For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Philm. 1
How does Paul’s letter place master and slave on the same footing and quietly undermine slavery? This letter shows that Paul practiced what he preached. It is easy to see here how Paul followed in Jesus’ footsteps, living the example that Christ lived for us. Jesus made it very clear that anyone who really knew God knew Him, because He and the Father are one. Conversely, if anyone did not love and accept Jesus, they did not love and accept God. Later, He pointed out the same relationship between Himself and His true followers. Thus, if we claim to love God, we must love Jesus and if we love Jesus, we must love those who likewise love Jesus because God dwells in them. This is a point that John wrote about extensively. And this was the truth that Paul drew on in his effort to reconcile Philemon and Onesimus.
Because of this truth, reconciliation should be at the forefront of our efforts in our relationships with other believers. How can we be reconciled to God if we cannot reconcile with those God loves? Paul wrote to this point a lot in his letters. He went so far as to encourage believers to let themselves be wronged or to let go of their own freedoms in Christ from time to time to work toward this goal. Paul goes one step further in this situation. He actually follows Jesus’ example of being the mediator for reconciliation, willing to absorb the cost of any wrongdoing himself. What a fantastic example of how we should strive to live like Christ!
Job 42
Summarize Job’s response to God; God’s response to Job’s friends; and God’s ultimate response to Job. What is your big takeaway from the book of Job? I have certainly seen a lot in this read-thru of Job that I have not seen before. And, like most things in the Bible, I believe this book has a multi-level purpose. There is so much to learn from it! But I’ve got to admit that there is still much about the story that confuses me. For one thing, why didn’t God mention Elihu? For another, what was the truth that Job spoke about God that the other three missed? Did Elihu speak the truth about God? Did the friends’ false accusations toward Job factor into that statement somehow? And how is it that Job spoke the truth about God if he spoke without knowledge? I just don’t know.
What is clear to me is that the Bible both guarantees suffering for God’s faithful in this world and promises restoration at the end. I see both of these truths in the book of Job. I also see the truths that we can never justify ourselves, that God accepts a repentant heart, that God is worthy of our trust, that He cares for us and protects us even in our suffering, and that He gives us a sure hope in Jesus Christ.
Ps. 99
What qualities in God does the psalmist acknowledge and praise? God is holy. I know this to be true, but what exactly does it mean? I looked it up, and I think Merriam-Webster hit the nail on the head. “The meaning of HOLY is exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness.” So this Psalmist declares that God is worthy of our complete devotion because He is awesome and mighty, He is just, and He is forgiving. He is God and there is none like Him. “For the LORD our God is holy.” (Ps. 99:9b).