Skip to main content

May 23 + Daily readings & notes

DAY 143

DAILY READINGS

Job 12-15 & Psalm 138

DAILY NOTES

Job 12
  • Surely, Job says, his friends don't think they're the only ones with wisdom?  Plus, they are telling him anything that isn't known by all.  
    • Maybe they aren't as smart as they think they are?
  • God holds true wisdom.  "With God are wisdom and strength" (vs. 13).
Job 13
  • Job's friends have taken it upon themselves to speak on behalf of God.  Job considers their representation to be false because they have not considered Job's condition.
Job 14
  • Job's prayer to God continues.
  • We see a bit of the book's larger vision in these verses.  Job recognizes, and wants God to remember, that all humanity shares the same days of life.  
Job 15
  • Eliphaz considers that Job's questioning hinders God and would keep others from knowing God.
Psalm 138
  • The praise of the psalmist is a communal act.  
  • God has been faithful and the psalmist wants to thank God and will continue to trust God.
  • Even the kings of the earth shall praise God!

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

The Bible knows that children will ask questions.  Boy, will they ask questions!  See Exodus 13:14 and Deuteronomy 6:20-21 as an example.  The kids are going to ask things about God, about life and even about death--and everything else in between.

When do we stop asking questions?

We don't.

I've often heard people talk about other's doubts or questions.  They do so with contempt, sadness or frustration.  That is, they worry about the soul or faithfulness of those asking questions.  Job's friends would probably fall into that category.  It's good to be worried about each other.  But I don't think having tough questions for God merits such concern.  While some would suggest questioning God demonstrates a lack of faith, I think being able to question God demonstrates a confident faith.

Here's something that has inspired me in my growing faith.  The Hebrew word for question is she'elah.  Don't worry if you can't pronounce it.  The Hebrew word for God is el.  Rabbis made a connection between the two words and reminded us that (look at the spelling) God is in the question (she-elah).

We have to ask questions.  That's how we grow in God's understanding.  If we're wrong, we're wrong.  That doesn't affect God.  If it does, then God's not as big as we thought he was.  But he is!  And so much more.

So, keep asking questions.  You'll be following the tradition of some great spiritual heroes.  Think about Abraham and Moses and the things they questioned God about.  God may not give you answers, but keep asking and God will give you understanding.

Stay blessed...john





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more

March 27 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 86 Ever notice these books don't end with happily ever afters?   Remember that we are reading an entire story of God told over many years.  The individual books help us follow that story, but we do well in remembering it's still one complete story. Today, we're finishing 1 Samuel.  As we read, we'll see how far Saul has fallen.  Ultimately, what God said would happen, happens. DAILY READINGS 1 Samuel 28-31 & Psalm 86 DAILY NOTES 1 Samuel 28 This chapter is devoted entirely to Saul's encounter with a medium. Notice that Saul had previously expelled mediums and wizards.  This could be a sign of his former faithfulness. Saul's fear overwhelmed him.  He is up against a Philistine army he does not think he can defeat. Since Saul could not hear from God, he seeks a medium to "inquire of her."  What did he want to know (from God or the medium)?  He asks Samuel what he should do.  So, is that asking whether to...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 101 The great prophet Elijah leaves the scene (He'll appear again later.  Do you remember where?).  Elisha takes his place and immediately begins to act as prophet among the people.   DAILY READINGS 2 Kings 1-3 & Psalm 101 DAILY NOTES 2 Kings 1 King Ahaziah is injured and he wants to know if he'll live.  He seeks input from the prophets of Baal-zebub.  Elijah finds out and interrupts Ahaziah's men from going to the prophets.   Notice that Elijah, that hairy man, is divinely protected by the captain and his men.   Ahazia never hears from the prophets.  Elijah speaks directly to him to tell him that he will surely die. 2 Kings 2 Where did the idea of a whirlwind come from?  Did anyone expect that Elijah would be taken "to heaven by a whirlwind"?  Everyone seems to know that today Elijah will be gone. Elisha's command to the band of prophets seems to indicate his sense of loss but also a vigor...
Post a Comment
Read more