For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
2 Tim. 2
“If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Tim. 2:11b-12a). This part of Paul’s “trustworthy saying” I get. It is actually the opposite side of the coin I mentioned from the Job reading. That side of the coin says that if we live for Christ, we will endure undeserved suffering, even as He did. This side of the coin says that if we endure that suffering, if we hang in until the end, then we will have life.
“If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” (2 Tim. 2:12b-13). This part of Pauls’ saying has me scratching my head a bit. What is the difference between disowning Him and being faithless? As Paul encouraged Timothy in verse 7, I need to reflect on what he is saying and pray that God will give me insight.
What I come up with, at least for now, is that there is a difference between doubt and outright denial. I’m not even sure denial is the right word. To disown brings to mind all the mentions in the apostles’ letters of those who have departed from the faith and truth. To me that means that they know what is right and true yet, for whatever reason, they choose to turn away from it in pursuit of their own fleshly desires. What’s worse is that these people never leave quietly. They always seem to want to bring down as many as they can on their way out. These are the ones who will receive what they give. They will be disowned.
Faithless, on the other hand, brings to mind those who stumble or doubt. I have a feeling we all fall into that category from time to time. How reassuring to know that God will not abandon us when we do. It may even be that those who disowned God at some point might still have the option of repenting, once again disowning themselves, and turning back to God. I think then they might move back into this category of the faithless. In that case, we know that God is faithful to His promise to restore the humbled heart.
Job 30-31
What are the main themes of Job’s final defense? Reading Job’s complaint makes me think of Psalm 73. The Psalmist envies the wicked, who live in comfort and whose lives prosper. As he looks around he thinks to himself, “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.” (Ps. 73:13-14). To Job’s credit, I don’t see him envying the wicked. His fear of God is too steadfast. But he sees the same reversal of justice that the Psalmist notes.
Speaking of Job’s fear of God, his final defense is a great study in Godly living. He doesn’t just speak of keeping the letter of the law. He goes deeper, like Jesus did in the Sermon on the Mount. What he speaks of is keeping his heart true to God, treating others according to God’s desires. He covers lust and illicit desires, deceitful living and dishonest scales, compassion and respect for the poor, the needy, and those under his authority, trusting in money, loving his enemies, confessing his sin, and even respect for the land. What should we expect for living such a life? Clearly it is no guarantee of easy living. Living for God ultimately leads to life. Perhaps the rough going between now and then serves to weed out the less then fully devoted hearts.
Ps. 96
Sing to the Lord a new song! You might use this psalm and sing it to the Lord. Or use a new worship song you just learned. Or just make one up! “Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.” (Ps. 96:2). Day after day. That hit me. Our praise should be continually before the LORD. It should be routine, like brushing our teeth or eating. That is to say, it shouldn’t be a once in a while thing but, rather, should be a big part of each and every day of our lives.
Unlike brushing our teeth or eating, though, our praise shouldn’t be mundane. “Sing to the LROD a new song” (Ps. 96:1a). Because His mercies are new every morning. This Psalm is a call to keep our awe of God fresh; to hold on to our first love, unlike the church in Ephesus from Revelation. It is a call to be constantly aware of who God is and what He has done. Because when we really stop to consider those things, how can we not be overwhelmed with praise?