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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





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