Archive for December 2022

John 21:15-25, Revelation 22, Job 42, Malachi 1-4   Job 42:  And so we come to the end of this astonishing Book of Job. In many ways, you could read the first couple of chapters or so, and then this last chapter, and not miss out on much of the message. Why then is the book so long? Why…

John 21:1-14, Revelation 21, Job 41:12-34, Zechariah 10-14   Job 41:12-34:  It is hard to know exactly what to do with this more extended description of “Leviathan”—especially when we are not sure which animal it is referring to. Job, you remember, is being brought up by the reality of who God is. His power, his majesty, his strength, his…

John 20:24-31, Revelation 20, Job 41:1-11, Zechariah 6-9  Job 41:1-11:    The contrast that God now uses to emphasize his power is between his ability to master the “Leviathan” and Job’s inability. No one is entirely sure what kind of creature this is. Long ago, Matthew Henry described it as “a very large, strong, formidable fish, or water-animal,” and…

John 20:19-23, Revelation 19, Job 40, Zechariah 1-5  Job 40:    Now Job digs himself out from under his bedclothes, peers over the covers, and dares to utter a word to the Lord God. What he says is wise indeed and shows his character:   “Then Job answered the Lord: ‘I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over…

 John 20:10-18, Revelation 18, Job 39, Haggai 1-2   Job 39:  In many ways this chapter is better read than lengthily explained. The rhythm and power of it needs to sweep over us for its effect to be realized. It needs to be seen in context with the overall sweep of the book, and in that frame its purpose…

John 20:1-9, Revelation 17, Job 38:22-41, Zephaniah 3   Job 38:22-41:   The rapid-fire questions from God to Job continue. Who could possibly answer these questions without trembling in worship? Job, you will remember, has been asking God questions. He has asked God why he has suffered. Why has this happened to him? He had not done anything to deserve…

John 19:38-42, Revelation 16, Job 38:1-21, Zephaniah 1-2  Job 38:1-21:  And now finally, with great relief, we come to the Word of the Lord. What is the answer to the problem of suffering? What is the answer to all the problems and questions that Job, in his suffering, has thrown in the air and asked of his friends,…

John 19:28-37, Revelation 15,  Job 37,  Habakkuk 1-3  Job 37: Chapter 37 is a marvelous study in a right theological truth misapplied. The best medicine can make a person sick if the diagnosis is wrong. You do not prescribe an aspirin to cure cancer, and chemotherapy is not the right solution to a migraine. It is…

John 19:17-27, Revelation 14, Job 36:16-33, Nahum 1-3 Job 36:16-33: Elihu is answering Job’s complaints. Job is suffering terribly. Why has God allowed this to happen? Job’s so-called “comforters” have been saying that it is because Job has done something to deserve this suffering. But Job has refused to agree. He has done nothing to deserve this suffering.…

John 19:1-16, Revelation 13, Job 36:1-15, Micah 6-7  Job 36:1-15: Elihu is reproaching Job for complaining about his suffering. He is also frustrated that Job’s so-called “comforters” have been unable to reprimand Job sufficiently that Job sees the error of his ways. Therefore, young and inexperienced as he is, Elihu has nonetheless taken it upon himself to solve…