There is a new CD that has just come out called "Music Inspired By The Story". It's 24 Christian artists who collaborated and took on a Bible character such as Adam and Eve, or Joshua. Todd Smith, one of the members of the band Selah sngs a song from the perspectve of Job called Broken Praise. I haven't been able to find a youtube clip about it, or even get the lyrics online yet, but I encourage you to check it out when you get a chance. The song almost brought me to tears (it didn't, but it came close), and it really brought home the story of Job that I am readig through. Gave a fresh new perspective on the story,and gave me more respect for the person of Job. Anyway, with that in mind, here are a few more verses that really stuck out to me:
15:31. Once again, one of Job's friends offers wise words amidst poor advice. Eliphaz says, "Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return". It's really important to put our trust in what is True and Good. If we spend all our time on things that are pointless, then we end up with nothing. If, on the contrary, we spend time with God, and on things that are, at least eternally, worthwhile, then nothing will be in vain!
16:19. "Even now, my witness is in heaven; my advotace is on high". I even put a 'YES!' next to this one in my Bible. It doesn't matter if other people see is do right, or even understand why we do things. We are doing everything for God, our witness in heaven. He alone is our judge.
19:4. This one is interesting. Job acknowledges that he may have gone astray, but he says that if he has, "my error is my concern alone". I agree with the fact that, our decisions and sins are ultimately only between us and God (and the person/people we sinned against), but there has to be a level of accountability. We need to have people we can confide in and confess too...although, I will give Job he credit for choosing not to confide to these particular friends that he has.
19:25-27. So, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, I am now drawn into the "heaven/hell" debate. I said how I wasn't quite sure what Job's standing on heaven was, but these verses clearly show that Job believes in some level of heaven. He refers to looking at God with his own eyes after his skin has been destroyed. Them his excitemet boils over, and he jubilantly expresses, "my heart yearns within me!" Perhaps Job is a universalist afterall (going back to my thoughts on 3:17).
20:2-3. Zophar says what a lot of Christians feel, "My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed. hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understandig inspires me to reply". Christians, myself included, tend to feel the need to always speak up when something offends them. We probably would be respected much more if we were able to just keep a lot of our commets and rebuttles to ourselves.
21:3. I just like how Job is sarcastic with his friends, and realizes that no matter what he says, his friends will respond. He decides, instead of fighing it, to just encourage his friends to "mock on". I have so much respect for Job right about now!
21:7-16. This section just expresses the frustration that a lot of us feel. I won't rewrite all the verses, caus I encurage you to read it for yourself, but Job just talks about how the wicked, who refuse to accept and believe in God still manage to be blessed and wealthy, while he loses everything. I think thats a sentiment that we all can relate to.
23:11-12. "My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turnig aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." THAT, my friends, is what we all must strive for. The word of God is more valuable than my daily bread (and not just those clever little devotional books..although it is more valuable than those too)...how many of us are able to honestly say that right now? I know I sure can't.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Christian Double Standards!
Working at a Christian Bookstore, I have access to a lot of christian stuff. I get to see a wide rang of spiritual ideas, a large variety of Christian Thinkers and information that covers all sides of the Spectrum (from Piper to Wright, Osteen to Strobel, Chan to Bell). Usually I agree with, or can at least tolerate what they are saying, but every once in a while I will come across something that frustrates me. Something that actually makes me slightly ashamed of being a Christian. I'm going to give a few examples. First of all, Brad Stine (a Christian Comedian).
Yes, I realize being a comedian means that you can say what you want as long as its funny...and I'm usually pretty tolerant of comedians because I know a lot of it is just a show or an act. But Brad Stine seems to make it his agenda to push his beliefs. I have to admit, I usually don't like Christian comedians because they feel the need to preach all the time with just a few jokes thrown in. Honestly, the only Christian comedian that I enjoy is Tim Hawkins because he does a great job of not pushing his faith or his beliefs, and just tells good clean comedy (which happens to be about making fun at the church). Seriously, check him out because he is hilarious and may in fact change your perception of Christian comedians. Anyway, back on point...
There are a few clips of Brad's that I could show, but I chose this one:
I will admit that he does somewhat have a point about being offended by the truth. I'll give him that one, however I think he fails to remember that the main people who were offended by Jesus was actually the religious people. It wasn't the Samaritans or even the Romans who really killed Jesus...it was thew Religious leaders of that day (yes, the Romans were the ones to actually crucify him, but they didn't really have a problem with what Jesus was saying generally). Brad, in another clip which I couldn't find, also talks about how America was built as a Christian nation so therefore needs to stay a Christian nation. Ok Brad...that sounds good...but by that theory, does that not mean that countries that are Muslim, or Hindu need to stay Muslim or Hindu? No, of course not, because Muslims and Hindu's are wrong right Brad? I'm sick of the double standard Christians have. I hate how we want everyone to be tolerant of us (because we are the best, and only right religion), but we refuse to be tolerant of others. Why does it matter if a cashier at Wal-Mart says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"? Does it affect your faith that much?
Anyway, I'll move on from him for now and go on to one other thing that I read that kind of got me thinking about more Christian double standards. I was reading in Christianity Today an article about a Sportsnet Radio host who tweeted about his beliefs on the sanctity of marriage and then was fired by Sportsnet the next day. And, granted, that is kind of disappointing that a man can't tweet about his personal convctions and still keep his job (at a Sports radio station at that), but when I stopped to think about it, I realize that again, we have this double standard in the church.
I know of a lot of churches and pastors who have split, or been fired because of personal beliefs. A pastor who perhaps sides with Rob Bell and "Love Wins" gets fired from a church, or a pastor who maybe questions the treatment of homosexuals in the church is booted from the congregation. And then, when someone in the secular world gets fired because of their personal convictions its "anti-Christian". I'm not saying that churches shouldn't fire pastors or let members of the congregation go who have extremely different opinions and convictions (nor am I saying that they should), but I am saying that if churches continue to do that, then we have to be ok with other places doing that as well. Which brings me to my last point, and this one I actually was really pleased with and excited by reading it.
A Canadian christian magazine, Faith Today, wrote about how a school in ontario was allowing muslim students to go into the cafeteria at lunch to pray and do whatever other religious rites they needed to do. I was expecting the author of the article to bash this school, and say that there is no place for that, but she refused to do that (yes, it was a woman author and a Canadian magazine...I didn't plan on that, but thats just the way it is). Instead, she talked about how the school wasn't forcing anyone to go to the cafeteria and pray towards mecca...that it was simply giving the muslim students their religious freedom. She also reminded the reader that most schools allow Christian students to gather and have bible studies or prayer time during lunch if they desire (such as ISCF, 30 Hour Famine, Meet you are the Pole etc.). I remember being in elementary school and watching Jehovah Witness students excuse themselves from the classroom during the National Anthem. It doesn't take much to accomodate. It doesn't mean you have to agree with the students beliefs, but you can show that you accept them and want to give them the freedom they need. So no,we don't say the Lord's Prayer at the start of the school day...but that's ok (because why were we forcing EVERY student regardless of religious beliefs to pray a Christian prayer).
Anyway...I'm sick of the Christian double standard, is what I am trying to say. I'm sick of us placing our beliefs above everyone else, and wanting everyone to accomdate us, but refusing to accomodate others. I'm not meaning we need to shy away from the truth, but we need to present the Truth in a way that is inviting, loving and accepting. Brad Stine needs to take his own advice and stop getting so offended at everything, and just live his life like Christ did: with Sacrificial Love.
Yes, I realize being a comedian means that you can say what you want as long as its funny...and I'm usually pretty tolerant of comedians because I know a lot of it is just a show or an act. But Brad Stine seems to make it his agenda to push his beliefs. I have to admit, I usually don't like Christian comedians because they feel the need to preach all the time with just a few jokes thrown in. Honestly, the only Christian comedian that I enjoy is Tim Hawkins because he does a great job of not pushing his faith or his beliefs, and just tells good clean comedy (which happens to be about making fun at the church). Seriously, check him out because he is hilarious and may in fact change your perception of Christian comedians. Anyway, back on point...
There are a few clips of Brad's that I could show, but I chose this one:
I will admit that he does somewhat have a point about being offended by the truth. I'll give him that one, however I think he fails to remember that the main people who were offended by Jesus was actually the religious people. It wasn't the Samaritans or even the Romans who really killed Jesus...it was thew Religious leaders of that day (yes, the Romans were the ones to actually crucify him, but they didn't really have a problem with what Jesus was saying generally). Brad, in another clip which I couldn't find, also talks about how America was built as a Christian nation so therefore needs to stay a Christian nation. Ok Brad...that sounds good...but by that theory, does that not mean that countries that are Muslim, or Hindu need to stay Muslim or Hindu? No, of course not, because Muslims and Hindu's are wrong right Brad? I'm sick of the double standard Christians have. I hate how we want everyone to be tolerant of us (because we are the best, and only right religion), but we refuse to be tolerant of others. Why does it matter if a cashier at Wal-Mart says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"? Does it affect your faith that much?
Anyway, I'll move on from him for now and go on to one other thing that I read that kind of got me thinking about more Christian double standards. I was reading in Christianity Today an article about a Sportsnet Radio host who tweeted about his beliefs on the sanctity of marriage and then was fired by Sportsnet the next day. And, granted, that is kind of disappointing that a man can't tweet about his personal convctions and still keep his job (at a Sports radio station at that), but when I stopped to think about it, I realize that again, we have this double standard in the church.
I know of a lot of churches and pastors who have split, or been fired because of personal beliefs. A pastor who perhaps sides with Rob Bell and "Love Wins" gets fired from a church, or a pastor who maybe questions the treatment of homosexuals in the church is booted from the congregation. And then, when someone in the secular world gets fired because of their personal convictions its "anti-Christian". I'm not saying that churches shouldn't fire pastors or let members of the congregation go who have extremely different opinions and convictions (nor am I saying that they should), but I am saying that if churches continue to do that, then we have to be ok with other places doing that as well. Which brings me to my last point, and this one I actually was really pleased with and excited by reading it.
A Canadian christian magazine, Faith Today, wrote about how a school in ontario was allowing muslim students to go into the cafeteria at lunch to pray and do whatever other religious rites they needed to do. I was expecting the author of the article to bash this school, and say that there is no place for that, but she refused to do that (yes, it was a woman author and a Canadian magazine...I didn't plan on that, but thats just the way it is). Instead, she talked about how the school wasn't forcing anyone to go to the cafeteria and pray towards mecca...that it was simply giving the muslim students their religious freedom. She also reminded the reader that most schools allow Christian students to gather and have bible studies or prayer time during lunch if they desire (such as ISCF, 30 Hour Famine, Meet you are the Pole etc.). I remember being in elementary school and watching Jehovah Witness students excuse themselves from the classroom during the National Anthem. It doesn't take much to accomodate. It doesn't mean you have to agree with the students beliefs, but you can show that you accept them and want to give them the freedom they need. So no,we don't say the Lord's Prayer at the start of the school day...but that's ok (because why were we forcing EVERY student regardless of religious beliefs to pray a Christian prayer).
Anyway...I'm sick of the Christian double standard, is what I am trying to say. I'm sick of us placing our beliefs above everyone else, and wanting everyone to accomdate us, but refusing to accomodate others. I'm not meaning we need to shy away from the truth, but we need to present the Truth in a way that is inviting, loving and accepting. Brad Stine needs to take his own advice and stop getting so offended at everything, and just live his life like Christ did: with Sacrificial Love.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Job 8-14
Alright, missed a day of blogging, but got a lot of reading done. Even started going through underlining things, which I have never really gotten into before. I read an interesting thing at work today, it was in one of Donald Millar's books (A Million Miles in a Thousand Years), and he refers to the book of Job. He says, and I am paraphrasing here because I forget the exact quote that, Before the story really gets going, God tells everyone "Life is gonna hurt sometimes!". I never really thought of that before.
I always knew that Job was the oldest book (at least believed to be), but it never occured to me that at one point, the book of Job was the only "scripture" people had for a short time. Reading the book of Job with that in mind, it is amazing to read what sort of things the book says about God and life. You would think that God would want the first book written to be Genesis, or some other book that really portrays God's love, and that tells everyone that having faith in God makes life easy and fun, but instead He chose a book about a man who was faithful, but lost everything. Definitely not what I would have done, that's for sure. Anyway, with that in mind, here are my thoughts and observations on Job 8-14
8:8-9. Bildad is the second friend of Job's to speak, and his speech follows the same pattern as Eliphaz in chapter 4, however, verses 8 and 9 really struck me as profound. Bildad says, "Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth ae but a shadow". Amidst the poor advice, and the "you have sinned" confrontations, is this gem of a suggestion. Today, we are always looking to the future, always trying to outdo the previous generation, but Bildad reminds Job, and encourages Job, to ask the older generation. They are older, and wiser, and have much more life experience. Wise words from an unwise person.
9:5-10. Considering that this book was written before the Genesis account was recorded, Job's declaration of God's power, might and creation is profound and powerful. Job confidently declares that God is all-powerful, Creator, and is in complete control of everything. Job says:
I always knew that Job was the oldest book (at least believed to be), but it never occured to me that at one point, the book of Job was the only "scripture" people had for a short time. Reading the book of Job with that in mind, it is amazing to read what sort of things the book says about God and life. You would think that God would want the first book written to be Genesis, or some other book that really portrays God's love, and that tells everyone that having faith in God makes life easy and fun, but instead He chose a book about a man who was faithful, but lost everything. Definitely not what I would have done, that's for sure. Anyway, with that in mind, here are my thoughts and observations on Job 8-14
8:8-9. Bildad is the second friend of Job's to speak, and his speech follows the same pattern as Eliphaz in chapter 4, however, verses 8 and 9 really struck me as profound. Bildad says, "Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth ae but a shadow". Amidst the poor advice, and the "you have sinned" confrontations, is this gem of a suggestion. Today, we are always looking to the future, always trying to outdo the previous generation, but Bildad reminds Job, and encourages Job, to ask the older generation. They are older, and wiser, and have much more life experience. Wise words from an unwise person.
9:5-10. Considering that this book was written before the Genesis account was recorded, Job's declaration of God's power, might and creation is profound and powerful. Job confidently declares that God is all-powerful, Creator, and is in complete control of everything. Job says:
"He moves mountains without their knowing it
and overturns them in his anger.
He shakes the earth from its place
and makes its pillars tremble.
He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;
he seals off the light of the stars.
He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads on the waves of the sea.
He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted"
Job then, after this beautiful description of God's incredible power, regresses back to his "kill me now, I wish I were dead" monologue.
11:6-9. Zophar finally makes his appearance, and at first I really like him. He starts out making some real sense, before he follows suit with his other friends and tells Job that he is a filthy sinner and that is why he is being punished. But before he gets to that, he has some very wise words for Job (kind of a diamond in the rough type thing). Zophar reminds Job that God has forgotten his sins (he says "some" of his sins, which probably isn't as encouraging as Job would like to hear, but he's at least trying), and then speaks about the mysteries of God, which sound like they are taken directly out of the Psalms:
"Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
They are higher than the heavens-what can you do?
They are deeper than the depths of the grave-
what can you know?
Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea"
12:25. "he makes them stagger like drunkards". For some reason, it pleases me to know that alcohol dates back to the time of Job...I don't know why, but it makes me happy!
13:5. Job says what everyone reading the story is thinking, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you that would be wisdom". I'm sensing some frustration from Job here...I kinda like it!
13:15. So far, the most powerful verse I have read. I was always taught that Job was faithful, and righteous, but these words are a rallying cry for the martyrs and persecuted: "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face". Wow...incredible words!
14:6. Job refers to his time on earth as being like a hired man putting in his time. I'm not sure how I feel about that metaphor. Hired men are essentially slaves right? Are we just slaves owned by God for his work, and his enjoyment? Is our whole purpose just to do everything we are told? Are we just putting in our time? Doesn't sound very encouraging, or motivational.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Job 3-7
3:1-16 So, after Job's friends come and sit with him for a week, he finally speaks to them. As one would expect from someone who just lost it all, his words aren't necesarily the most uplifting. In fact, the whole chapter, Job is wishing he was never born. "May the day of my birth perish" (verse 3), and "Why did I not perish at birth?" (verse 11), are common themes throughout his rant. Seems quite morbid for one who was seen as the greatest and most righteous of his day, however, due to the circumstances I will give him a pass for his anger.
3:17. "There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest". Job is talking about death here. Now, perhaps it is because of the increased debate raging now in Christian cirlces about heaven and hell (thanks to Rob Bell and Francis Chan) that I am more sensitive to verses about life after death, but this seems to be somewhat of a universalist statement. Is Job referring to heaven, where both the wicked and weary will rest and cease from turmoil? Or is Job just referring to the bleak death, burial and decay of the body. Was Job a closet universalist all this time? Was the greatest, most God-fearing man also of the belief that everyone will make it to heaven? Am I reading way too much into this verse, and just trying to stir up some controversy and debate? Very Likely.
3:18-26. Rest of the chapter is very similar to the previous parts. Why was I born, I wish my life never began, yada yada.
Chapters 4 and 5. Of the three friends, Eliphaz is the first to speak. Now, I'm not going to lie, Eliphaz is not very easy to understand. He speaks very poetically, and cryptically (or, perhaps I just much slower and incompetent than others). From what I do understand though, I have to actually say, I somewhat agree with what he is saying. To be honest, his words sound very similar to many of the Psalms and Proverbs. Take for example, verses 9-16:
3:17. "There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest". Job is talking about death here. Now, perhaps it is because of the increased debate raging now in Christian cirlces about heaven and hell (thanks to Rob Bell and Francis Chan) that I am more sensitive to verses about life after death, but this seems to be somewhat of a universalist statement. Is Job referring to heaven, where both the wicked and weary will rest and cease from turmoil? Or is Job just referring to the bleak death, burial and decay of the body. Was Job a closet universalist all this time? Was the greatest, most God-fearing man also of the belief that everyone will make it to heaven? Am I reading way too much into this verse, and just trying to stir up some controversy and debate? Very Likely.
3:18-26. Rest of the chapter is very similar to the previous parts. Why was I born, I wish my life never began, yada yada.
Chapters 4 and 5. Of the three friends, Eliphaz is the first to speak. Now, I'm not going to lie, Eliphaz is not very easy to understand. He speaks very poetically, and cryptically (or, perhaps I just much slower and incompetent than others). From what I do understand though, I have to actually say, I somewhat agree with what he is saying. To be honest, his words sound very similar to many of the Psalms and Proverbs. Take for example, verses 9-16:
"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be counted.
He bestows rain on the earth;
he sends water upon the countryside.
The lowly he sets on high,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.
He thwarts the plans of the crafty,
so that their hands achieve no success.
He catches the wise in their craftiness,
and the schemes of the wily are swept away.
Darkness comes upon them in the daytime;
at noon they grope as in the night.
He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth;
he saves them from the clutches of the powerful.
So the poor have hope,
and injustice shuts its mouth."
Eliphaz, from what I understand (and based upon how Job reacts) is essentially saying that God blesses the good, and punishes the wicked. Of course, the way he says it is worthy of Shakespeare, and actually (based on what they believed about God at that time, and what we still believe about God today) isn't too far-fetched or controversial. Job is being punished and cursed, and therefore Job must have done something wrong!
6:1-7:21. Job sticks to his guns, and continues claiming that he has done nothing wrong. He also sticks to his previous sentiments and negative tone, in which he wishes he was never born and begs to die. While he does believe that he has done nothing wrong, it seems as if he starts to take the possibility to heart. A few times, he asks (both of his friends and of God) "show me where I have been wrong". He's not ruling out the possibility of sin being the root of this anguish, but he isn't accepting it yet. Chapter 7 verses 17-19 are both a frustrating lament and an awe-inspiring praise. Job says:
"What is man that you make so much of him,
that you give him so much attention,
that you examine him every morning
and test him every moment?
Will you never look away from me,
or let me alone even for an instant?"
You can feel Job's frustration at how much attention God is lavishing upon him (and understandably so, as he is covered in boils, and his house, family, and wealth are all gone), and yet you can also sense a hint of comfort in the words. God will never look away. He will constantly be there for us. Who are we to be worthy of such attention by the Creator? Of course, the verse about being tested every moment is somewhat frightening.
Job 1 and 2
Here I go. Reading through the Bible chronologically, from cover to cover. Every word. Every verse, chapter and story. I won't skip the genealogies, I won't skim over the stories I know or the boring laws of Leviticus. So, to begin I turn to the book of Job. Now, I know what you are asking..."But Genesis is the first book, why not start there?". Well, Yes, Genesis is the first book of the Bible, but Job is believed to the first book written. It's date is unkown, and therefore, because I'm not sure whether it was written before or after Genesis I will read it first. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is the oldest book of the Bible. And so I begin:
1:1, In the land of Uz there lived a man named Job. Where the heck is Uz? Is it near Oz? Is it even a part of Israel? Also...who is writing this story? it sounds sort of fairy tale-esque. I almost expect a "Once upon a Time". Anyway, from wha the author says, Job is a very righteous man who feared God and shunned evil. He was also very wealthy, had many children and lots of cattle. He was the greatest man in the East. Fairly high praise.
1:5. This is part of the story that I seemed to have overlooked before, and it is quite incredible. The bible says that "early in the morning, [Job] would sacrifice a burnt offering for [his children], thinking 'perhaps they have sinned an cursed God in their hearts'". Wow...a faithful father. He was genuinely concerned for the spiritual well-being of his children. What makes this even more amazing was that, unlike today, he didn't just pray a simple prayer asking God to bless and forgive his kids...he went through a crazy sacrificial ritual. Every morning! No wonder God was impressed with this guy. I hope when I am a father I will be just as dedicated to the spiritual wellbeing of my kids.
1:6-12. Now the story gets weird. Very early on in this challenge and alread there is a huge theological issue. What the heck is Satan doing in the presence of God? Why is Satan able to ask God something, and have that wish granted? Why does God feel the need to prove himself to Satan? And again...who is writing this dialogue? Did God give someone an inside peak into this conversation, or is this just added to perhaps make sense of what happens next? Was this supposed to make Job feel better, knowing that it was Satan and not God who did this stuff to him? I have lots of questions,and no answers.
1:20. Job just found out that all of his cattle, all of his possesions, and all of his children (whom he prayed for every morning) have been lost. He is left with 4 servants, his wife and what is left of his home...that's it. No more cattle, no more family. He can't even offer sacrifices to God anymore. And what does he do? He responds with "I came into this world naked, and I will leave it naked too. The Lord gives,and he takes away". Seems mighty calm for a man who lost everything. I get so frustrated over the smallest of things. Just yesterday the Bombers lost to the Argos, and I got fairly angry. I was mad at the refs, and mad at the Bobmers. I get frustrated with cranky customers at the bookstore, or when traffic is slow and I get all red lights. And yet, here is Job, who literally loses everything, and he seems to be able to shrug it off. Either he is in a state of shock, or he truly is faithful and trusting of God. Probably a mix of both.
2:1-10. Satan again approaches God. Again I am confused, but I won't re-ask the same questions. God gives Satan the ability to inflict physica harm on Job, and Satan relishes at this opportunity. He gives Job insane sores all over his body. Job's wife very quickly turns against God (and against Job) telling him to curse God. Shows how important it is to surround yourself with people who are going to affrm your beliefs, and encourage you. Job says something very profound, that I we can learn from: "Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?". Wow. Again, job seems to be able to shrug this off. We tend to yell at God over the slightest issue, or we tell ourselves that God only gives us the good things and the bad things are from the devil...but Job graciously accepts that fact that God gives both good things, and troubling things. Kind of a slap in the face to Joel Osteen there...God doesn't want us to be healthy and wealthy. God wants us to serve him and honour him even if we are sick and poor.
2:11-13. Job's friends arrive. They hear he is sick, in pain and alone, and they come to comfort him. Now, I know how this story goes, so unfortunately I don't have high regard for his friends...but at this moment, they are the best of friends. They come in time of trouble, and the bible says that they just sat in silence for 7 days. How often do we try to say the right thing to our friends and family members going trough hardships. How many times do we go into the cliche answers os "I know how you feel", or "It'll all be ok in the end". The very best things Job's friends did was, come to him when he was struggling, and instead of giving lame answers, they just sat in silence and suffered beside him. Sometimes the best thing to do, and the best thing to say is nothing.
1:1, In the land of Uz there lived a man named Job. Where the heck is Uz? Is it near Oz? Is it even a part of Israel? Also...who is writing this story? it sounds sort of fairy tale-esque. I almost expect a "Once upon a Time". Anyway, from wha the author says, Job is a very righteous man who feared God and shunned evil. He was also very wealthy, had many children and lots of cattle. He was the greatest man in the East. Fairly high praise.
1:5. This is part of the story that I seemed to have overlooked before, and it is quite incredible. The bible says that "early in the morning, [Job] would sacrifice a burnt offering for [his children], thinking 'perhaps they have sinned an cursed God in their hearts'". Wow...a faithful father. He was genuinely concerned for the spiritual well-being of his children. What makes this even more amazing was that, unlike today, he didn't just pray a simple prayer asking God to bless and forgive his kids...he went through a crazy sacrificial ritual. Every morning! No wonder God was impressed with this guy. I hope when I am a father I will be just as dedicated to the spiritual wellbeing of my kids.
1:6-12. Now the story gets weird. Very early on in this challenge and alread there is a huge theological issue. What the heck is Satan doing in the presence of God? Why is Satan able to ask God something, and have that wish granted? Why does God feel the need to prove himself to Satan? And again...who is writing this dialogue? Did God give someone an inside peak into this conversation, or is this just added to perhaps make sense of what happens next? Was this supposed to make Job feel better, knowing that it was Satan and not God who did this stuff to him? I have lots of questions,and no answers.
1:20. Job just found out that all of his cattle, all of his possesions, and all of his children (whom he prayed for every morning) have been lost. He is left with 4 servants, his wife and what is left of his home...that's it. No more cattle, no more family. He can't even offer sacrifices to God anymore. And what does he do? He responds with "I came into this world naked, and I will leave it naked too. The Lord gives,and he takes away". Seems mighty calm for a man who lost everything. I get so frustrated over the smallest of things. Just yesterday the Bombers lost to the Argos, and I got fairly angry. I was mad at the refs, and mad at the Bobmers. I get frustrated with cranky customers at the bookstore, or when traffic is slow and I get all red lights. And yet, here is Job, who literally loses everything, and he seems to be able to shrug it off. Either he is in a state of shock, or he truly is faithful and trusting of God. Probably a mix of both.
2:1-10. Satan again approaches God. Again I am confused, but I won't re-ask the same questions. God gives Satan the ability to inflict physica harm on Job, and Satan relishes at this opportunity. He gives Job insane sores all over his body. Job's wife very quickly turns against God (and against Job) telling him to curse God. Shows how important it is to surround yourself with people who are going to affrm your beliefs, and encourage you. Job says something very profound, that I we can learn from: "Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?". Wow. Again, job seems to be able to shrug this off. We tend to yell at God over the slightest issue, or we tell ourselves that God only gives us the good things and the bad things are from the devil...but Job graciously accepts that fact that God gives both good things, and troubling things. Kind of a slap in the face to Joel Osteen there...God doesn't want us to be healthy and wealthy. God wants us to serve him and honour him even if we are sick and poor.
2:11-13. Job's friends arrive. They hear he is sick, in pain and alone, and they come to comfort him. Now, I know how this story goes, so unfortunately I don't have high regard for his friends...but at this moment, they are the best of friends. They come in time of trouble, and the bible says that they just sat in silence for 7 days. How often do we try to say the right thing to our friends and family members going trough hardships. How many times do we go into the cliche answers os "I know how you feel", or "It'll all be ok in the end". The very best things Job's friends did was, come to him when he was struggling, and instead of giving lame answers, they just sat in silence and suffered beside him. Sometimes the best thing to do, and the best thing to say is nothing.
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