September 1, 2012 Reading Notes

September 1, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Job 40-42

Our last day in Job! This will be fun. Reading God's response to Job made me think of what Paul says in Romans 9:20, "But who are you, a man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me thus?'" It finally made sense to me what Paul is saying. He is simply answering this question in Rome with God's answer to Job. It has nothing to do with justice or fairness. Both Paul and God are saying that knowing God means trusting His actions because of His love and wisdom.

One note regarding the wildlife that is described below, remember that after the flood, things changed slowly. There was a massive climate change that resulted in the decline in the age of people and the dying off of certain types of animals. There were few people after the flood, allowing wildlife to grow undisturbed. Some of the types of animals on the ark may have lived for a time after the flood, but the climate and conditions on earth had changed. There were woolly mammoths; but somehow, through climate or the increased needs of growing human populations, they were killed off, similar to buffalo in North America. People lived close to rivers or where there was a supply of water. Although no one knows what the Behemoth and the Leviathan were, they could have been a large variety of something we have today that lived in those rivers and were a constant threat and challenge to the people.

Job 40

Vs. 1-2 The root of Job's problem had been finding fault with God. He accused God of being unjust.

Vs. 3-5 This is the first of Job's two replies to God. In this response he only admits that he shouldn't have spoken. In the next response, Job is repentant.

Vs. 6-14 I think verse 7 is funny. "Gird up your loins" (and fight like a ….). Obviously Job couldn't contend with God. Really, God has just been asking Job questions.

Vs. 15-24 I have a couple of questions here.

First, what was the Behemoth? It appears to be something that isn't around anymore. It seems that the common opinion is that it was a variety of hippopotamus, sort of what the woolly mammoth was to the elephant. Who knows. Growing up I always saw hippos as docile, fat animals, living to get fat. Well here are some fun facts about hippos. Once they were common to all of Africa, including Egypt and the Nile, and Asia, including the areas around the Euphrates and Jordan rivers, and even Europe. No famous explorer of Africa was not attacked by a hippo. One explorer had his boat overturned and had his head and shoulders bit off. Apparently they are incredibly aggressive, and on land they can outrun a man, even weighing 4000 pounds (the hippo, not the man). Now that we can kill them with guns, howitzers and atomic weapons, they are in decline because the ivory of their teeth does not yellow like an elephant's ivory, making it highly sought after. George Washington's teeth were not made of wood, but of hippo ivory. So, if there was a variety of hippo back then that was a little bigger, had a bigger tail and was meaner (imagine that), it could well have been the behemoth. And apparently their tail does get stiff when they are mad, which apparently is always.

Second, why does God even use this illustration? Well, one reason is that they were apparently a hazard to anyone living along rivers, which was a lot of people. Another reason might be to mention that God made this very formidable animal that gave hunting parties fits. But for me it has more to do with the theme of the book: the hidden purpose of God. What was the purpose of that animal? Why did God make it? Who knows, but God knew and designed it as He chose.

Job 41

Enter the Leviathan. Apparently this was another river dweller and again the identity is unknown. It is thought that this could have been a very, very large "mammoth" variety of crocodile.

Vs. 18-21 It is suggested that this could be poetic description of a crocodile coming up for air in the bright sun, the "light" in its eyes, the "smoke" coming out of its nostrils as it lets out air on the surface of the water creating a blowing of vapor that looked like smoke and fire.

Again, even a nature lover might ask God why He made the Leviathan. Would it really be a loss if they went extinct? Does anyone "miss" the T-Rex? If you had lived near a river, you would never have let your kids go play at the shore if these things were around. It would have always been on your mind, and trying to exterminate them would have been a generational endeavor.

In both of these animals God challenges Job with His power to create, to control and to determine the working out of lives and the affairs of men by what He did with these animals. In a way, Satan might be compared to these animals in his influence on mankind; but there too, God has a leash on Lucifer. God's love and wisdom simply need to be trusted.

Job 42

Vs. 1-6 Notice that Job quotes God twice; he confesses and repents.

Vs. 7-9 This is pretty interesting. God calls Job his servant four times. God says twice that Job spoke rightly of Him, but they did not. It never says that the friends prayed for Job, but Job prayed for them. God was not upset with Elihu. It is interesting that God made Job forgive and intercede for his friends. It is amazing in the gospels how often prayer and extending forgiveness to others are put together. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25)

So how was Job right about what he said about God? He was right in saying that his suffering didn't come because of sin. He was wrong in charging God with judgment against him. For Job to say that God didn't care was careless. Job held on irrationally to what he had known to be true of God. His losses and pain pushed him, and his friends incited him; but Job never cursed God, so Satan was able to see that there was something in mankind that God could save. Job and his friends were able to see the Lord in a different light. Always trust the Lord. His love never fails and the wisdom of His will is guided by that love and by His incredible wisdom.

Vs. 10-11 Notice the "condition" in verse 10. It wasn't until after Job prayed for his friends that the Lord reversed Job's situation. Now the Lord brought on all of the comfort He had withheld. It was the Lord.

Vs. 12-17 Notice that it never mentioned any of Job's kids' names except these three daughters.

Tradition suggests that Job was 70 when this happened to him. And just as his prosperity was doubled after this event, so was his age. That is the suggested reason that he lived another 140 years.

As you read Job now, year after year, you will find new stuff each time you read it. Not only that, as you follow Christ in the harvest, as things happen to you and to others, what you've learned here will be used by the Spirit to teach you and to temper your heart. He will lead you to have a more eternal perspective on this life, and the Lord will lead you into more and more situations where you will learn to let go of expectations in this life on earth. As we follow Christ we learn to trust Him completely and to make Him and what we know of Him enough to guide us through anything that happens.

God is God, Steven Curtis Chapman

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

This is a very well-known and cool part of the Bible. And to think, all of this is being expressed like this because of Paul's suffering and a conflict he's having with a church. It was all designed by God's wisdom.

V. 11 Notice that Paul talks about their turmoil and its result as the "fear" of God. In this context, I would say that this fear is Paul's deep respect for God. And, Paul understood that he was known by God. Paul would never violate God's trust and cheapen the gospel. This is their motivation for persuading others. The message of that persuasion, we'll see later, is for people to repent and be reconciled God. Paul tried to remain invisible.

V. 12 Note that the criticism in Corinth that is against Paul and that was shredding the church is ever present in Paul's mind as he is writing. It was a weight that Paul constantly bore. Paul was not trying to promote himself. He was living to promote His Savior and to see men saved and made disciples in the harvest. The Corinthians should have known this and been able to counter those self-seeking super apostles, whose main platform was criticizing Paul.

Vs. 13-15 This shows that Paul understood the necessity of God making them weak. But instead of being driven by concern for themselves or driven by fear, look what controlled them. And look what it made them do. A disciple is always oriented to the harvest, because the love of Christ is living in his heart and is revealed in the harvest. If anyone ever wants to know what the driving force behind our hearts and actions is, it is here. It is not a fear of hell or a desire for heaven; it is the love of Christ. Check your heart. This has to be or become what ultimately motivates you in your life.

V. 16 Paul once regarded Jesus as the enemy and His followers as heretics. That was before he understood what was happening spiritually in the world and in the plan of God. Now Paul said, "we live by faith, not by sight." Our eyes are to be on the spiritual reality, and then we can understand the physical in terms of the spiritual. Another way to say this is what Paul says in Romans 8:14, For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. We live on earth now understanding things spiritually, seeking spiritual direction, being led daily by the Spirit.

V. 17 Notice that this is a "creation," something made. Salvation is not membership to a club, where membership can be revoked due to bad behavior. It is being made, created. At salvation something is brought into life. This is why once we are saved or "created," we are always saved. You can revoke someone's membership, but you can't "un-create" something. This spiritual life is created by the Spirit the moment we confess Christ as Savior and are forgiven. Then the Spirit comes to dwell within to "mentor" and nurture that new spiritual life, and to help us deal with that old nature that would destroy us.

Vs. 18-21 Two things here. Disciples are always oriented to the harvest. "Ambassadors" is who God made us. To deny who God has made us is to get ourselves into a life we were not called to or equipped for. Our joy and strength and purpose are found in following Christ in the harvest as His ambassadors.

Second, Paul is making sure they understand that this ministry is not something we grasp, but something that grips us. Paul wasn't putting himself forward, as if this was his career. Paul describes this life following Christ and speaking out to the lost as the irresistible identity of anyone who has been seized by the love of Christ.

V. 21 This might have been a reminder to that Jewish audience and to those super apostles that righteousness is not found in doing things Jewish, but in Christ alone. What a great truth and just like Isaiah 53.

In Christ Alone, Newsboys

Psalm 45

Now, I'm really not given to "spiritualizing" the meaning of the text, saying its real meaning is in something other than the physical event to which it was written. However, there is a prophetic element in lots of the Bible where a verse or event foreshadows something in the future. God shows us this is so. When we get to the NT and see some of the passages that Jesus or others used, we look back and say, "I would have never guessed that would also have a meaning for the future."

This psalm was apparently written for a wedding. But when you get to verse 6, you see that this is quoted in Hebrews 1:8, But of the Son he says, "Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, the righteous scepter is the scepter of thy kingdom." God is saying that this verse has to do with Jesus being crowned king. This is also when He takes the church as His bride. So then, let's read the entire psalm as if it is referring to Jesus taking His throne and meeting with His church at the wedding feast.

Vs. 1-3 If you compare this with Isaiah 53 or Revelation 5:6 where no beauty is mentioned, it seems that Jesus' full glory will be revealed.

Vs. 4-5 That crowning of Jesus and the taking of the book will unleash judgment on the nations and peoples of the earth.

Vs. 6-9 This would be an appropriate image of Jesus, the Son of David, receiving His eternal throne.

Vs. 10-15 I have never grasped the "bride of Christ" except to know it is a special designation of purity and glory to the bridegroom.

Vs. 16-17 This is definitely imagery referring to Jesus. Look at the end of Isaiah 53 to see this shared reward and glory. I just read what Jesus said to His disciples the night He was betrayed. You are those who have continued with me in my trials; and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Luke 22:28-30)

Revelation Song, Kari Jobe

Proverbs 22:14

There really is no such thing as "getting away" with something. If God lets you kick against the door until you "succeed," you are just walking into judgment, not blessing.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

August 31, 2012 Reading Notes

August 31, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Job 37-39

Job 37

Notice all of the stormy imagery. It is thought that as Elihu was speaking, they all noticed that a storm was approaching and Elihu got inspired and began to use it to describe God's power and wisdom.

Vs. 1-13 It seems Elihu became “caught up” in the emotion of this storm. He began to suggest that God knows all the ramifications of bringing a storm. He knows where the animals will be driven and where rain, snow and lightning will fall. He knows the purposes He has for the storm.

V. 9 Notice the whirlwind. Job lost his children to something like this.

V. 13 This is probably the key to what Elihu was driving at. It is not just that God makes it happen, it is the stated motives that guide His hand and His actions.

Vs. 14-20 This is Elihu's final challenge to Job. The argument of verse 15 goes, "If you don't know this, then what right do you have to say what God is doing in this situation you are in?"

Vs. 19-20 Job wanted to talk to God. Elihu is suggesting that if Job isn't wise enough to figure out what God can create with a thought, how is he going to really duke it out with God? Hooking himself up to God would be like hooking up to a zillion watts and a gazillion volts.

Vs. 21-24 Again, Elihu justifies God.

Job 38-39

Job finally got what he wanted.  God arrived in the approaching storm.  Notice that God speaks to Job out of the very thing that killed his kids.

God never defends His actions in allowing this to happen to Job. At this point, we are the only ones who know the whole story. What God does is describe why Job should just trust Him. To do this, as my uncle says, first God takes Job on a nature hike and then He takes him to the zoo. Isn't God's wisdom totally beyond our comprehension, how He can direct, control and sustain the entire universe and all of life? There is so much that exists that we don't even know about in the spiritual dimension, on the microscopic level, in events taking place in deep space (and what is space anyway?). And yet He doesn't even break a sweat to sustain it or create it. He holds it all together and directs it. And we know Him in the person and grace and salvation of Jesus our Lord. "Trust" is an awfully small word when we consider His work in our lives and how He uses us.

Job 38

Vs. 1-3 Oops!

Vs. 4-7 God created the earth and the sons of God were there and rejoiced. Notice too, apparently at that time all the angels rejoiced. God knew of the rebellion that would follow and that is a part of this story.

Vs. 8-11 The sea was thought to be wild, mighty and untamable, but not to God.

Vs. 12-15 Even in controlling the day, God controls the affairs of men, particularly the wicked. This is an interesting mixture of physical and spiritual realities.

Vs. 16-18 This too is a mixture. The lowest part of the earth is the ocean floor, but lower still are the gates of death.

Vs. 19-21 Light is still a mystery. An honest scientist would admit this.

Vs. 22-24 Somehow I don't think Job knows the answer to this one.

Vs. 25-30 Does the rain have a father? Not only that, the mechanism in the creation of rain is still a theory. But it's OK because God knows.

Vs. 31-33 According to Genesis, God created all of this in 24 hours and he did it for us.

Vs. 34-38 This is intricacy beyond our thinking. It is beyond "a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without your Father's will." But it is all seen and understood and planned by God.

Vs. 39-41 Now God takes Job to the zoo. This probably should have been the start of chapter 39. Both the king of the beasts and a scavenger rely on God for their food, and He orders it all according to His wisdom.

Job 39

Vs. 1-4 Apparently there are particular breeds of mountain goats where this is still a mystery. God is responsible for this secret.

Vs. 5-8 I never think about wild donkeys, but God was responsible for their scorn and ranging. It was ordered by His wisdom.

Vs. 9-12 In God's wisdom, He ordained this strength and independence to remain untamed.

Vs. 13-18 In God's wisdom He made her foolish and fast. Who are we to judge?

Vs. 19-25 Not only is the horse a great domestic animal, but it has an instinct for battle. Who knew? God made the horse this way.

Vs. 26-30 And then there is the eagle, or vulture, or both. It is all in God's sovereign control.

The point in all of this is that God's infinite wisdom and intricate sovereignty are so great, that we should trust Him for what we don't understand. If we know God in Christ, we know His love, His salvation and His work on this planet of death. That should be enough for us to trust Him completely, and take up our death daily and follow Him in the harvest.

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10

In Paul's recent suffering he was overwhelmed by the emotions of certain death, and then added to this was all the distress and conflict he felt with the church in Corinth. Through that experience of suffering ("death"), the Lord gave Paul what he needed to speak to this church. That was an interesting way to prepare Paul.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Vs. 13-15 In order to understand this you have to read Psalm 116. Paul is quoting verse 10. It is a psalm of deliverance. I bet Paul read that over and over during this time. Paul expected the leaders and people in Corinth to understand this reference since this was a very Jewish church.

Paul is saying that he and those with him shared the same experience as the psalmist. Even though they were threatened, they still believed and went on speaking for God. Paul says here that they kept on because they knew they would be raised with Christ. Paul knew that God would use that experience, however it turned out, to bring His grace further and to bring glory to His name.

Vs. 16-18 This is very much like what Jesus told His disciples. Jesus said they shouldn't fear those who could only kill the body. It was in all of His teaching that we are to live for the kingdom and leave the rest to Him. It also reminds me of Jesus telling Peter that Peter couldn’t follow Jesus “now,” but that he would follow later. The destination wasn’t death, but the Father’s presence. The reason Peter couldn’t follow was the work of redemption; but rightly understood, it gave Peter something to look forward to when his work was done.

Based on the resurrection and the spiritual reality given by God, we can risk it all for Him. Notice that the Spirit can use the suffering of today to cause daily renewal and preparation.

V. 18 This assumes that a disciple following Christ in the harvest is learning to see the spiritual. This is not automatic. Many church goers are lost on earth and do not see God working to redeem, much less, see their part in it.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

This section explains verse 16-18. The point is that the body must die, but God uses that daily process of death to produce all sorts of wonderful things. I would say though, that this process of death and renewal only really happens if our eyes are on the harvest and the eternal plan that God is working through Christ, through us, in this world.

V. 1 Notice the contrast between the tent and the house. Remember 1 Cor. 15:42.

Vs. 2-5 This says that it is normal for us to groan while we are in this body, but this isn't just any groaning. We all groan. The context of Paul's groaning wasn't just his arthritis, it was his work on earth for Christ and the difficulty of following Christ bearing the body of death. It is a spiritual understanding of what is happening in life, understanding this body of death and understanding that our hope is in the resurrection. Read Romans 8:23. It seems kind of funny to say this, but if a person isn't groaning inwardly, it is very likely they are not in the harvest or a disciple and really don't have a very present longing for the resurrection. Because of God's promises to us and the Spirit who is the guarantee, we know that God is with us and we will be raised. Having a hope like this allows us to "leave it all" in the harvest. Not to have this groaning and longing might mean we are too happy enjoying earth.

Vs. 6-10 So this is why Paul has that positive attitude. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. (Philippians 1:21-24)

V. 9 Notice our aim as we live and work in the harvest. Therefore there is not fear, but instead, expectation when we get to verse 10.

V. 10 Paul saw this as a positive thing. This entire spiritual perspective and the spiritual life Paul is talking about here can only be found following Christ in the harvest, reaching out to the lost and making disciples who make disciples. If a person is not involved in that, they can never arrive at this heart and mind for Christ. It should be with joy that we stand before our returned Lord, offering back the “talent” He gave to us with its multiplied effect in the lives of others in the harvest. His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' (Matthew 25:23)

Psalm 44:9-26

After having read the first eight verses yesterday, were you ready for this? Suddenly it seems like everything reads like Job.

Vs. 8-16 If Job's friends heard this, they would say the people sinned. The Lord used situations like this in the life of Israel to humble them. One event that comes to mind was when the Assyrians marched on Jerusalem when Hezekiah was king. The Assyrians were consuming Judah although the people were following God.

Vs. 17-22 But, like Job, they had not sinned. They had really been trying to follow. Unknown to them, God used this event to bring their hearts to a "critical mass" intensity in prayer and humility before the Lord.

V. 22 Notice that Paul quotes this in Romans 8:36, "As it is written, 'For thy sake we are being killed all the daylong; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.'" If you reread this section of Romans you'll see that there is a very strong theme of being safe in the sovereign plan of God. But safety doesn't mean understanding what God does. Nor does safety mean not suffering during this time on earth.

Vs. 23-26 "for the sake of your steadfast love." We have read all of the historical events that happened in Israel. There will be a few more details in Jeremiah and Daniel, but basically we have everything. So, what could this event have been that was such a distress to Israel? The Sons of Korah wrote for the temple worship, and so this must be the southern kingdom. When was there a time when the people were following God closely, but when there was an enemy at hand that was conquering the land? I would guess this was written during the time of Hezekiah when the Assyrian army was capturing the land.

Why was God allowing this? In His purpose, He was accomplishing a million things, changing the face of nations and empires. But why did Judah have to suffer like this? I'm sure there was more than one reason. But if this did happen when I think it did, it may have been used to humble the hearts of the leaders of Judah and King Hezekiah. In their desperation they cried out. The depth of their despair and seeking God was heard by the Lord as a lesson to all of us. Their tears were turned to praise when God visited the Assyrian army. Just like Job and Paul, suffering preceded praise and a true understanding of the depth of God's wisdom.

I really like this old Promise Keepers song. In Christ we follow, wait and call. I Waited for the Lord on High

Proverbs 22:13

This is sort of like the joke, "I exercise every day. I do a half a sit-up when I get up in the morning, and I do the other half at night when I lay back down." There is some area in all of our lives where we are the sluggard.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

August 30, 2012 Reading Notes

August 30, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Job 34-36

As I read over this, it seems there are a couple of things to remember. First, in the final event, it is the Spirit who is writing this, so the message He is conveying is important for us. Second, Elihu, through the Spirit, puts his finger on some important points; but he is removed from Job's pain. In each chapter, we almost need to re-read chapter 1 to see what Job is grieving. Reading what Elihu says in correction to Job, you realize he didn't feel Job's agony. If this had happened to me, it would have been a miracle if I could have put two meaningful thoughts together. Job is speaking out of grief and incredible physical pain. Fourth, there is a reason this happened to Job, not only for his good, but for ours. Job was one of a kind, the most spiritual, righteous, God-loving man on earth. God knew He could hit him hard and take him to task even in his extreme suffering, because of who God had made him. Our job is to observe and learn what happened behind the scenes. Then we need to see where Job and his friends thought wrongly of God and learn to trust Him totally.

This reminds me of a question I asked in the Acts class regarding why God didn't stop Paul before he was guilty of persecuting and killing so many believers. Why didn't God stop Paul? It was for His own purpose. God worked for good His plan of redemption. According to His wisdom, love and purpose in the lives of Paul and all those battered believers He brought personal good (heaven is good) and ultimate good. And, Paul got the message. 1 Timothy 1:16 but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost (of sinners), Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. And like Job, Paul simply bowed to the sovereign might and wisdom of God. Here's the next verse of that quote. 1 Timothy 1:17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Job 34

Vs. 1-6 This looks like Elihu's introduction to his next point. Notice how he asks permission to speak, and then how he restates a part of what Job said.

Vs. 7-9 This was kind of silly of Job to say. We'd say it was excusable because of his pain, but because of his pain, his narrow view of God's actions and the pressure of his friends, Job showed what was in his heart. A statement like this is always wrong.

Vs. 10-11 Elihu justifies God. We may not understand God, but we know Him and should always justify God. Notice too that Elihu doesn't try to prove Job is wrong. Instead, he proves God is right.

Vs. 12-33 Verse 12 is the cardinal statement here. All of their thinking had to give truth to this statement. God, the creator, can never do wrong. Much of what follows here sounds like what Job's friends said, but it is meant differently coming from Elihu. He doesn't think this happened to Job because Job sinned. He is simply saying that if you don't understand what God is doing, don't charge Him with injustice. He can't do wrong. It seems to imply that we understand justice because of God's image. Surely the maker and sustainer of all, who gives us this sense of justice, can never be unjust.

Vs. 34-37 This is the charge against Job. Job had been prodded to accuse God of wrong. His friends insisted that Job's suffering was because of sin; and Job, therefore, assumed that punishment was the general meaning of things, only that Job wasn't guilty enough to deserve what happened to him. Note that this is not the same as cursing God. Satan never won his bet with God. Job never stopped loving God or trusting what he knew to be true of God. And remember, Job was always in terrible grief and pain.

Job 35

Chapters 35-37 roll together as one argument with two parts and they will be Elihu's final words.

Vs. 2-3 It seems there are two things that Elihu thinks are wrong. First, Job demanded the right to have an answer. Second, Job took the statement in 34:9 further, by saying it was of no advantage to be righteous instead of rebellious.

V. 4 Here, here!

Vs. 5-8 This is an interesting statement, and even more interesting if you understand that it comes from God. We are not doing God a favor by being righteous, like cheering up the old boy. "Oh look, Dan obeyed. Now I feel better. Now I'm happy." God is complete in Himself.

Vs. 9-15 It seems Elihu is saying that it is only pain that makes us want an answer from God. We never ask for an answer when things are going well. Duh! This means that God's "silence" is really our perception, and evidence that we are focused on us and really don't know God and His working. Why don't we demand that God tell us why things are going good? We don't mind His "silence" then, do we?

V. 16 The verdict: Job doesn't know God as well as he thought he did.

Job 36

In what follows, Elihu seems to finish showing that it is always better to be righteous, and then he moves to answer the question about our right to demand an answer.

Vs. 1-4 Unlike Job's friends who aimed at correcting Job, Elihu is focused on speaking on God's behalf.

Vs. 5-16 It seems Elihu is describing God's wisdom in dealing with people.

Vs. 17-23 The first two verses sound like Matthew 7:1-2, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." The key verses here seem to be 22-23, where God is described as a teacher.

Vs. 24-33 Some people feel that as Elihu was speaking, a storm began forming on the horizon. Elihu seems to be saying to Job and the others that we should always extol God's works and trust His heart, power and wisdom. This is why Job has no right to demand an answer, because of God's wisdom and power. We behold His works from afar and really don’t know Him well. Even with the Spirit, Paul confessed that we see as if looking into a clouded mirror. That face to face hasn’t happened yet, so we always need to hold to the Word and what we know is true of God. He cannot do wrong.

This chapter flows into the next and then into God's description of His might and wisdom. We don't demand that God explain gravity to us, but we're sure thankful it works. We simply trust. And still, deep in Job, there was this sense of trust and understanding, that directing all of God's power and wisdom, there is a heart of love. This is why God will finally say that Job spoke what was true of God, unlike Job's friends who spoke what was wrong.

As disciples, abiding everyday in Christ, following Him in the harvest, carrying our cross, we should expect God to bring the unexpected to us. We are living for Him and His work as His servants. Our problem is that we expect Him to work according to our likes and wishes. The great events of redemptive history all looked like disasters, and suddenly God used them to show His majesty and grace. To read about the greatest of these disasters, read the gospels or the short version in Isaiah 53. That's our Lord, and the servant isn't greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than He Who sent him.

2 Corinthians 4:1-12

Paul is still describing the effects of how God brought him and his co-workers through the emotional turmoil they were in. As we see it here, God brought Paul through these troubles in this particular way to give him this heart and these words for the Corinthians.

Vs. 1-2 Bearing fruit in spite of their weakness, they see they have been given this ministry by God's mercy. Paul is justifying God. Again, you understand that Paul is also addressing criticism against him in Corinth. Paul didn't choose the ministry. God chose him for the ministry by His mercy.

Vs. 3-6 But what about Paul not being a good speaker? Just like us, Paul's clearest witness for Christ was Jesus' light shining in his heart. So, it's not about us and our abilities, it is all about Him being able to simply shine through us. You don't have to be a well-educated super apostle for that to be possible. If the gospel is veiled, it is not because of our inferiority. It is because of the enemy. Remember, there is an enemy.

Vs. 7-12 And, in submission to Christ, what comes out of the cracked pot? It is what God brings out through taking us through experiences that make us realize the greatness of His love and power and wisdom. Suffering in us produces life in others as we share what He is doing. God gives the glory to the message, not the cracked vase. But the cracked vase does get to see the glory of God.

You understand then, that God is doing exactly what Paul is describing. God took Paul through great distress to prepare him to write these words to correct and bring life to this troubled church. Isn't it interesting that this is very much like what we're seeing in Job? And why not? It's the Lord, and the same author of both of these servants.

As disciples, we need to see this pruning by the Father as normal in the harvest. When we see how God led Job and Paul and so many others, should we expect something easier for ourselves? If we really desire God to use us to bear fruit following Christ on earth, we need to let Him shape us through suffering. It is easy to be fruitless, but fruitlessness and comfort is our choice, not what God has called us to. Knowing Christ and His blessing in the harvest will look more like what we're reading, than what most people in suburban America are living. Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict which you saw and now hear to be mine.

Psalm 44:1-8

Vs. 1-3 You did it then….

Vs. 4-8 And you do it now….

It is in God we trust. He is enough.

Day After Day, Kristian Stanfill

Proverbs 22:10-12

V. 10 This reads like Romans 16:17-20.

V. 11 Maybe we are too tolerant of the cranky. If we really love purity of heart and gracious speech, we also need to rebuke the scoffer.

V. 12 The Lord sees it all. Nothing is hidden or will remain hidden. We should be praying for the Lord to do this and fulfill His promise, especially where it is hindering the harvest and the making of disciples.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

August 29, 2012 Reading Notes

August 29, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Job 31-33

Today we have Job's final argument of innocence to God. His friends will finally be silenced, but unknown to us, they brought along a young disciple who really has been listening. Elihu has seen the error of both Job and his friends. Elihu is a little off track too, but he will show Job some things he had not considered. Because of this, Job remains silenced and is ready to hear and be humbled when God speaks.

Job 31

IF you are having a hard time keeping up with Job, or IF you are falling asleep, highlight the word "IF." In looking at the things Job avoided and the things Job did, you have to look deeper than the "if." He lists these actions along with other words also. So, you'll see a lot of "If….and" combinations. And then there is "let."

What is interesting in reading this is that Job lived after the flood and before the great civilizations of that time were organized. The list of things Job said were violations of moral law are very up-to-date. Not only that, compare Job's list to what Jesus says will be the "list" at the close of the age. (Matt. 25:34-46)

Vs. 1-4 This was Job's resolve not to be immoral. A man of Job's standing would have had power and access. Look at kings like Solomon and Xerxes and their huge harems. Look at Hollywood, Wall Street and Capitol Hill. Look at the internet, or rather, don't. Job saw this as a very dangerous thing and listed it first.

Vs. 5-8 Lying, cheating, stealing or abusing power to get ahead was next on Job's list.

Vs. 9-12 Notice the severity of what Job says here. Remember how much Solomon said at the beginning of Proverbs warning his son against adultery? Remember how David nearly destroyed his heart, his family and Israel through his adultery? We glorify adultery and romanticize it on TV and in our stories, but everyone who is wise calls it deadly. The immorality of verse 1-4 may affect a few, but adultery affects many. Look again at the life of David after he did this with Bathsheba. God has shown us David's life for a reason. If one of the greatest men in the Bible couldn't escape the consequences, neither can we.

Vs. 13-15 This is tolerating injustice. Job says that a godly man will, must, act. Notice verse 15. That sounds like the preamble of the US Declaration of Independence. All men are created equal.

Vs. 16-23 This was Job's attitude toward the poor, needy, naked, widows and orphans. It wasn't just an attitude, it was a call to action.

V. 23 Deeply ingrained in Job's thinking toward God was fear. We could use more fear in our thinking about God. We still have it in our thinking that God is just a good old boy who chuckles at our sin and looks the other way, and even more now because of grace. Job's fear of God was at the root of what both he and his friends didn't understand about God. They were focused on blessing and punishment having a one-to-one relationship to God's justice. God's sovereignty, wisdom and eternal plan weren't part of their thinking. That God could do things, in love and wisdom, that didn't make sense; and that He could bring pain without judgment and allow the wicked to grow and prosper wasn't yet in their thinking. Trusting God's wisdom, love and sovereignty brings health to our fear of God, and it brings maturity to our view of God and our place on the planet during this time. And the fear of God is still the beginning of wisdom.

Vs. 24-28 Although Job was rich, his treasure was not on earth. And look at verse 27, he didn't "kiss his hand," thinking he was blessed by his own hand. He knew God had blessed him.

Vs. 29-34 Job blessed and helped his enemies; he welcomed strangers; he openly confessed his sins to God, and lived in the fear of God. What a guy.

Vs. 35-37 This is Job's last appeal for help and justice before God. Job will gain his audience with God in a few chapters.

Vs. 38-40 If Job had sinned, he himself wanted justice.

Job 32

Enter Elihu.

V. 1 The friends stopped because Job proved he was righteous and all they had were blind, brutal accusations.

V. 2 Notice that Elihu caught that Job never justified or defended God. It never entered Job's thinking that what God was doing could be right, not because of justice, but because of his eternal wisdom. It is one of those things where even if you don't understand God, you not only say, "blessed be your name," but you also go out of your way to justify the Lord. Job would learn this.

V. 3 He was mad at the friends because of their groundless accusations.

Vs. 4-5 This is interesting. We think of a young man as….well, young. But in those days, a man of 50 could have been a youngster. Imagine some guys sitting around the fire. One of them is 735 years old, another is 521 years old and one is 384 years old. They are joined by someone who is 101 years old, a mere child. Of course, Elihu could have been in this 20's. Also, notice that Elihu burned with anger. Do you remember what happened to Samson when the Spirit came upon him? It looked like anger. I think this was the Spirit.

Vs. 6-10 The rest of this chapter is Elihu, in some convoluted near eastern way asking permission to join in the discussion.

Vs. 11-14 Notice that Elihu had been carefully listening. This was directed at Job's friends.

Vs. 15-22 Still speaking to Job's friends, Elihu says he noticed they ran out of gas. On the other hand, Elihu is ready to burst. At that time the belly, not the heart, was the seat of emotions. Interesting imagery.

Vs. 21-22 This is basically saying that he has no agenda. What he'll say is simple and sincere. This sounds like what Paul has been saying in 2 Corinthians.

Job 33

Vs. 1-7 Elihu is the only one who uses Job's name. He is asking Job to listen, and telling Job he will not blindly hammer him like his friends did.

Vs. 8-11 He has been listening. He repeats the kernel of Job's argument back to Job.

Vs. 12-33 This is the key to Elihu's entire message to Job and he doesn't beat around the bush. God does what he does sometimes to prevent sin and to bring men to a place of closeness and humility before God. God does speak, just not the way we might think, or the way we might like. Can you see the ways that Elihu suggests that God speaks?

Vs. 12-18 Elihu suggests that God speaks to warn us and to keep us from doing stupid stuff before we fall into sin. This was something that no one had thought of.

Vs. 19-28 Elihu is saying that God uses pain to get our attention before something happens, not as a judgment, but as a help, a warning. In this section there is sense of learning humility and crying out to God. He also suggests that there is a sense of self-awareness that comes through suffering that makes a person look into their life, activities and heart. This leads to perception into one's motives and a person catches their attitudes and actions before they develop into full blown sin. What this person confesses as sin is the sin they perceive was growing in them.

Vs. 29-33 Elihu suggests that God does this repeatedly in our lives. Job's silence is evidence that Elihu was speaking in the Spirit and was speaking truth. In the coming chapters, God's actions will be described as going even deeper than just working with us. Yet, isn't it cool that Elihu got right to the matter and gave Job something to think about immediately?

So here we are as disciples, working in the harvest; and something "bad" happens. Here is the real question: How long does it take you to understand emotionally that it was God and not others who blocked you? I say "emotionally" because it is easy to "think" the right answer and still get incredibly depressed and bitter. How long does it take us to redirect our following in the harvest once we grasp this, or do we mourn for the door of opportunity or season of life that just closed? Even as I write this, I know how important and hard it is to learn these lessons. I've gotten better, more mature, but I still bear some scars from not having grasped this years ago. But then, the Lord knew I needed those scars to learn. So even in failure there is victory if we learn to love Him, if we grow to know Him better and learn to trust Him as we keep on following in the harvest. I had a little motto above my desk in Germany: The only way to fail in Christ is to quit. Boy, did I learn the truth of that the hard way. And happily, I'm still learning and trusting and following. Christ is enough, and that's enough.

2 Corinthians 3

V. 1 After describing how the Lord worked in his heart, Paul realized that talking about himself like this was going to cause some of his critics to voice this complaint against him again. Apparently, some of these critics were very Jewish and demanded that visitors who came to the church should bring a letter of recommendation stating that they were "kosher."

Vs. 2-3 This is very simple and powerful. The work of God was done by God through Paul & Co. God was their recommendation and the Corinthians were proof, like a letter. The work of the Holy Spirit cannot be faked. What happened to the Corinthians was proof that Paul was genuine. I'm wondering if the critics had fruit. I wonder if they could show that God had used them to save the lost and to make disciples who made disciples, or were they "teachers" and not "evangelists." Jesus said, "by their fruit you will know them." There are a lot of Christians who are all argument and opinion, but no fruit.

Notice here that Paul uses the tablets of stone vs. human hearts. That suggests that these super apostles were very Jewish, trying to bring the church back to a more Jewish look. God promised in the OT He would give the Jews hearts of flesh. That would be the work of the Spirit. The message of the gospel was that forgiveness was found in Christ and life was lived following/worshiping God in the Spirit. That didn't mean that the Word wasn't necessary, but it did mean that the law hadn't worked righteousness and the law was not to be followed as a way to be in communion with God.

Vs. 4-6 Notice how Paul refers again to his weakness and that God brings about the blessing almost involuntarily. The message of Paul and his coworkers was the message of loving Christ and following Him in the harvest through the Spirit. The "letter," living by adherence to the principles of the law, would kill grace. Following God in the Spirit of Christ is what brings freshness and life.

Vs. 7-11 Notice the contrasts here. The ministry of death is contrasted to the ministry of the Spirit. The law could only lead to death and judgment; because, like a mirror, it showed sin without being able to clean it. The Spirit, on the other hand, leads to understanding the Word and the love of Christ; and He, Himself, helps us to obey and follow God. The law couldn't do that. Even though the law had glory, it was totally dwarfed by the glory of the new covenant in Christ.

Vs. 12-18 The law brought a veil of misunderstanding. The sin within us rebels against God and His authority in the law. But in the Spirit, the heart opens when confronted by the grace of God and the love of Christ. The letter and ritual of the law focused the stubborn on compliance. There is not a lot of ritual and strain involved in standing before the Lord with an unveiled face, grateful for salvation and forgiveness. This is the freedom of knowing Christ. It was the Spirit that gave Paul the power for bearing fruit in ministry, not Paul himself. Salvation and living for Christ doesn't come from works, but from the Spirit. Now, following the Spirit we prove the love of Christ over and over and grow closer to Him as we follow in the harvest. That is the increasing glory of knowing Christ.

Psalm 43

Vs. 1-2 The trial of waiting on God was intensified because of others. We've seen this in Job.

Vs. 3-4 The prayer for God's guidance and light. This yearning for God is tied to the altar (cleansing and worship) and the presence of God.

V. 5 As we read yesterday in Psalm 42, the head might understand; but the soul, the emotions of this body of death, can still be in turmoil. As Job learned, we have to have total trust in God. He is our hope and our salvation.

The very fact that we have psalms like this, inspired by the Spirit, means that God knows we will always struggle with our emotions and with waiting on Him. This struggle brings us closer to the Lord. I guess that is a part of what Elihu was telling Job.

This song is a good reminder to rest in Christ as we follow and go through stuff like Job and Paul did.

When I hear the Praises Start, Keith Green

Proverbs 22:8-9

Amen.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

August 28, 2012 Reading Notes

August 28, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Job 28-30

At this point in Job the temptation is to go, "Whatever!" or "Oh, be quiet." But let's not be like his friends. There is still some fun to be had. As you go through these chapters, do some exercise. "You mean like do 25 pushups and 25 squats after each chapter?" Good thought. No, Bible study exercise. Underline words that are repeated and look for organization in the arguments. These chapters work out well for that.

Job 28

First, read the chapter through and see if you can figure out where Job is going. Look for key verses where Job takes his "search" one step further.

If you've done that, or just want a shortcut, then read these verses one after the next and you'll understand the organization. Verses 1, 12, 20, 23, 28. Wasn't that fun? That's what you begin to notice if you read your Bible year after year.

Vs. 1-11 Man can do all of this in finding wealth and commanding the earth's resources.

Vs. 12-13 But man can't find wisdom. Not only that, man (including you and me) doesn't realize how important wisdom is, and at this point, neither does Job.

Vs. 14-19 Wisdom isn't found in wealth.

Vs. 20-22 Not only is it hidden from the living, but also from death and those who are dead. Interestingly enough, man's great adversary in the Bible is not Satan, but death. In 1 Cor. 15:26, Paul and the Spirit say the last enemy to be put to death is death. Death, in a sense, will also swallow Satan. But as big and powerful as death is, there is no wisdom to be found there.

Vs. 23-28 Job says that wisdom is found with God and it begins with the fear of the Lord. This is all very interesting, since God will say this to Job. God will not justify one inch of what happened to Job or tell him why He allowed it. All God will do is say that His wisdom, as Job says, is not to be questioned. Added to this, of course, is that Job knew of God's love and righteousness. Job will say later, in light of God's wisdom, he should have just kept quiet. Of course, too, if Job wrote Job, then God let him in on the conversations with Satan that began the adventures. That information would have helped Job broaden his understanding of God and of what is happening on earth.

Job 29

Job is not only mourning the good ol' days, but he is also recounting, honestly, that he was really a very cool guy and a helper of many. The word to guide you here is probably "I." Follow it and you'll follow Job through his photo album.

Vs. 1-6 Who wouldn't miss those days? Job was only months removed, but he has suffered losses that none of us could imagine. Notice that the real focus here was Job's relationship with God. Even in Jesus' suffering, the hardest part was enduring His Father's wrath, becoming sin for us.

Vs. 7-17 Job was loved not just because the wisdom of God was in him, but because he was a man of action, protecting the poor, the widows, the blind, the lame and the needy. Job was a man of God.

Vs. 18-20 I guess we would all hope for this. This was Job's expectation of how the story would end.

Vs. 21-25 Since the wisdom and grace of God were on Job, he was sort of like Solomon, only utterly righteous before the Lord. His word was sought after and God made him like that.

In all of what we read here, it seems a little self-promoting. I think that Job was pushed to this by his enemies, just as Paul will be pushed, in 2 Corinthians, to blow his horn a little. On the other hand, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to keep him humble. I think that this humbling process was also a part of what was happening to Job. Job hadn't sinned, but I think that God knew that without a lesson in humility, Job would have fallen. Tomorrow Elihu will begin talking and he will suggest this.

Job 30

Now look for "now."

Vs. 1-8 Not everyone appreciated Job's godliness. Now that Job was suffering, the rabble roused themselves to howl at him. Of course, we can also see God's wisdom in this. We saw in Esther that for the short time, when the enemies of the Jews thought they could kill the defenseless Jews, they stepped out in their arrogance and showed the world who they were. That was a wise way for God to smoke them out and get them to voice their hate and pride. The same thing had happened here.

Vs. 9-15 Apparently these people were made bold to spit and do all sorts of stuff because God humbled Job.

Vs. 16-19 This is how Job felt. He felt poured out; because, in his mind, God had cast him in the mire.

Vs. 20-23 This change will be pretty obvious to you because Job starts saying "you." Job is wrong here, but we know more about the behind-the-scenes story than Job does.

Vs. 24-31 Job now seems to be summing up the past three chapters, lamenting how life has totally crashed in on him. Here he is crying for help in the same way that those he had helped had cried for help, and wonder of wonders, no help came. There was no Job to help Job. God Himself allowed Job's mean friends to assault him. God Himself held Job's help back. Why? So we would have this book and have to struggle with God's use of our lives in light of the plan of redemption going on on our planet.

If you were in a discipleship group, you'd be discussing what you found in these chapters.

I know it is hard to be patient with all of Job's lament, but there is something for us in this as disciples. There is deep suffering on this planet, and there is suffering as we follow Christ. We're reading of Paul's suffering, and in his responses to the Corinthians, we see that there was a reason for the season of darkness he experienced. What proves our spiritual maturity and understanding of God more clearly than when we follow Him through "pitch black" life and still embrace the love of Christ and the wisdom of God? Anyone can follow or sound spiritual when everything is great and you're on your way to Applebee's. For most people on this planet, life resembles Job more than it does Applebee's. How do you really tell someone to hang on in the storm, unless you've hung on in the storm? How do you learn how to hang on in the storm, unless you go through the storm and love and trust Christ, and make Him totally enough. And it really helps to read Job and Psalms.

2 Corinthians 2:12-17

This is a very short reading today, but very important for a few reasons.

Vs. 12-13 This is Paul completing the story of his inner conflict with this situation in Corinth. He has a father's heart for this church and was unable to find rest.

Two things are interesting here. First, God didn't give Paul rest. Paul couldn't settle his own heart even though he was a very spiritual guy. That's good to know and makes me feel better when I can't find rest. Second, there was a door for ministry opened to him, but Paul still couldn't rest. What kind of minister was Paul to let his inner conflict ruin his chance to have an impact on these people? He was normal and his unrest was inspired by the Spirit.

Vs. 14-17 Now this is Paul explaining what he learned in all of that unrest and conflicting feelings. This is also how Paul dealt with walking away from an open door. We would not have these verses, if he had not followed the Lord through this storm in his life. Actually, this entire description of what Paul learned will continue from here to chapter 7 verse 5, where Paul will begin talking again about meeting Titus. To me this is amazing. Paul is telling us firsthand what he learned in the storm, making sense of the problem in Corinth, the unrest in Asia and the unrest in his own heart. This is not a rabbit trail, but a divinely planned explanation of what it means to have a servant's heart and mind in the harvest. This is what God engineered in Paul through his distress.

V. 14 There was turmoil and not knowing what to do, but what Paul learned was that even in this confusion of heart, God leads. That's pretty cool.

Vs. 14-16 And what about that open door that Paul had to leave? Even for that brief moment, he saw how Christ used him in the harvest. Although his mind was not at peace, in Christ, the presence of Paul & Co. and their sincerity still attracted some and repelled others. God still used them, but involuntarily. Paul was amazed. With few words and in deep personal unrest, God attracted some to them and caused others to react with repulsion. They were ready to be used, but God didn't need their sufficiency. The Father Himself was drawing and repelling. He was the sufficient one. Paul learned that it didn't all ride on him. He could allow himself to be weak and trust the Father for the harvest. (By the way, Paul came back to Troas later.)

V. 17 This confirmed the truth for Paul against all the accusations (peddlers of God's Word). Note that there is a connection of words here with those in 1:12. The power came from God and was proven by their sincerely and their simple message, as they followed Christ in the harvest. Fruit was borne. Their ministry and its fruit was not based on their cunning, their market research, wisdom or strength. They loved Christ, followed Him in the harvest, and God did the rest.

Can God really use us when we're confused and broken? Do we have an appearance to keep up? In a moment, God humbled Paul more than he was already humbled. Paul was already broken, but God made the crack bigger and more fragrance came out. So now Paul himself was amazed and praising God. That's pretty cool.

All this talk about fragrance made this song come to mind.

Broken and Spilled Out, Steve Green

Psalm 42

So, this is the second time this year you've read Psalm 42. Does it have any different sense for you now, since we're reading Job and 2 Corinthians. In a way, it seems to me that all of the emotions of waiting and hope and suffering roll together through all these books. In a way, it intensifies the message of hope and deliverance.

Vs. 1-2 It is interesting to me that all those who love the Lord cry out for him the same way. Job longed for God's presence. Moses prayed to see God's face, and David focused his life on wanting to dwell in the Lord's sanctuary.

V. 3 This is probably David writing this, but it was put to music by the sons of Korah. David had been anointed when he was about twelve. So in those years running from Saul, where was God? Later God made a promise to David, but then his own son sought to kill him. How solid was that promise? Where was God?

In Job's case, this wasn't just the mocking of those in the community who knew Job, but his friends stood there accusing him and pointing to God's silence and Job's suffering as proof of his wrong.

V. 4 It isn't that we live in the past, it is that we strengthen our hearts in the Word and stand on the testimony of God's faithfulness as revealed in the Word.

V. 5 Ultimately we need to have our stability in the Lord. Faith that is dependent on others, or a church or props, will wither in the presence of persecution and hard times. David, Job, Paul all hoped in God.

Vs. 6-8 Something about that storm sweeping over the land struck David with God's power and wisdom. And then David connected it to God's steadfast love that had accompanied him during all the hard years. That same power that commanded the might of nature commanded the love that had protected David.

Vs. 9-10 Notice the mention of "bones." Then check out Job 30:16 and 30. In my Bible they are all on opposite pages, so I can circle each one and connect them with a line. It is interesting that in suffering, God's silence seems like a wound, and adversaries (Job's friends) intensify the pain.

V. 11 As our spirit is alive because of the truth of God, knowing and loving Him, we command our souls to wait and hope. Even Job was certain that his redeemer lived. We know so much more than Job did.

How can you do Psalm 42 without including this song?

As the Deer The next video expresses the tone of Job, 2 Corinthians and Psalm 42. Yet will I praise you Lord

Proverbs 22:7

Is this saying to stay out of debt or not to get poor? Humanly speaking, I guess this is true, but it is good to know that the Lord is Lord of them all. To me, working in the harvest as disciples makes being rich on earth very irrelevant. And every disciple is a slave to the Lord of all.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.

August 27, 2012 Reading Notes

August 27, 2012 Reading Notes

Today's Reading in the ESV One-Year Bible

Job 23-27

What is kind of interesting to see is that as a result of this conflict with his friends, Job is getting clearer in his thinking. It's almost like he is coming closer to understanding God in what is happening to him. When God makes His statements to Job at the end, some of what He says sounds like some of what Job is beginning to say. This is all to suggest that there is even some wisdom in God allowing these friends to misunderstand Job the way they did. When God finally speaks, Job has almost come to the place of solving the mystery for himself.

Job 23

Vs. 1-7 In spite of his suffering, Job is very positive about the reception he would have from God. Job is confident that if he were to present his case to God, he would be acquitted. He is right in that, but wrong in the reason for this trial.

Vs. 8-12 Job couldn't see God, but he knew God could see him. And Job himself was confident that he had not strayed from God and that God knew it. It is interesting that Job felt that if tried by God, God would pronounce him "pure" as gold. He didn't consider that God was trying him to drive out impurities (not sins) in his thinking, so that Job would be refined and become as pure as gold.

Vs. 13-17 Though some light is breaking through here, Job still considers God to be hard and mad at him.

Job 24

Vs. 1-9 This is what the wicked do to others. Job knows the wicked will be judged. But this entire ordeal has made him wonder why God delays. The answer to this will be the same answer as to why Job is suffering: Trust in God's wisdom and goodness.

Vs. 10-12 As a result of the way the wicked treat the poor, this is what happens to the poor. Verse 12 is a pretty strong statement by Job, but it makes more sense if you understand him as saying that God doesn't execute judgment immediately.

Vs. 13-17 This is still the mystery of how the Lord works with the wicked. It seems that everything they plan works out for them, but having read Esther, we know that isn't true. And, eighty years on this planet is less than a scratch on the timeline of eternity.

Vs. 18-20 Job is quoting his friends and their black and white idea of God's judgment.

Vs. 21-25 So, why does God allow this at all? Job seems to be beginning to understand that that mystery is tied together with his own mystery. Verse 25 is a challenge to his friends to prove him wrong. Obviously they can't, and with that, they are running out of ways to beat Job.

Job 25

Bildad gives the best speech of all the friends because it is not only the shortest speech, but also because it is their final speech.

Vs. 1- 6 Notice that what he says here, and what all Job's friends have said, is hinged on these words which they heard from a spirit. Actually, the words and vision from Satan confirmed what they already believed. They believed in total depravity from conception on. But the full truth is more than that. As we saw in the garden when Satan spoke with Eve, he dealt in lies that were framed in half-truths. The minute God promised Adam and Eve that one of their offspring would crush the serpent's head, God was declaring there was a way for man to stand righteously before Him. Knowing God through His Word and through the love of Christ, we have the correct answer. Job knew that a future righteousness existed in the promise of God to Adam and to Noah and he held to this in his heart because he knew God.

V. 6 There is no reason for us to be proud, but I'm not sure that this kind of self-effacement is honoring to God either. We need to see ourselves in Christ.

Job 26

From here to chapter 31 are Job's closing words of argument. This part of Job's argument seems to show that God's power and ways are deeper than our understanding. That will be good for Job to remember in a few chapters.

Vs. 1-4 It seems that Job is showing them that they have helped no one by what they have said. Even though it was God who gave them breath, whose breath actually came out of their mouths?

Vs. 5-14 As Job described God's ways and showed his accusers that he knew a lot about God, Job failed to apply God's wisdom to his own situation. In describing God's power like this, Job was not giving God the trust He deserved. His power is irresistible and beyond our understanding, but His character of love doesn't change.

Verses 13 and 14 continue the theme of God's breath, by mentioning both wind and whisper.

Job 27

Vs. 1-6 Job still thought he got a raw deal from God. Notice that the theme of breath from 26:4 is still being developed. Job said that as long as he had breath, he would continue to follow God in integrity and hold to his own innocence.

Vs. 7-10 This is a warning to his friends. They accused him of being wicked, now Job says that their behavior toward him defined them as being wicked.

Notice "will" in verses 9-10. Job is defining a godly person. He cries to God, delights in the Almighty and calls upon God at all times. That is a very interesting definition of the righteous, virtually hidden in the text.

Vs. 11-12 Now Job will tell them about the wicked.

Vs. 13-23 But Job acknowledges that the wicked eventually are judged. He just doesn't include himself with the wicked. He is still thinking along the old lines: "The wicked get judged, the righteous get blessed. I'm righteous and have incurred judgment, so God made a mistake." God will correct this wrong thinking in a few chapters.

As we think of our work in the harvest, we need to remember that there is judgment coming for all who do not turn to Christ as their Savior. While God is showing us something important behind the events of Job's life and the pruning He is doing in Job's life, the storm of God's judgment is on the horizon of the field of harvest. We need to submit to our Lord and follow Him, making disciples who make disciples.

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11

2 Corinthians 1:12-24

V. 12 Paul is gently defending himself here. His mention of conscience, simplicity, sincerity, etc., shows that he's dealing with criticism. Notice that the mention of earthly wisdom is sort of what Paul said in chapter 1 of 1 Corinthians.

Vs. 13-14 Paul had no hidden agenda or ulterior motives as he worked in the harvest. Especially in the case of Corinth, he didn't allow them to help him financially. It must have been apparent that they didn't trust him. In accepting the message that Paul brought; however, they acknowledged Paul as a servant of Christ. Paul hoped that when they were glorified before Christ, that they would be proud of knowing Paul as the servant the Lord sent to them.

Vs. 15-24 What you notice in this section is Paul's outpouring of heart to show the Corinthians that he loved them and was working for their good. This will be typical of the letter up to chapter 9. This gentleness and expression of how God soothed Paul's own heart will explain some of his digressions. It is sad that Paul had to live under this tension and suspicion; but as a result God tempered his heart, and we have this letter and what Paul taught about the Lord and leading His people.

V. 17 I think the best way to understand this is as follows. At the end of 1 Corinthians, Paul mentioned that neither he nor Apollos would be able to visit them. The Corinthians apparently had deep issues that needed an authority figure. It seems that Paul made an unplanned visit to Corinth, and it was a real showdown with a group or an individual. Whatever it was, it was hard. He planned to go again; but instead of risking another confrontation, he decided to send a very strong letter suggesting that the church or churches of Corinth should follow the Lord and exercise discipline. The fact that Paul decided to forgo this second visit was used by his critics to show that Paul was insincere.

Vs. 18-22 Paul is motivated by the glory of God and the work of Christ, not politics. His only interest was in their growth in Christ. Instead of looking at people and motives, they needed to look at the "non-vacillating" effect of the power of Christ among them. They came to know Christ who fulfills all of the promises of God. Not only did they find the power and working of Christ, Paul pointed to the faithful workers of God among them. They should have felt honored because of the heartfelt love of men like Silvanus and Timothy and Paul and others. God would faithfully continue working with them, and they should have been thankful for all the effort being made on their behalf. Both Paul's conscience and God bore witness to Paul's sincere intentions and pure handling of this matter.

Vs. 23-24 Do you see how Paul was trying to answer their suspicions and still express his love? Paul didn't "lord it over them," but worked with them, even taking their immaturity into account.

2 Corinthians 2:1-11

V. 1 After sending 1 Corinthians, Paul made an unplanned visit; and it was a hard one.

Vs. 2-4 Apparently Paul found his "soft side." Actually, what you see is Paul letting them into his reasoning and his heart in making these decisions. These aren't "rabbit trails," but instead he is opening up to show them the process of his thinking. He is trying to describe the influence of his affection for them in making these decisions. Verse 4 is very strong and passionate. I don't think the super apostles had this same heart for the people.

Vs. 5-11 It seems likely that this letter was sent to reprimand someone who was creating dissention against his authority. This guy and Paul probably had it out. Rather than Paul going back to confront this person, he wrote the letter to tell the church to correct this man before Paul returned. This action showed their spiritual maturity in standing for Paul and following the Word. Paul reminded the church to show love and forgiveness to this repentant person.

Just as side notes here, look at these things that Paul wrote.

2 Timothy 2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, 26 and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

And this was actually written from Corinth when Paul made his scheduled visit over the winter . Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them.

I once spoke to a member of a search committee who expressed a major problem with someone on the church's board. My advice to him was to take care of the problem before they hired a pastor. It amazes me that some groups that have problems won't deal with them but expect someone totally new and unsuspecting to move his family, relocate, enter a situation, and then find the church is built over a cesspool of problems and dishonesty. And we wonder why the harvest gets neglected. Paul's simplicity needs to be modeled in following Christ. To follow Him in the harvest, the group needs to be honest, and behavior needs to reflect love and obedience to Christ. Ignoring problems makes it impossible to move forward in love and the harvest is forgotten.

Psalm 41

Earlier in the year when we read this psalm, I mentioned that it could have been written when David was running from Absalom, and the friend in verse 9 could have been Ahithophel. That could be. On the other hand, when David began to run from Saul he was certainly betrayed by many "friends," and his situation looked hopeless. Imagine, David had all of the army of Israel searching for him.

Vs. 1-4 It appears that David considered himself to be this poor man. When he was running from Saul for those ten years living in caves and on the open fields in the wilderness, he was certainly poor. David's sin could have been because of the priests who were killed, because of his lying, or because David sought refuge with the Philistine rather than going to God.

Vs. 5-9 Doesn't this sound like Job? It seems that David is still running from Saul, but having seen God save him in many small ways, his faith was strong. He was suffering, but he still believed. If this wasn't Ahithophel in verse 9, it could have been any of the fighting men, including Abner, who turned on David when Saul declared his hatred for David.

Notice that verse 9 is prophetically referring to Jesus. I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' (John 13:18)

Vs. 10-13 Notice how David says, "but you." God saved David from the intent of his enemies and upheld him, because he sought to live according to what he knew was the true, loving character of the Lord. This is just like Job. David fell, but what made him a man after God's own heart was that he rose and followed the Lord.

I Still Believe, Jeremy Camp

Proverbs 22:5-6

V. 5 I think it is safe to assume that this is generally how God does things, but Job's friends were telling Job that this is what had happened to Job because of his sin.

V. 6 This is every believing parent's prayer and hope.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comments or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.