Jeremiah 19-21

In Jeremiah 20:7-18 the prophet brings his complaint against the LORD. Jeremiah indicates that he did not want to be God’s spokesman. But the passion of God’s message burned within him. Yet what did that responsibility gain him? Solitude by rejection and mocking in reply to his speaking. I can’t imagine what he must have endured for the message of God. It was an unpopular message which didn’t win him any friends.  Even in the midst of his complaints Jeremiah praises and thanks God for his protection (vv 11, 13). Since Jeremiah’s message continues beyond this point it is evident that in spite of his misery Jeremiah would not let go of God or his message. In spite of all the pain and difficulty he encountered Jeremiah received the reward for his faithfulness. Even though he did not live to see God’s Messiah he must have caught a picture of God’s greatness, mercy, and grace.

 

Stuart

 

Jeremiah 10-12

In Jeremiah 11:18-19 God reveals to his prophet that the people of his home town are seeking to kill him. Jeremiah had trusted their words of assurance. Yet God provided for Jeremiah. In verse 20 Jeremiah turns the entire situation over to God. He acted just as David had acted generations earlier. When troubles arose within the assembly of Israel David and Jeremiah trusted in God to vindicate them. They trusted God’s judgment, and his actions of justice. Though they were in positions of influence they allowed their detractors to have their say. They continued to speak God’s truth and trusted him to demonstrate his ultimate justice. Sometimes it costs them pain, or honor. But God was glorified in the process. I wonder if that truth was behind Paul’s words to the believers in Corinth (1 Cor 6:1-11). Especially his challenge in 6:7; “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”

 

Stuart

 

Isaiah 12

In Isaiah 12:2 the prophet declares that the LORD is and has become "my deliverer." So just what did a deliverer look like in Isaiah's day? I remember that my first job was delivering papers. Was I carrying the paper to its destination or was I delivering the news to the customers?  When we define those traits of God we are led to the next question; what does God the deliverer look like today? So does God carry us somewhere or is he bringing something wonderful to his people?
Stuart

Jeremiah 7-9

As Jeremiah calls out God’s judgment on the people of Judah he corrects them regarding their confident talk. In Jeremiah 9:23-24 God warns them not to boast regarding their wisdom, their power, or their riches. Any boasting should be that they know the LORD. That they understand that God acts in faithfulness, fairness, and justice. Words that sound like they were foundational for the apostle Paul when he wrote in the 10^th chapter of the 2^nd letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 10:17). Such a practice of boasting of what the Lord has done might be a really good language to adopt.

 

Stuart

 

Jeremiah 1-3

There are a few things that young women seldom forget; putting on their jewelry and preparing for their wedding. According to Jeremiah 2:32 this has been true since, at least, the days of the kingdom of Judah. He uses that memory focus to create a contrast with the unfaithfulness of Judah when Jeremiah spoke. It would seem that their relationship with God was of at least equal value with their marital relationship. We would hope that the adornment of jewelry was no more important than putting on the works of righteousness. But Judah had forgotten the heritage of faith passed down to them. Who’s fault was that? Maybe the grandparents did help by speaking of God with their grandchildren when they walked down the road or sat at the dinner table. Maybe it the parents forgot to set aside the time to recount the stories of deliverance God had provided Israel. Or they didn’t share the promises that God had made and which motivated their life and their work. In reality the fault lay with each individual. The people of Judah had access to God’s message and his prophets but most of the people chose not to listen. And because the message wasn’t repeated in their minds; they forgot.

 

Stuart

 

Isaiah 8

In Isaiah 8:8 we are introduced to the name Immanuel. In this verse it comes at the end of a passage in which God proclaims his future judgment on Judah. We see immanuel again at the end of verse 10. This passage concludes with the declaration of the LORD's protection of Judah. So God is present with his people as they face judgment and when he extends protection. That seems to indicate that both of those extremes fit in how God lives and works among his people.
Stuart

Titus

As Paul closes his letter to Titus he tells  him that he is sending either Artemas or Tychicus to Crete to give Titus the opportunity to come to Paul. But Paul also is aware that Zenas and Apollos will be traveling through Crete as well. Knowing these travel situations Paul wants Titus to point out to the believers that hospitality towards such believers is a good work. Providing what the travelers’ needs is an expression of the fruit of Christ working in our lives. That requires sacrifice of time, resources, and space. But it is also a means by which God may provide a blessing to the traveler as well as the hosts.

 

Stuart

Isaiah 7

The last three verses of Isaiah 7 repeat a theme involving "thorns and briers." In verse 23 they will overrun the valuable vineyard rendering it worthless. In verse 24 their presence will return the land to an uncontrolled wilderness; a hunting ground rather than a cultivated ground. Finally verse 25 describes it as a fearful place because of the "thorns and briers. In the end the land that once produced an abundance of grapes is now only the source of grazing land for livestock. It would be hard not to associate the "thorns and briers" with the curse of sin. So the vineyard is introduced as a picture of the people of faith. The prevalence of sin among God's people will fall into a fearful worthless wilderness.
Stuart

Job 29-41

After God questions Job and the wounded man confessed his error in assessing God’s motives. God then turns his attention to Eliphaz. God says that Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have not addressed God rightly. God addresses only two of the five men gathered. Job and Eliphaz. Job is questioned but never condemned. Eliphaz hears that God’s anger is directed against him and probably secured an offering quickly. But what about Elihu? Weren’t his words equally condemning as the other three? Why did God appear to overlook the offence of the youngest accuser?

I also wonder about the sacrifice of the three men. Did God direct Job to intercede for the men? From the prelude we see that Job was always interceding for his children (1:5). Was that eagerness to forgive and approach God on behalf of others just a part of Job’s righteous nature? Maybe that is one of character traits that modern believers need to imitate.

Stuart

 

Job 37-39

Elihu's rebuttal of Job begins in chapter 32 and completes only when the storm from God is overhead at chapter 38. But God does not speak to Elihu, Eliphaz, Bildad, or Zophar. God speaks only to the one who has rejected earthly wisdom and depended upon his faith. But God does not join in with Job's comforters and speak correction. He asks questions. When I am in a struggle I look for answers. Maybe I should seek more questions from God.
Stuart

Isaiah 7:9

King Ahaz is given the challenging message; stay strong in your faith. But the message is much stronger than that. The solidity of our life is defined by the depths of our faith (Isa 7:9) That same warning, encouragement comes to modern believers as well.
Stuart

Job 28-31

Chapter 28 of Job is a beautiful description of the definition, position, and value of wisdom. All of the greatest accomplishments of men do not begin to compare with the glory of true wisdom. These same wonderful accomplish neither pursue nor demonstrate true wisdom. It is not found in the spectacular works of this world. Wisdom is discovered by the humble submission of a believer at God's feet. When we live in recognition as to who is our supreme ruler then we demonstrate wisdom.
Stuart

Isaiah 4

What defines your shame? The desperate women in Isaiah 4:1 are inundated with shame. But what is the source of their shame? They have clothes to cover their nakedness. They have food so they don't need to beg. What do these women lack. The texts makes it sound like all they lack is a husband. I think their shame is found in their way of life; they are consistently rejecting their God and his ways. They lay a hold of the man hoping that their choice of a god-substitute will eliminate their wayward lives. But only one choice is available to shed the shame of our sinful life. Whether we are a man or a woman we must chose God's way. Those it begins with humiliation it leads to freedom and glory as God's children.
Stuart

Job 25-27

By the 26^th chapter of his story Job’s words reveal that he feels that God has rejected him and so have his comforters. It seems like he has lost virtually all that he ever had. The one thing in which he has confidence is the one thing to which he clings; his faith.

“For while my spirit is still in me,

and the breath of God is in my nostrils,

my lips will not speak wickedness,

and my tongue will whisper no deceit.” (27:3-4)

Job laid down everything before God. But he would not give up what he knew to be true about God; that he is righteous, just, and holy. What a desperate situation. I struggle with whether Job was overwhelmingly depressed or overflowing with hope. There is no indication that he had ever heard God speak, but every passage seems to focus on that expectation.

Stuart

Isaiah 2

In Isaiah 2 a very similar phrase is repeated in verses 11 and 17; "Proud men will be (brought low/humiliated), arrogant men will be (humiliated/brought low); the LORD alone will be exalted in that day." God's message is very clear. Those abusing their positions in Judah will be lowered while God is exalted. I see a lesson from Jesus in the foreshadow. "Whoever wants to gain his life will lose it . . ." (Matthew 10:39)
Stuart

Isaiah 1

The beginning of Isaiah's writings set the tone of the book by making a comparison. God compares the people of Judah to an ox and a donkey. The unasked question that he is answering is this: Who is better at identifying its master? (Isaiah 1:3) An ox, a donkey, or a Jew. The rebellion of the people of Israel is evident before God. And so he calls them to task. How can they claim to be so wise and still refuse their master's commands? Why would the people of Judah "feast" on straw when God set before them the bread of life?
Stuart

Job 19-21

By this point in the dialogue between Job and his friends it is becoming very evident that the grace of each man is wearing thin. Job is stretched to the limit of his survival and then his friends begin to argue with this wounded man. Among the questions Job asked is this one in 21:7; “Why do the wicked go on living, grow old, even increase in power?” Neither God, Eliphaz, Bildad, or Zophar answer Job’s question. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. It seems like this compassionless Jewish man fit Job’s description of the wicked. Consider what Job said in 21:13; “They live out their years in prosperity and go down to the grace in peace.” Jesus’ assessment of the rich man’s death (Luke 16:22b) give no indication of the peace and prosperity ebbing during his lifetime. Did that rich man ever echo Job’s word, arguing with God when he passed Lazarus sitting at his gates; “Turn away from us! We do not want to know your ways”(21:14)? Job asks a very good question; why does God withhold the punishment that might have led to repentance? That question applies to the wicked in Job’s mind and the rich man who ignored Lazarus’ need.

So I wonder if there might be a reason that we can comprehend which leads God to withhold the punishment of the wicked in this life? Is it the same reason that he sometimes allows the poor to starve to death? Or some women in tribal wars to be raped and beaten repeatedly? Job’s question for social justice is a call that all believers need to ponder. But we should not wait for an answer to respond to the needs God sets before us.

 

Stuart

 

Psalm 121

What do you see when you look at a mountain? Not with physical eyes; imagine, speculate, philosophically consider. What images come to mind as you gaze at majestic mountain scenery? I think of beauty. I see challenges; peaks calling out to be scaled. I imagine castles strategically situated to repel every attacker. The writer of psalm 121 must have been struck with irony. Here he was walking to Jerusalem, it is a psalm of ascent, and he must have been in great need. As he stared at the hills upon which Jerusalem was situated he was prompted with a question; "From where does my help come?" Some in his party may have answered the question by pointing to the walls around the city. Another may have mentioned the king's army or his treasury. Perhaps the writer was hoping for the generosity of God's people. But then it hit him. None of these people were the source of his help. Verse 2 spells out the hidden yet obvious answer to his question. Help comes from no one other than God himself. That is an important lesson that we must never forget. A lesson I need to recall when I visit the mountains.
Stuart

Job 13-15

In Job 13:20-21 Job makes two requests to God that reveal his heart. His desire is to know and love God. Yet Job felt that his suffering is blocking that fellowship. Job implores God to stop the affliction. The weight of his anguish is a burden he cannot carry and fellowship with God. With that affliction comes fear. How can he be intimate with one who is so scary? Even in his pain Job longs for the restoration of what he feels has been lost; his communion with God.
Stuart

Job 10-12

What happens when a believer calls on God? When we are moved by faith to speak to him does not God answer? My prayer and study life is based upon the premise that God is engaged in my life. I think Job felt the same way. In 12:4 Job declares that all his life he called on God and God answered him. This demonstration of faith earned him the title of a righteous and blameless man. A title God confirms twice in the beginning of the story (1:8; 2:3). Yet Job heard what his neighbors said about him. He saw how they responded to his current situation. They laughed. They mocked. They belittled. Job was the laughing stock of the neighborhood. And that pain was equal to the physical suffering. Maybe Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar heard the same things as they travelled to Job’s house. But they did not laugh. When they saw Job they did not belittle. Their seven days of silence confirmed no desire to mock. But when Job opened his mouth they spoke harshly and without grace.  Still Job would not give in to the temptation to curse God. Nothing that happened to him changed his perspective on the righteous Almighty. I need to be reminded of that truth.

 

Stuart

 

Job 7-9

Job didn’t understand why God had allowed his to suffer as he did. But he was still confident in his relationship with God. Those physical pain enveloped him Job was not restrained from taking his heart to his Lord. His words in 7:11 sound like harsh words attacking his creator. But I think they are the cries of pain spoken in faith that the one who loves Job more than anyone else will hear. And more importantly respond. If Job were hopeless would he have cried out to God? If Job had abandoned his faith would he have sought God at all? Job’s words were formed in anguish and bitterness of life but they were not without hope of faith. That he directed them to God the creator is the strongest indication that Job’s faith grew tremendously through their trials. Job refused to allow the circumstances of his life to dictate his attitude or actions. He continued to walk in faith. A faith born from pain and sorrow. A faith that was built up by the destruction of everything around him. Job had a faith that hours of condemning talk could not shake. A faith that enabled him to hear God speak.

 

Stuart

 

Psalm 119:161-176

Who do I fear most; civil authorities or God? The answer is found in my actions. In psalm 119:161 the writer puts his greatest respect in God and his Law. This reminds me of Jesus' words not to fear those who can only kill the body (Matt 10:28). If we have a proper perspective on these two levels of authority then we will demonstrate our wisdom in following God above all.
Stuart

Psalm 119:145-160

In psalm 119 the psalmist points out that in some respects God is very predictable. His loyal love moves him to listen and revival is his typical response to our needs (v 149). Neither God nor his word is ever far away from us (v 151). Though so much of the LORD's nature is beyond our understanding it is very comforting to know that some aspects are within our grasp.
Stuart

2 Timothy 1-2

In his second letter of encouragement to Timothy Paul interjects a song or poem that he has heard or created for teaching about faith(2 Tim 2:11-13). Believers are called to die with Christ. The Gospels remind us of Jesus' words on the point. (Matt 10:39) In our dying we are promised life. Christians are challenged to endure. This is another instruction introduced by Jesus (Luke 8:15). That endurance leads to an inheritance with Jesus. We are warned against unfaithfulness. Once again we recall Jesus setting forth this same warning (Matt 10:33). The result of our denial of Jesus as our Lord is his denial of us as his follower. Then the tempo of the verse changes. Any act of unfaithfulness on the part of a believers somehow demonstrates Jesus' faithfulness to who he is.
Stuart

Job 1-3

Does God consider me? God had considered Job. He saw in his faith the character of righteousness and purity. When challenged by Satan God set forth Job as a man of faith. There were none like him in character. We might be hesitant to desire God's consideration after we recall Job's trials. But the end of his trials produced a wonderful testimony of God's provision in his life. It is an example to modern believers as well; God continues to provide for the needs of his people.
Stuart

Esther 8-10

The story of Mordecai's faithfulness to God recorded in the book of Esther is both troubling and redeeming. It is troubling because of the threats and dangers he faced while living upright. Yet he did not bend to the demands of his circumstances. I wonder if he was a friend of Daniel and his three friends? It is amazing to see the faithfulness of these men even though they shared in the judgment against Judah. A sentence that surely they did not earn. Mordecai's life brings a story of hope for all people of faith. That God does redeem those who are faithful to him.
Stuart