For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
2 Tim. 4
How does Paul summarize his current situation and his attitude toward it? Compare that with the charge he gives young Timothy. When Paul said, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.” (2 Tim. 4:3a), I wonder if he was saying that out of experience. I can certainly see where he faced such situations multiple times throughout his ministry. The truth is, opposition to God’s truth has and will be fierce until the end of time. The opposition is never satisfied with merely turning away. The Deceiver is always on the attack. Thus, I’m sure Timothy must have experienced opposition similar to what Paul endured. And we are seeing the same thing again. Paul’s words about the lies people chase are very descriptive of our current times.
What are we to do about that? Press on. Live and speak the truth. Stand firm. Be bold. Take courage and don’t give up. We are not all preachers and evangelists like Paul and Timothy were, but we all need to “be prepared” and “keep our head”. And we would do well to take Paul’s admonition for “great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2b) to heart. The Enemy is real, though not of the physical realm. We need to serve God, love His people, point whatever part of the world we might have influence in to truth, and trust God to deal with the Enemy.
Job 34-35
Summarize Elihu’s argument. What do you agree with? Disagree with? So much for a more compassionate and understanding approach! Elihu went and really laid into Job!! Here are my thoughts on a few of his statements:
- “Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.” (Job 34:10b). I agree! God is sovereign, righteous, holy, and just. He does no wrong because He is the standard for what is right. What Elihu failed to understand, however, is that our perspective is often skewed. Thus, His justice might not fit our understanding of it.
- “He repays everyone for what they have done; He brings on them what their conduct deserves.” (Job 34:11). This sounds pretty self-righteous to me, coming from one who isn’t suffering to one who has suffered so much!
- “Yet He is over individual and nation alike, to keep the godless from ruling” (Job 34:29b-30a). Ultimately, this statement will hold. But from the here and now perspective, it is often not true. Elihu must have missed that fact.
- “To [Job’s] sin he adds rebellion” (Job 34:37). Did I mention the compassion and understanding went out the window?
- “Your wickedness only affects humans like yourself, and your righteousness only other people.” (Job 35:8). That is an interesting thought, and I see his point. However, I do believe that our wickedness breaks God’s heart and our humble efforts at righteousness through faith please Him. It may be true that God doesn’t need us. But I do believe He desires us.
- “He does not answer when people cry out because of the arrogance of the wicked.” (Job 35:12). Elihu as much as told Job that God’s silence was due to his stubborn pride. What reason did Job’s friends have to doubt his assertion of innocence other than that it did not fit into their limited understanding of God’s justice? Maybe sometimes we need to just be willing to admit that we don’t have all the answers.
Ps. 97
How does the psalmist see God’s reign expressed in the world? This Psalm mentions that God protects the righteous and brings justice on the heads of the wicked. This is the very truth that tripped up Job’s friends. They did a little hasty rationalization. Because God punishes the wicked and Job looked like he was being punished, they assumed that Job must be wicked.
The problem with that reasoning is that it didn’t factor in timing and perspective. In regards to timing, this truth of God’s justice is an ultimate truth, though not always a moment to moment one. As for perspective, despite appearances, suffering and punishment are not always the same. Sometimes we suffer, though we are righteous. Often because we are righteous. Thanks to Job and his friends we now know these truths in addition to the first. And we know that Jesus Christ is our sure hope in all of it. Thus, no matter what we face, we can do as the Psalmist declares. “Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.” (Ps. 96:12).