Read the Bible in One Year!

God Can Do All Things! Scripture May 31—Job 40-42: Job's Acquittal and Reward Observation Job has been confronted with God's power and wisdom. But the questions of his judgment and justice yet remains. Once again God uses interrogation ("Are you as strong as God?"), invitation ("Stand up like a man and brace yourself for battle"), and illustration ("Take a look at the hippopotamus [and the] crocodile") to bring Job to the point of repentance for his presumptuous attitude. Though Job still finds God's ways unsearchable, he is willing to trust God completely. Job emerges from his tragedy a man of renewed faith, having heard about God and spoken to God face to face. Application God doesn't just patch—he renews. God doesn't just salve sins—he saves. God doesn't just reform—he transforms. For two weeks now you have been reading the agonizing account of Job, a man whose perseverance is well known. Job's f...

God Speaks to Job! Scripture May 30—Job 38-39: God Himself Answer to Job Observation For thirty-five chapters God has not spoken a word, as Job's drama unfolds. But now he breaks his self-imposed silence to give Job what he has so frequently requested: a personal audience with the God of creation. Now God does most of the talking; Job falls strangely quiet. God begins by asking Job a series of questions about the created universe. Using ten object lessons from the physical world, and ten more from the natural world. God overwhelms Job with his greatness and grandeur, causing him to respond, "I am nothing" (40:4). In the light of God's awesome power, what right does the creature have to demand explanations from the Creator? Application "Pick on someone your own size" is good advice for bullies and for the one who thinks he's a worthy opponent for God! Job demanded an audience with God, fully confident that if he could just meet...

Job Knows Only God has the Answers! Scripture May 29—Job 35-37: Job's Second Answer from Elihu Observation Though he offers a more satisfactory explanation than any of the other counselors, Elihu nonetheless errs in his assessment of Job's situation. He accuses Job of making foolish statements to the other men; he wrongly assumes that his diagnosis will enable Job to see an immediate purpose behind his sufferings; he concludes that unexplainable suffering always has an educational value in the life of the sufferer. Through all of Elihu's comments can be found a strong confidence in the sovereignty of God. He is just, holy, powerful and unfathomable in his works. Only a clearer picture of him will supply Job with the answers to his questions. Application Disillusioned by the uses men have made of science, Albert Einstein said not long before his death that if he could live again, he would choose to be a plumber rather than a physicist. Try as it m...

Stand as a Witness for God Weekly Devotional May 28— Psalm 50 : Saints on Trial Reflection As Job continues his frustrating discussion with his friends, he affirms his innocence. Despite their unending advice, Job is no closer to an answer to his great question: "Why?" Enter Elihu, a fourth friend who defends God's dealings with men. Even so, Job remains consumed by depression. Perhaps you can identify with Job today. If so, take the opportunity to pause in your Bible reading program to take a deep breath from the Psalms. Let God himself speak to you through the pen of Asaph in Psalm 50 to help you examine your own worship of him to see if your motives are proper. Demonstrate Faith! Psalm 50 describes a courtroom scene. God the righteous Judge has issued subpoenas to both the saints and the wicked, commanding them to be present to hear his judgment upon their conduct. With heaven and earth acting as a jury, God calls the trial to order. Then ...

Elihu Joins the Conversation Scripture May 27—Job 32-34: Job's First Answer from Elihu Observation Deep in depression and apparently no nearer to a solution to his problem, Job would hardly appear to need yet another "counselor." But Elihu, younger than his contemporaries, has been listening in courteous silence to the hurtful rather than helpful words of Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. Now Elihu declares his evaluation of the situation in four lengthy monologues. Job has repeatedly affirmed his innocence, but Elihu reminds hin that God sometimes uses pain and adversity to get man's attention and turn him from the path of destruction. Elihu reaffirms God's perfect justice, and calls for Job to confess his sins of pride and rebellion. Application Have you ever noticed certain phrases nearly everyone seems to use, but no one seems to believe? Statements like: "This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you."  "It's more ...

Yes, He does! Scripture May 26—Job 29-31: Job's Final Plea Observation Rather than repeat his well-worn accusations, Zophar maintains his silence. But though Job's counselors have run out of words, Job's condition is just as perplexing as before. What makes the present predicament even more unpleasant for Job is his recollection of the past. In Days gone by God had blessed him with protection, guidance, family, prosperity, dignity, and discernment. "But now all that has changed. Insults, disease, poverty and tears have filled his life. And yet, twenty times over Job affirms, "If I have erred in any way from God's law, let me be punished accordingly." Job does not fear the outcome when it is God who weighs his life in the balance. Application "The End." Those words are often seen at the close of a book or movie. They mark the last page or the last scene. the story's over. In Job's case, those words bring down t...

Job's Lengthy Reply... Scripture May 25—Job 25-28: Job's Third Answer from Bildad Observation Even long-winged debaters eventually run out of arguments, and such is the case with Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Bildad only underscores what he considers the crucial issue of Job's case: Moral man is defenseless to stand before a just God. Therefore, Job's distress must be due to a breach of God's righteous demands. Though Job agrees with the premise, he stands firm that Bildad's conclusion is false. By Painting a sweeping picture of God's majesty and power in creation, he shows what folly it is to expect mortal man to discern and understand God's ways (26:14). When Zophar chooses not to respond in turn, Job speaks to all three men about God's wisdom. Application Mankind has accomplished incredible feats in the last century. We have put men on the moon, spanned continents by supersonic jet and telecommunications, and isolated caus...

Job Answer: "I Long for God" Scripture May 24—Job 22-24: Job's Third Answer from Eliphaz Observation Round three of the debate between Job and his friends about Job's predicament produces plenty of heat but sheds very little light. Once again Eliphaz leads the assault: "Your sins are endless" (22:5). What began as courteous dialogue now turns into grave accusation. Though there is not a shred of evidence to support Eliphaz's charges, he insists that what he says must be true to explain Job's circumstances. But Job remains firm in his conviction that he is innocent and God is trustworthy. Application It's a good thing that iron, coal, and bauxite don't have a vote in the matter. If they did, chances are good there would be no such thing as steel, diamonds, and aluminum! Why? Because heat, pressure, and time are all involved in transforming these "raw materials" into something better, stronger, more useful, m...

Job Praying for Comfort! Scripture May 23—Job 20-21: Job's Second Answer from Zophar Observation Zophar, who specializes in easy answers to difficult questions, now levels his second barrage against Job. He paints a vivid and gruesome picture of the fate of the wicked man in the hands of a holy God. If what Zophar says is true, Job's life certainly provides Exhibit A. But as Job points out, it isn't always true! Some wicked men live long and virtually painless lives! They are happy, well fed, and at ease with life. They seem to prosper with impunity despite their godless lifestyle. The wicked are mighty this side of the grave but then comes the destruction of God. Thus there is little in Zophar's words to bring comfort to the grieving Job. Application Are you experiencing feelings of jealousy toward someone who seems to be "getting away with murder"? Then consider this: It is God who allows the wicked to prosper temporarily. He withho...

Bildad's Harshness: "The Wicked are Doomed" Scripture May 22—Job 18-19: Job's Second Answer from Bildad Observation Bildad now launches his second volley of jabs at Job. According to Bildad, the light of the wicked goes out, he is ensnared in various traps, disease consumes him, and his family forsakes him. Bildad's speech is flawless, but his theology is faulty—a fact that Job quickly points out. Responding to his unsympathetic friend, Job acknowledges that God has had a hand in the things that have happened to him. His friends and family have failed him, even his wife has rejected him; mercy is seemingly nowhere to be found. But just when Job reaches the depths of despair, his faith is rekindled as he proclaims the certainty that "I know that after this body has decayed, this body shall see God" (19:26). Application What is the best book you've read this month? This year? In your lifetime? You may never spend a day in whic...

That Nail: Our Hope! Weekly Devotional May 21— Psalm 49 : The Only Real Hope Reflection As you began reading Job, you knew what was going on behind the scenes. But what if you had been Job? How would you have responded? How would you have reacted to your friends as they confused you even more about what God could and should be doing for you? Job didn't pretend to know all the answers, but he did know his God. And he knew God had his good reasons to do what he was doing. But it's sobering to put yourself in his shoes. One of the most wealthy people of his time reduced to the ash heap. But his faith was not in what he owned; it was in his God. The Sons of Korah composed a psalm that puts the plight of all people—rich or poor—into perspective. So stop and rest today by reflecting on the truths from Psalm 49. That Faith to the End Though! At the funeral of a prominent millionaire, one of the mourners asked a question that no doubt many were wondering: ...

Job's Answer: "God's Ways are Hard" Scripture May 20—Job 15-17: Job's Second Answer from Eliphaz Observation Each of Job's friends has spoken his mind and each has heard his argument refuted by Job. But chapter 15 begins a second volley of attacks on Job's character and conduct as each friend seeks to offer the final word on Job's baffling case. Eliphaz again leads the assault by describing Job's words as worthless talk. He denies that Job has a true knowledge of God, and broadly condemns all wickedness in a man—a thinly disguised slander of Job's spiritual life. Job responds by calling Eliphaz and his companions "miserable comforters" (16:2). From Job's perspective God is out to crush him—a thought that leaves Job broken in spirit and seemingly alone. Application Aging is an enigma. It has been well said, "The elderly are the only outcast group that everyone eventually expects to join." Arnold ...

Here's Holier-Than-Thou, Zophar Scripture May 19—Job 11-14: Job's First Answer from Zophar Observation Brushing aside the courtesy ad restraint of the first two counselors, Zophar bores straight to the heart of the matter—as he sees it. "Should I remain silent while you boast? Oh, that God would speak and tell you what he thinks! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve" (11:3, 5-6). Zophar accuses Job of abandoning the God of infinite wisdom in order to follow his own ignorant ways. In response, Job defends his own integrity and reaffirms his steadfast confidence in the God who alone can answer his cry. Application Depression is that emotional response you feel when you are faithful on your diet all week but gain two pounds, you are conscientious driver and get a ticket for going too slowly, you try your best to make ends meet but just when you think you've succeeded, someone moves the ends. Few passages in Scripture pa...

Bildad's Perception Scripture May 18—Job 8-10: Job's First Answer from Bildad Observation Bildad, the second of Job's three friends to speak, relies more on tradition than experience in his arguments. He goes back to the "wisdom of the past" to prove his contention that God is just, concluding that only those who pursue godlessness such as Job are in line for God's chastening hand. Job responds that he is innocent—a claim that God cannot deny (10:7)—but he is nonetheless unable to explain why God would therefore single him out for suffering. Application Inequities in life just don't make much sense. For instance, the speeding car gets away and you get ticketed for a burned-out headlight. The new employee gets the promotion while you get passed over. The unsaved family next door has three new cars while you can barely make the payments on your "lemon"! But how do the inequities in your life stack up against those Job ...

Job and His Three Friends Scripture May 17—Job 4-7: Job's First Answer from Eliphaz Observation Onto the stage now step three of Job's friends, who in the next twenty-eight chapters serve as self-appointed counselors. Each friend represents a different point of view concerning the source of Job's suffering. Eliphaz, the senior spokesman and "chief counsel for the prosecution," bases much of his insight on personal experience. Older and more diplomatic than his two companions, Eliphaz couches his criticism in kinder terms. God is just and pure (4:17); man's troubles (including Job's) are therefore brought upon by himself. Job expresses disappointment with Eliphaz's diagnosis, challenging him to identify anything standing between Job and his God. Application It is a rare and precious friend who knows when to speak and when to keep quiet. A well-intentioned word spoken to a bereaved individual at an inappropriate moment can do mo...

Job's Affliction Job Introduction The book of Job examines one of life's most perplexing questions. It introduces a pious man of God named Job, who lived perhaps 4,000 years ago (about 2000 BC). In a sudden series of catastrophes, Job loses his family, fame, fortune, and fitness. For thirty-five chapters he searches his soul and debates with his best friends to find a reason for his misfortune. After exhausting the conventional wisdom of his counselors, Job is confronted by God himself, and his demanding "Why" melts into humble worship. Scripture May 16—Job 1-3: Job's Affliction and Grief Observation Job, a wealthy, God-fearing family man and rancher living in the land of Uz during the days of the patriarchs, becomes the focus of a heavenly conversation between God and Satan. Held up as a model of godly devotion and worship, Job's faithfulness is attacked by Satan as the product of Job's financial prosperity. "But just int...

The Feast of Purim Inauguration  Scripture May 15—Esther 8-10: Jews Commemorate God's Deliverance Observation Haman is dead, but his murderous decree against the Jews lives on. Though a "law of the Medes and the Persians" could never be reversed, its effects could be counteracted by subsequent decree. The king issues a new edict permitting the Jews to defend themselves throughout the empire on the day Haman had selected to annihilate them. The Feast of Purim is inaugurated to henceforth commemorate this historic deliverance of the Jewish people. Application Here is a Bible trivia question for you to answer yourself, then try on a friend. What do the following words have in common? Tishri, Kislev, Nisan, Sivan, Ab and Adar. Answer: They are all months in the Jewish calendar. For the devout Jew, the calendar was more than a way of marking time. It provided a ready-made way to recall annually God's dealings in the life of the nation. N...

Weekly Devotional May 14— Psalm 46 : A Mighty Fortress Reflection Opposition from without and within is thwarted by Nehemiah and his men as they complete the reconstruction of the crucial walls around Jerusalem. The people gather under Ezra and Nehemiah's leadership to hear God's law, respond to it, and rededicate their lives to their glorious Father. Then the scene shifts to Persia as beautiful Jewish queen named Esther skillfully saves her own people from destruction at the hands of Haman. And yet God is the one who, behind the scenes, protects his people whenever they may be. With her faith, Esther may have retreated in fear. But she, like the psalmist, trusted in God, our refuge and strength. Meditate now on Psalm 46 and draw strength from its truths about your almighty God. Trust God! Every tomorrow has two handles: the handle of anxiety and the handle of faith. Which will you use to get a "handle" on your day? Second only to the fea...

One of Esther's Banquets Scripture May 13—Esther 5-7: How Esther Saves the Jews Observation Empowered with faith, Esther courageously enters the king's court to make known her request. Wisely, she invites the king and Haman to a special banquet in their honor and uses the occasion to repeat the invitation a second time. Before the second banquet takes place, however, three events happen in rapid sequence: Haman builds an enormous gallows on which to hang Mordecai; Ahasuerus discovers Mordecai's previously overlooked act of bravery in saving the king's life; and Haman is forced to endure the humiliation of bestowing on Mordecai the honor which he himself so greedily craved. At the second banquet, Esther uncovers the plot against her people, and Haman is hanged on his own gallows. Application Take a coin out of your pocket or purse, toss it in the air, and see how many times in a row you can correctly guess which way it will land. Statist...

Evil Haman Scripture May 12—Esther 3-4: Haman Plots to Destroy the Jews Observation Soon after Mordecai's heroic deed, the villainous Haman enters the drama and is promoted by King Ahasuerus. Enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow down to him in reverence, Haman devises an evil plot to exterminate Mordecai along with every Jew in Persia. The superstitious throw of the dice determines the date of his proposed massacre, and the eleven-month countdown begins. When Mordecai confronts Esther with the grave danger of Haman's plan, she is left with a painful choice: either approach the king (and possibly lose her life), or remain silent (and surely allow the annihilation of herself and her people).  Application Make a mental list of the things you know about yourself that no other person on earth knows: details about your background or personal life that could be used in a potentially hurtful way against you if they were public knowledge. Now consid...