that his theology and faith was deeper and stronger than Job. He said that he will trust God and not complain like Job.

But, in chapters 12,13, and 16, Job would rebuke them that their faith was not greater than him, which of course was confirmed by God Himself. Job was the most righteous and holy man on the face of the earth.

Lesson learned: Sometimes we may think we are smarter than others without knowing the depth of the problem some people are facing! Let's humble ourselves before we condemn or confront people.

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟞:𝟚𝟜

"Teach me, and I will be silent; And show me how I have erred."

Wow! Job was challenging them to show his fault. Can we do that, dare we? Are we living a life of sincerity and integrity that we are conscious of nothing wicked [sinful] in our life?

Job friends couldn't. They even never doubted him before, except after seeing his suffering. And they wrongly concluded that it must be because of Job's secret sin that he was in such a situation. Suspicion without Evidence.

I remember Jesus did the same in John 8:46, He challenged the hostile people to convict Him of any sins; they weren't able to. In the case of Job, it was to his friends. In the case of Jesus, it was to the hostile people, and they were holding stones to throw at Him.

Far greater, holier, righteous than Job is the man Jesus Christ!

 

𝕁𝕆𝔹 𝟟:𝟙𝟟-𝟙𝟠

"What is man that You magnify him,

And that You are concerned about him,

That You examine him every morning

And try him every moment?"

This statement is similar to Psalm 8:4 but with a contrasting effect. Ps 8 is about God, honoring unworthy mankind.

Job was stating about God examining unworthy man. His point was God should just forgive us in the spirit of Ps. 130:3-4.

Job knew man cannot be right with God by His standard, and cannot do anything deserving of His favor (v21).

This is not a statement of an arrogant ignorant sinner, but a conscious trust in God's goodness!

It also brings out the humility of Job. He didn't consider himself significant. Perhaps, he would never believe then, if it was suggested God and Satan could be contesting on his faithfulness! Job wasn't an insignificant man compared to the rest of humanity!

Bible Reading Reflection from Esther 1-10

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (LRAU) as a reading update (reflection) from one chapter of the Bible a day]

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟙:𝟙𝟚

"But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command delivered by the eunuchs. Then the king became very angry and his wrath burned within him."

The story of Esther is as ridiculous as a made-up movie, but that's how we all are in the presence of God. We may think we are somebody or such and such a thing is amazing, but the omnipotent God has no comparison.

Even in this story, without the word "God" at all, God still exercised His power providentially. Those who tried to overthrow the people of God ridiculously were overthrown most ridiculously. If you laugh at God, remember God is laughing at you and will let the whole world laugh at you!

MacArthur Study Bible Notes compared this story to a game of Chess played by Satan and God in a humorous way of "Check" and "Checkmate"

Is it not interesting that Vashti refused to come before the king? And why so mad about it to the point of divorcing and banishing, which he would regret later on? It's so ridiculous. But of course, God is preparing a place for Esther, from a divine perspective!

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟚:𝟙𝟟

"The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti."

What a Providence that Esther was chosen! She replaced Vashti. It often is the case that God has the habit of replacing people. Taking from others and giving to others.

Someday we may be those ones given if we walk with Him faithfully. If we live our life in our own way, even what we have built and gathered will be given to someone unworthy [unworthy from our standpoint]. And God does what He pleases!

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟛:𝟙

"After these events King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and established his authority over all the princes who were with him."

Oh! No! This is not fair! This is not right. Chapter 2 just ended with Mordecai saving the life of the king from assassination. Mordecai deserved rewards. He wasn't given. Rather . . .

Chapter 3 begins with Haman being promoted. Oh! Haman in a sense was receiving what Mordecai should get. God is interesting, huh! And this guy was a wicked man. And of course, we know how the story ended, Haman would be replaced again by Mordecai in a most humiliating way for Haman and most exalting manner for Mordecai.

Let's learn to wait. Let's learn to humble ourselves before the Lord. Let's not be quick to complain or protest, "we want justice" "we want a promotion" "we want a raise" "we deserve it" slogan. Because God can and has the way of exalting the meek and humble. And when He does, it is beyond imagination.

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟜:𝟙𝟜, 𝟙𝟞

v14. ". . . And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"

v16. ". . .And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish."

Great hope Mordecai had in the Providence of God. Great Determination Esther had to risk her life for the sake of her people. And we know God rewarded her and Mordecai by King's favor not only to spare her but to welcome her, and to be favorable to their people!

Jesus risked His life to the point of not only physical pain and death but also damnation from God to grant us Salvation and God's Favor. Therefore, God was pleased with the work of Jesus and fulfilled everything.

Greater than Esther is Jesus Christ in Determination, Risk, Sacrifice, and Outcome!

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟝:𝟙𝟚

"Haman also said, "Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king."

Haman thought he was abundantly blessed, whereas God was designing his downfall. Wicked men are really placed in the slippery places as Ps. 73:18 said. They are enjoying, boasting. They even think God has blessed them favorably. Some even looked down on the poor and their fellow countrymen. Yet, God is up to a different plan.

Only Esther knew that Haman was not being honored by her invitation, she meant it for his doom.  Haman determined to be more wicked, to hang Mordecai, thinking he was thought highly of by the king and the queen.

Do we keep on doing something wrong seeing there seems to be no retribution but only rewards? Let's remember Haman!

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟞:𝟜

"So the king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows which he had prepared for him."

Chapter 6 is ridiculous! It's more than a fairy tale. Its account surpasses the plotline of Hollywood and Bollywood movies.

What a providence that the king couldn't sleep! What a providence that an account of Mordecai was read among hundreds of archives! What a providence that Haman was in the Court! What a providence that Haman was wishing for such a pompous show!

And all these, just before Mordecai was about to be hanged. Haman's ultimate solution to silence Mordecai turned out to be his own ultimate humiliation. What he wished for himself was given to another, and what he wished for another was given to him!

May I not wish bad for others! 😬🥶👍

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟟:𝟠

"And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said, "Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?" As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman's face."

What a providence that Haman's earnest plea for forgiveness looked like an attempt to molest Esther in the eyes of the King!

Poor Haman! But the end had come for him! He who devised after wickedness had to fall by his own wickedness. He was hung on Mordecai's gallows!

God can really do greater things than we can imagine!

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟠:𝟚

"The king took off his signet ring which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."

Finally, Mordecai was rewarded. Haman was replaced.

Mordecai was humbled before, now God has exalted him. I remember James 4:10.

If I am making a movie, this will be in disc 2. Disc 1 ended with Haman hanging. The climax is Esther zeroing on wicked Haman.

And disc 2 unfolds in chapter 8. The end of wickedness is over, the triumph of righteousness and the rule of the righteous is on.

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟡:𝟙

"Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on the thirteenth day when the king's command and edict were about to be executed, on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them."

What a change of fortune! Indeed, God puts the wicked people in the slippery places (Ps. 73:18).

 

𝔼𝕊𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ 𝟙𝟘:𝟛

"For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation."

The last and shortest chapter of Esther. It ended with an account of Mordecai.

Indeed, Esther was nothing without Mordecai, and Mordecai would have been hanged without Esther. However, Mordecai was seen as next to the king, more influential, powerful, and revered than the queen.

Ordinary man, becoming 2nd Rank because of his unwavering faith in God, especially when the trials were at their worst. Like Joseph and Daniel, he withstood, and God was pleased to bless and exalt him!

Sermon Outline of Luke 5:1-11

 

Sermon Outline of Matthew 9:1-8

 

Sermon Outline of Philippians 3:7-11

 

Sermon Outline of John 10:1-18