Category Archives: His Ways Are Not Our Ways

Depression / Discouragement, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Justice / Judgment, Tribulation

Wrestling with the Unfathomable Ways of God (Job 9)

Have you ever found yourself wrestling with the unfathomable ways of God, seeking understanding amid life’s complexities?

Join us in the transformative verses of Job 9, where Job grapples with the profound mysteries of God’s ways.

Explore the transformative themes of human frailty, the vastness of God’s wisdom, and the enduring pursuit of understanding in the face of life’s uncertainties.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

Quick reconnect: Job is answering his friend Bildad, who spoke in chapter 8 about how God rewards those who are good.

Job 9

Job Says There Is No Arbitrator between God and Man

      1Then Job answered,

      2“In truth I know that this is so;
But how can a man be in the right before God?

      3“If one wished to dispute with Him,
He could not answer Him once in a thousand times.

      4“Wise in heart and mighty in strength,
Who has defied Him without harm?

      5“It is God who removes the mountains, they know not how,
When He overturns them in His anger;

      6Who shakes the earth out of its place,
And its pillars tremble;

      7Who commands the sun not to shine,
And sets a seal upon the stars;

      8Who alone stretches out the heavens
And tramples down the waves of the sea;

      9Who makes the Bear, Orion and the Pleiades,
And the chambers of the south;

      10Who does great things, unfathomable,
And wondrous works without number.

      11“Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him;
Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him.

      12“Were He to snatch away, who could restrain Him?
Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’

      13“God will not turn back His anger;
Beneath Him crouch the helpers of Rahab.

      14“How then can I answer Him,
And choose my words before Him?

      15“For though I were right, I could not answer;
I would have to implore the mercy of my judge.

      16“If I called and He answered me,
I could not believe that He was listening to my voice.

      17“For He bruises me with a tempest
And multiplies my wounds without cause.

      18“He will not allow me to get my breath,
But saturates me with bitterness.

      19“If it is a matter of power, behold, He is the strong one!
And if it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him?

      20“Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me;
Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty.

      21“I am guiltless;
I do not take notice of myself;
I despise my life.

      22“It is all one; therefore I say,
‘He destroys the guiltless and the wicked.’

      23“If the scourge kills suddenly,
He mocks the despair of the innocent.

      24“The earth is given into the hand of the wicked;
He covers the faces of its judges.
If it is not He, then who is it?

      25“Now my days are swifter than a runner;
They flee away, they see no good.

      26“They slip by like reed boats,
Like an eagle that swoops on its prey.

      27“Though I say, ‘I will forget my complaint,
I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,’

      28I am afraid of all my pains,
I know that You will not acquit me.

      29“I am accounted wicked,
Why then should I toil in vain?

      30“If I should wash myself with snow
And cleanse my hands with lye,

      31Yet You would plunge me into the pit,
And my own clothes would abhor me.

      32“For He is not a man as I am that I may answer Him,
That we may go to court together.

      33“There is no umpire between us,
Who may lay his hand upon us both.

      34“Let Him remove His rod from me,
And let not dread of Him terrify me.

      35“Then I would speak and not fear Him;
But I am not like that in myself.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Job’s Lament: Job 9 opens with Job expressing the impossibility of contending with God due to His infinite wisdom and power. The transformative journey begins with Job acknowledging human frailty in the vastness of God’s divine plan.
  2. The Unfathomable Ways of God: A key theme is the transformative realization of the unfathomable ways of God. Job grapples with the mystery of divine sovereignty, highlighting the tension between human understanding and the profound depths of God’s wisdom.
  3. The Search for a Mediator: Job yearns for a mediator, someone who can bridge the gap between God and humanity. This transformative desire reflects the human quest for connection with the divine and the recognition of the need for an intermediary in the face of God’s awe-inspiring nature.
  4. The Paradox of Divine Justice: Job’s proclamation of innocence brings forth the  realization that the traditional understanding of divine justice doesn’t neatly align with his current circumstances. In asserting his guiltlessness, Job grapples with the seeming incongruity between his righteous life and the profound suffering he endures.

    This transformative aspect invites us to ponder the complexities of divine justice in our own lives. How often do we, like Job, face circumstances that challenge our understanding of God’s ways? Job’s bold declaration serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice and understanding is an integral part of the human experience, even in the face of life’s perplexities.

Let’s reflect on the universal struggle to understand the unfathomable ways of God.

Have you ever grappled with the mysteries of divine sovereignty and sought understanding in the face of life’s uncertainties?

Take a moment for personal reflection and prayer, considering how Job’s journey resonates with your own pursuit of understanding God’s ways.

Share your thoughts with a friend or family member and add to the comments, inviting others into the conversation about the transformative nature of wrestling with the mysteries of our Creator.

Join us, and let’s explore together the profound lessons woven into the fabric of Job 9.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Fear / Reverence for God, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Teachable, Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish

Can We Turn What God Calls Bad into Good?

Have you ever found yourself caught in the embrace of cherished traditions, those familiar threads weaving through the tapestry of your life?

The warmth of holiday memories, the joy of family gatherings—these traditions often feel like an integral part of who we are. But in the gentle balance between faith and tradition, a thought emerges:

Can we, in our heartfelt attempts, turn what God deems as bad into something good?

Christmas, and many holiday traditions common to Christians today, serve as powerful examples. There are many traditions of pagan origin. Many don’t know this and don’t even think to ask or test their traditions. Many more do know the traditions are of pagan origin, but convince themselves that we can turn what God said was bad into something good by associating Christmas traditions with Jesus.

Is this true? What does God say in the Bible?

📜 Lessons from Exodus: A Warning Echoes Through Time

Picture this: A people, just liberated from slavery, witnessing the miraculous hand of God through ten plagues and also miracles like the parting of the Red Sea, the defeat of Pharaoh’s army, God appearing as fire and smoke to lead them, manna and water miraculously to meet their needs in the dessert.

Surely, we would think that generation could never turn from the ways of God, but they did. They allowed themselves to revert to influences from the Egyptian culture in which they had lived for generations and worship the Golden Calf.

But if we look closer, they were not worshipping Egyptian gods, but Yahweh! They called it a feast unto Yahweh who led them out of Egypt.

Did this effort to tie pagan traditions with worshipping Yahweh turn what was bad in God’s eyes to something good?

Exodus 32:1-10

The Golden Calf

      1Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2Aaron said to them, “Tear off the gold rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3Then all the people tore off the gold rings which were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4He took this from their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf; and they said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 5Now when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” 6So the next day they rose early and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

      7Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 8“They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’” 9The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. 10“Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.”

Clearly God was not pleased and did not consider it good to worship along pagan customs like the golden calf… even if the people were attributing it to Yahweh.

Have you ever found yourself holding tight to holiday traditions that you know are of pagan origin, but making excuses for why they are good because we have tied them to Jesus?

Despite your good intentions, it may be time to ask yourself if what you are doing aligns with God’s desires.

📖 Scriptural Clarity: Yahweh’s Unchanging Standard

In the sacred verses of Deuteronomy 12:30-32, a timeless truth resounds. The Israelites, worshipping Yahweh through the Golden Calf, mirrored the detestable practices of pagan nations and God was not pleased.

Can we glean insights into God’s unchanging expectations for our worship and traditions today?

Deuteronomy 12:30-32

30beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ 31“You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

      32“Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.

The Israelites may have been worshipping Yahweh, but they were doing so in like manner to how the Egyptians worshipped their false gods by making idols.

Yahweh has not changed His opinion on what is good and what is bad. He still does not want us to worship Him with idols or with any of the manners or traditions with which the pagans worship false gods.

If we take the time to study our common Christmas and Easter traditions (and other traditions as well), we will certainly find the history of many of these traditions are derived not from God’s word, but from pagan worship practices.

Christians have created new meanings for many of these traditions and tried to tie them to Jesus, as the Israelites tied worshipping God to the golden calf, but they still are derived from pagan worship.

As we saw in scripture with the golden calf, Yahweh is not pleased, even if we say it is Him whom we are worshipping.

Do not repeat the error of the Israelites, which drew great anger from Yahweh. Instead, learn the history and true origin of the traditions you practice. Reject the ones that are derived from pagan worship. Do not accept something just because it is a family or cultural “tradition”.

Test and explore to understand the true origin and whether or not it may be offensive to our Lord.

Do not fool yourself that you can take what is bad in His eyes and make it good by creating new Christian stories around old pagan traditions. Choose the Lord’s ways over even dear traditions that may be emotionally difficult to walk away from.

Do not be like Lot’s wife who looked back at Sodom while leaving, but rather leave behind the past things without looking back on them.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide Your people. Help us to have discernment and courage.  Help us to be hungry to seek Your ways and quick to challenge our own traditions against Your holy word in the Bible. Help us learn from the Israelites history documented in the scriptures that we cannot turn what is bad into good. We can simply choose whether or not to turn away from what is bad toward Your ways. Amen. 

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Holy / Set Apart, Parables, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant, Traditions / Holidays

The Widower Who Remarried: a Parable for the Holidays

In the tender narrative of a devoted widower, a poignant tale unfolds—a love story marked by cherished habits and traditions. This man, who once joyfully celebrated his first wife’s preferences with flowers, candy, and thoughtful gestures, found himself caught in the grip of those very traditions when she passed away.

Just to be clear, this is not a biblical parable, but one based on biblical teaching and one that is true many times over.

Grief-stricken but resilient, he remarried after a time of grieving, unaware of the impending storm that would brew within the walls of his new life. His second wife, with distinct tastes and desires, yearned for a love uniquely tailored to her. Despite gentle pleas for understanding, the man clung tenaciously to the echoes of his past, repeating gestures and traditions designed for his first love.

The stark contrast between his professions of love and the unchanged traditions left his second wife wounded and questioning. The pain intensified as the man, well-intentioned but misguided, failed to recognize the stark difference between honoring her and just holding on to the traditions of the love he once knew.

This thought-provoking parable serves as a mirror reflecting the way we often treat our relationship with God, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. Steeped in long-held traditions, some stemming from ancient pagan practices, we, too, risk offering God a bouquet of weeds while insisting they are roses.

The parallel to our spiritual journey is striking. Are we, like the widower, willing to shed the comfort of familiar traditions and embrace God’s desires as communicated in the scriptures? Despite the discomfort and familial challenges, the heart of the matter lies in whether we choose man-made traditions over God’s prescribed path.

Diving deeper, the revelation unfolds that many commonly cherished celebrations—Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and even the December 25 date—are rooted in pagan worship practices. The Church, unable to quell these practices, eventually embraced them, akin to giving a weed the name of a rose.

The call is clear—to love God deeply is to align our lives with His desires, not clinging to traditions offensive to Him. The scriptures lay out the path, highlighting God’s Moedim (appointed times) or holy days for celebration, contrasting with the man-made festivals we’ve come to accept.

Acknowledging this truth is a challenging emotional journey. Admitting the need for change amidst familial resistance is a test of our devotion to Christ above all. As Jesus forewarned, following Him may stir discord even within our households, yet true discipleship requires prioritizing Christ over all familial bonds.

May this narrative stir a courageous introspection, prompting a prayerful pursuit of God’s kingdom above the familiar and cultural traditions. As the challenge resounds, may our hearts find the courage to trust in God’s ways over those of men, embracing the transformative journey toward a life more pleasing to Him.

If you truly love God, and submit your life to God… take the time to learn more about what He wants and not just stick to traditions of men that are offensive to Him. You can easily study online even using Christian encyclopedia’s like Zondervan or other encyclopedias. The origins are not secret, only that it has been accepted to celebrate God in ways that were developed by pagans for their gods. 119Ministries.com has put together an effective documentary in video form you can watch (The Christmas Question). They have previous teachings available for free you may consider as well (Sunburned – Part 1 and Sunburned – Part 2).

The LORD has also given us instructions on what holy days to celebrate to point to Him and our relationship with Him. They are called the Moedim and are outlined in Leviticus 23 and other places throughout the Bible.

You can find scripture where Jesus participated in the Moedim. You will never find record of Jesus celebrating Christmas and Easter (or almost anything we celebrate commonly today) in the Biblical record.

Passover and Easter are very different. See what they focus on. With God’s celebrations, the focus is always on Him and not gifts or food or simply ourselves. To learn more, scroll through and read from our Traditions/ Holidays category of teachings.

I recognize that this is an emotional subject for many and admitting that we should change is very hard. Even if we accept it and change our behavior, there will be much difficulty among family. This is to be expected when we stand for Christ above all others. Jesus said so himself in Matthew 10:23-39.

32 “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.

34 “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.

35 ‘I have come to set a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36     Your enemies will be right in your own household!’[l]

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

We each must decide whether or not we submit to God fully or hold tightly to the traditions of man. By the way… study of the new testament clearly shows that clutching to the traditions of man was the way of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not the way of Jesus.

God wants his people to be holy (set apart for God’s use) and righteous (living according to God’s commands rather than the world’s). He wants us to put Him first, above everything else.

Challenge yourself to objectively evaluate your traditions and seek first the kingdom of God. Do not dismiss this quickly but rather prayerfully seek God to show you the truth of His word and how to apply it in your life. Ask yourself about any tradition you claim to observe to honor God, if you were not influenced by family or cultural traditions would you naturally come up with this tradition by studying the Bible? If not, that can be a good indicator.

Pray that God would give you courage and boldness to pursue him with how you live. My family and I have been on this journey, we remain on this journey still today. It is difficult at times, but well worth pursuing to grow closer to Him and be more pleasing to Him. Trust in His ways over those of men.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Hope, Justice / Judgment, Love, Psalms, Seeking God, Wickedness / Evil

Balancing Justice and Love – A Cry for Help Amidst Adversity

Embark on a poignant journey through Psalm 58, where David’s heartfelt cry for justice resounds in the face of pervasive injustice.

Join us as we explore the depths of this psalm, delving into the themes of righteousness, divine judgment, and the unwavering hope that even in the midst of darkness, justice prevails.

Additionally, we’ll draw connections to Matthew 5:38-48, exploring the tension between calling upon the Lord for justice and Christ’s call to love and pray for our enemies.

(Summarized and continued after the scriptures.)

Psalm 58

Prayer for the Punishment of the Wicked.

For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David.

      1Do you indeed speak righteousness, O gods?
Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

      2No, in heart you work unrighteousness;
On earth you weigh out the violence of your hands.

      3The wicked are estranged from the womb;
These who speak lies go astray from birth.

      4They have venom like the venom of a serpent;
Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear,

      5So that it does not hear the voice of charmers,
Or a skillful caster of spells.

      6O God, shatter their teeth in their mouth;
Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD.

      7Let them flow away like water that runs off;
When he aims his arrows, let them be as headless shafts.

      8Let them be as a snail which melts away as it goes along,
Like the miscarriages of a woman which never see the sun.

      9Before your pots can feel the fire of thorns
He will sweep them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike.

      10The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He will wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

      11And men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
Surely there is a God who judges on earth!”

Matthew 5: 38-48

      38“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

      43“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47“If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. A Cry for Righteous Judgment: Psalm 58 opens with David’s passionate plea for a just and righteous judgment against the wicked. The psalm becomes a poignant reflection on the human longing for justice in a world marked by injustice.
  2. Divine Judgment and the Righteous Hope: Despite the prevailing injustice, Psalm 58 emphasizes the hope and trust in God’s righteous judgment. David’s confidence in divine justice becomes a beacon of assurance for those who grapple with the apparent triumph of the wicked.
  3. The Consequences of Wickedness: The psalm explores the ultimate fate of the wicked, emphasizing the inevitable consequences of their actions. This reflection on divine justice prompts consideration of the broader implications of one’s choices.
  4. Balancing Justice and Love: Drawing connections to Matthew 5:38-48, we’ll explore the tension between calling upon the Lord for justice and Christ’s radical call to love our enemies. While Psalm 58 reflects the acceptable cry for divine intervention, Matthew 5 challenges us to extend love and prayer even to those who may oppose us.

As we navigate the profound themes of Psalm 58 and its connection to Matthew 5:38-48, let’s reflect on our own yearning for justice in the face of injustice.

How can we maintain hope and trust in God’s righteous judgment while adhering to Christ’s call to love our enemies?

Share your thoughts on the call for justice, the consequences of unrighteous actions, and the transformative power of love and prayer.

Psalm 58 and Matthew 5 invite us to engage in a thoughtful exploration of justice, righteousness, and the enduring hope that, in the end, justice will prevail, not only for our sake but for the redemption of those who oppose us.

Join the conversation, and let’s delve together into the timeless truths embedded in these passages.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Depression / Discouragement, Discipline / Guidance From God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Protector / Deliverer, Seeking God, Tribulation

Nurture Hope and Trust (in God) in the Face of Adversity (Job 5)

Embark on a quest for wisdom in the midst of adversity as we delve into Job 5. Eliphaz, Job’s friend, continues to share insights, offering a perspective on finding solace and understanding in times of trial. Join us on a contemplative journey through this chapter as we explore the enduring quest for wisdom and the age-old question of how to navigate the storms of life.

(Summarized and continued after scripture.)

Job 5

God Is Just

1“Call now, is there anyone who will answer you?
And to which of the holy ones will you turn?

      2“For anger slays the foolish man,
And jealousy kills the simple.

      3“I have seen the foolish taking root,
And I cursed his abode immediately.

      4“His sons are far from safety,
They are even oppressed in the gate,
And there is no deliverer.

      5“His harvest the hungry devour
And take it to a place of thorns,
And the schemer is eager for their wealth.

      6“For affliction does not come from the dust,
Nor does trouble sprout from the ground,

      7For man is born for trouble,
As sparks fly upward.

      8“But as for me, I would seek God,
And I would place my cause before God;

      9Who does great and unsearchable things,
Wonders without number.

      10“He gives rain on the earth
And sends water on the fields,

      11So that He sets on high those who are lowly,
And those who mourn are lifted to safety.

      12“He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd,
So that their hands cannot attain success.

      13“He captures the wise by their own shrewdness,
And the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted.

      14“By day they meet with darkness,
And grope at noon as in the night.

      15“But He saves from the sword of their mouth,
And the poor from the hand of the mighty.

      16“So the helpless has hope,
And unrighteousness must shut its mouth.

      17“Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves,
So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

      18“For He inflicts pain, and gives relief;
He wounds, and His hands also heal.

      19“From six troubles He will deliver you,
Even in seven evil will not touch you.

      20“In famine He will redeem you from death,
And in war from the power of the sword.

      21“You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue,
And you will not be afraid of violence when it comes.

      22“You will laugh at violence and famine,
And you will not be afraid of wild beasts.

      23“For you will be in league with the stones of the field,
And the beasts of the field will be at peace with you.

      24“You will know that your tent is secure,
For you will visit your abode and fear no loss.

      25“You will know also that your descendants will be many,
And your offspring as the grass of the earth.

      26“You will come to the grave in full vigor,
Like the stacking of grain in its season.

      27“Behold this; we have investigated it, and so it is.
Hear it, and know for yourself.”

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Call to Seek God’s Wisdom: Job 5 opens with Eliphaz encouraging Job to seek God’s wisdom in the face of adversity. Eliphaz believes that turning to the Almighty is the key to finding understanding and solace in times of trouble.
  2. The Concept of Divine Discipline: Eliphaz introduces the idea that suffering may be a form of divine discipline, suggesting that God uses challenges to correct and guide His people. This perspective reflects a common theological understanding of the time.
  3. God’s Unfathomable Ways: Eliphaz emphasizes the incomprehensibility of God’s ways, suggesting that humans cannot fully understand the intricacies of divine actions. The chapter invites contemplation on the limits of human understanding when confronted with the mysteries of life.
  4. The Promise of Restoration: Amidst discussions of discipline and the inscrutable nature of God’s ways, Eliphaz concludes with a hopeful note, asserting that those who seek God’s wisdom and endure trials with patience will ultimately experience restoration and blessings.

As we navigate the timeless wisdom of Job 5, let’s reflect on the quest for understanding and solace in the face of life’s challenges.

How do we approach adversity with a seeking heart, and what role does divine wisdom play in our lives?

Share your thoughts on the concept of divine discipline and the promise of restoration.

Job 5 invites us to embrace a humble search for wisdom, acknowledging the limits of our understanding while trusting in the goodness of a God whose ways surpass our comprehension.

Join the conversation, and let’s explore together the enduring truths embedded in this chapter.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Government, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Wise, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Exploring the Enigma of Authority and Divine Justice (Ecclesiastes 8)

Enter the enigmatic landscape of Ecclesiastes 8, where the wise author grapples with the complexities of authority and the elusive nature of divine justice. Join us on a contemplative journey through this chapter as we unravel the mysteries that lie within the paradoxes of human governance and the ultimate justice that transcends time.

Ecclesiastes 8

      1Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

      2I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. 3“Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” 4Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

      5He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. 6For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him. 7If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? 8No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it. 9All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt.

      10So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. 11Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. 12Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. 13But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.

      14There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. 15So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

      16When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), 17and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Submission to Authority: Ecclesiastes 8 opens with a call for submission to those in authority. The author explores the tension between the desire for freedom and the necessity of yielding to governing powers, recognizing the limitations of human understanding.
  2. The Inscrutability of God’s Ways: The chapter delves into the mysterious ways of God, acknowledging that understanding divine justice is beyond human comprehension. The author grapples with the age-old question of why the righteous often face adversity while the wicked seem to prosper.
  3. The Fear of God: Ecclesiastes 8 highlights the importance of fearing God and the wisdom that comes from acknowledging the divine order of justice. It serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of life, surrendering to the sovereignty of the Creator.
  4. The Limits of Human Wisdom: The author reflects on the limitations of human wisdom in comprehending the full scope of God’s plan. This recognition humbles the reader, emphasizing the need for a deeper reliance on faith and trust in divine providence.

As we traverse the paradoxical terrain of Ecclesiastes 8, let’s reflect on the complexities of authority, justice, and the divine order.

How do we balance submission to human authority with an unwavering fear of God?

Comment to share your insights on embracing the mysteries of God’s ways and the limitations of human wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 8 challenges us to cultivate a humble reverence for God in the face of life’s enigmas.

Join the conversation, and let’s explore together the profound wisdom embedded in this chapter.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Tribulation

Wrestling with Darkness – A Cry from the Depths (Job 3)

Enter the haunting shadows of Job 3, where the virtuous man, stripped of his fortune and health, releases a cry from the depths of his despair.

Join us as we explore the profound depths of human suffering, the questions it raises, and the raw honesty found in Job’s wrestling with darkness.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture.)

Job 3

Job’s Lament

      1Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2And Job said,

      3“Let the day perish on which I was to be born,
And the night which said, ‘A boy is conceived.’

      4“May that day be darkness;
Let not God above care for it,
Nor light shine on it.

      5“Let darkness and black gloom claim it;
Let a cloud settle on it;
Let the blackness of the day terrify it.

      6“As for that night, let darkness seize it;
Let it not rejoice among the days of the year;
Let it not come into the number of the months.

      7“Behold, let that night be barren;
Let no joyful shout enter it.

      8“Let those curse it who curse the day,
Who are prepared to rouse Leviathan.

      9“Let the stars of its twilight be darkened;
Let it wait for light but have none,
And let it not see the breaking dawn;

      10Because it did not shut the opening of my mother’s womb,
Or hide trouble from my eyes.

      11“Why did I not die at birth,
Come forth from the womb and expire?

      12“Why did the knees receive me,
And why the breasts, that I should suck?

      13“For now I would have lain down and been quiet;
I would have slept then, I would have been at rest,

      14With kings and with counselors of the earth,
Who rebuilt ruins for themselves;

      15Or with princes who had gold,
Who were filling their houses with silver.

      16“Or like a miscarriage which is discarded, I would not be,
As infants that never saw light.

      17“There the wicked cease from raging,
And there the weary are at rest.

      18“The prisoners are at ease together;
They do not hear the voice of the taskmaster.

      19“The small and the great are there,
And the slave is free from his master.

      20“Why is light given to him who suffers,
And life to the bitter of soul,

      21Who long for death, but there is none,
And dig for it more than for hidden treasures,

      22Who rejoice greatly,
And exult when they find the grave?

      23“Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden,
And whom God has hedged in?

      24“For my groaning comes at the sight of my food,
And my cries pour out like water.

      25“For what I fear comes upon me,
And what I dread befalls me.

      26“I am not at ease, nor am I quiet,
And I am not at rest, but turmoil comes.”

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The Grief-Stricken Lament: Job, overwhelmed by the weight of his suffering, unleashes a torrent of grief and lament in Chapter 3. This poignant expression becomes a raw and unfiltered cry from the depths of his soul, revealing the profound anguish he experiences.
  2. The Desire for Nonexistence: Job’s lament goes beyond conventional expressions of sorrow. He passionately expresses a desire for the nonexistence, questioning the purpose of a life filled with such intense suffering.
  3. The Complexity of Human Suffering: Job 3 prompts us to grapple with the complexities of human suffering. It raises profound questions about the nature of pain, the role of God in our trials, and the depths of despair that even the most righteous can experience.
  4. The Unraveling of Job’s Faith: In this chapter, we witness Job’s faith being tested to its limits. The unraveling of his once unshakable trust in God reflects the brutal reality of wrestling with faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.

As we delve into the poignant verses of Job 3, let’s confront the raw honesty of human suffering and the questions it brings.

How do we grapple with darkness in our own lives, and where do we find hope amid despair?

Share your reflections on the complexities of pain and the challenges to faith.

Job’s cry echoes through the ages, inviting us to embrace the honesty of our struggles and find solace in the journey toward understanding.

Join the conversation by commenting, and let’s navigate together the profound depths of Job 3.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Depression / Discouragement, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Suffering / Adversity

Resilience in the Face of Adversity (Job 2)

Embark on a journey into the depths of resilience as we delve into Job 2, where the virtuous character of Job faces its most severe test.

Join us in exploring the profound insights on perseverance, faith, and unwavering trust in the midst of life’s harshest trials. (We will continue with a summary after the scripture.)

Job 2

Job Loses His Health

      1Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. 2The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 3The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” 4Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5“However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face.” 6So the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.”

      7Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.

      9Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

      11Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. 12When they lifted up their eyes at a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. 13Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. Job’s Unfathomable Losses: In the aftermath of the initial trials, Job is struck with painful boils, adding physical affliction to his already staggering losses. Despite the depths of his suffering, Job’s response becomes a testament to enduring faith.
  2. The Unraveling Support of Job’s Wife: Job’s wife, witnessing his suffering, suggests that he curse God and die. Her reaction prompts us to reflect on the complex dynamics of support and faith within relationships during times of extreme adversity.
  3. The Arrival of Job’s Friends: Job is visited by three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—who come to offer comfort. However, their presence sets the stage for a series of profound dialogues that explore the nature of suffering, justice, and the ways of God.
  4. Job’s Resilient Response: Despite the agony and the challenges to his faith, Job maintains his integrity and refuses to curse God. His resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity becomes a powerful example of unwavering trust in the midst of profound darkness.

As we navigate the poignant verses of Job 2, let’s reflect on the resilience exemplified by Job.

How can we draw inspiration from his unwavering trust during our own moments of adversity?

Comment below to share your thoughts on the dynamics of support in challenging times and the complexities of faith.

Job’s story invites us to cultivate a resilience that goes beyond circumstances, anchored in a faith that withstands even the fiercest storms.

Join the conversation, and let’s discover together the enduring lessons embedded in Job 2.

Share examples from your own life where you experienced hardship and challenges and how it affected you.

All Powerful / King of All, Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Protector / Deliverer, Slow to Anger, Through Prophets

When God Rebukes You, Don’t Miss the Message!

Have you ever felt that God was giving you a message for something He wanted you to do? Did you ever talk yourself out of it, if it was something you really felt uncomfortable doing on your own?  This message is for you.

After God brought the Babylonians to conquer Judah as punishment for the people worshipping other gods and not following God’s law and instructions… He gathered a remnant together to remain in Judah.

The people became afraid to remain in Judah, fearing Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon would do them harm. They decided in their wisdom to go to Egypt for protection. Yes, the same Egypt they once relied on to prevent Babylon from conquering them in the first place.

Spoiler alert: It did not work the first time. Pharaoh’s  army was beaten by the Babylonians (and God who was using the Babylonians at this time).

The remnant is making a mistake we all are vulnerable to if we are not careful. When we hear from God, sometimes He will call us to to things we are very uncomfortable doing. We need to trust Him and obey.

In the case of Jeremiah 44, the remnant was getting a second chance, after the first judgment God inflicted on them. They missed the message. They made excuses and tied the problems and defeat they faced to their failure to worship the false gods enough, rather than their failure to follow the one true God.

It sure feels like they are about to get a second helping of God’s correction and judgment because they refuse to hear His message and obey.

Jeremiah 44

Conquest of Egypt Predicted

      1The word that came to Jeremiah for all the Jews living in the land of Egypt, those who were living in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Memphis, and the land of Pathros, saying, 2“Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘You yourselves have seen all the calamity that I have brought on Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, this day they are in ruins and no one lives in them, 3because of their wickedness which they committed so as to provoke Me to anger by continuing to burn sacrifices and to serve other gods whom they had not known, neither they, you, nor your fathers. 4‘Yet I sent you all My servants the prophets, again and again, saying, “Oh, do not do this abominable thing which I hate.” 5‘But they did not listen or incline their ears to turn from their wickedness, so as not to burn sacrifices to other gods. 6‘Therefore My wrath and My anger were poured out and burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, so they have become a ruin and a desolation as it is this day. 7‘Now then thus says the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, “Why are you doing great harm to yourselves, so as to cut off from you man and woman, child and infant, from among Judah, leaving yourselves without remnant, 8provoking Me to anger with the works of your hands, burning sacrifices to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you are entering to reside, so that you might be cut off and become a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth? 9“Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 10“But they have not become contrite even to this day, nor have they feared nor walked in My law or My statutes, which I have set before you and before your fathers.”’

      11“Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am going to set My face against you for woe, even to cut off all Judah. 12‘And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have set their mind on entering the land of Egypt to reside there, and they will all meet their end in the land of Egypt; they will fall by the sword and meet their end by famine. Both small and great will die by the sword and famine; and they will become a curse, an object of horror, an imprecation and a reproach. 13‘And I will punish those who live in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, with the sword, with famine and with pestilence. 14‘So there will be no refugees or survivors for the remnant of Judah who have entered the land of Egypt to reside there and then to return to the land of Judah, to which they are longing to return and live; for none will return except a few refugees.’”

      15Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, 16“As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we are not going to listen to you! 17“But rather we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our kings and our princes did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food and were well off and saw no misfortune. 18“But since we stopped burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, we have lacked everything and have met our end by the sword and by famine.” 19“And,” said the women, “when we were burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and were pouring out drink offerings to her, was it without our husbands that we made for her sacrificial cakes in her image and poured out drink offerings to her?”

Calamity for the Jews

      20Then Jeremiah said to all the people, to the men and women—even to all the people who were giving him such an answer—saying, 21“As for the smoking sacrifices that you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your forefathers, your kings and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them and did not all this come into His mind? 22“So the LORD was no longer able to endure it, because of the evil of your deeds, because of the abominations which you have committed; thus your land has become a ruin, an object of horror and a curse, without an inhabitant, as it is this day. 23“Because you have burned sacrifices and have sinned against the LORD and not obeyed the voice of the LORD or walked in His law, His statutes or His testimonies, therefore this calamity has befallen you, as it has this day.”

      24Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, “Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt, 25thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, as follows: ‘As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled it with your hands, saying, “We will certainly perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her.” Go ahead and confirm your vows, and certainly perform your vows!’ 26“Nevertheless hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are living in the land of Egypt, ‘Behold, I have sworn by My great name,’ says the LORD, ‘never shall My name be invoked again by the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, “As the Lord GOD lives.” 27‘Behold, I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt will meet their end by the sword and by famine until they are completely gone. 28‘Those who escape the sword will return out of the land of Egypt to the land of Judah few in number. Then all the remnant of Judah who have gone to the land of Egypt to reside there will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs. 29‘This will be the sign to you,’ declares the LORD, ‘that I am going to punish you in this place, so that you may know that My words will surely stand against you for harm.’ 30“Thus says the LORD, ‘Behold, I am going to give over Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt to the hand of his enemies, to the hand of those who seek his life, just as I gave over Zedekiah king of Judah to the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who was his enemy and was seeking his life.’”

When God tells you to do something, even if it is hard, confirm it with His word and then do it. If He rebukes you and gives you a second chance… don’t miss the message again!

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faith / Trusting God, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Obeying God, Prophecy, Through Prophets

Do Not Ignore God to Do What Seems Right to You

Do what the LORD says. Do not try to take matters into your own hands. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, mind, and soul. Lean not on your own understanding and be not wise in your own eyes. Obey what God says.

After all the accurate prophecy that God shared through Jeremiah leading up to the Babylonian victory over the Israelites, they still would not listen to Jeremiah about what God told them to do.

They insisted on deciding based on what made sense to them and doing right in their own eyes to try to take control of the situation.

After reading Jeremiah 43, I am sure we can see where this approach will not work out well for them.

Jeremiah 43

In Egypt Jeremiah Warns of Judgment

      1But as soon as Jeremiah, whom the LORD their God had sent, had finished telling all the people all the words of the LORD their God—that is, all these words— 2Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You are not to enter Egypt to reside there’; 3but Baruch the son of Neriah is inciting you against us to give us over into the hand of the Chaldeans, so they will put us to death or exile us to Babylon.” 4So Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces, and all the people, did not obey the voice of the LORD to stay in the land of Judah. 5But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces took the entire remnant of Judah who had returned from all the nations to which they had been driven away, in order to reside in the land of Judah— 6the men, the women, the children, the king’s daughters and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the bodyguard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, together with Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah— 7and they entered the land of Egypt (for they did not obey the voice of the LORD) and went in as far as Tahpanhes.

      8Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, 9“Take some large stones in your hands and hide them in the mortar in the brick terrace which is at the entrance of Pharaoh’s palace in Tahpanhes, in the sight of some of the Jews; 10and say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Behold, I am going to send and get Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and I am going to set his throne right over these stones that I have hidden; and he will spread his canopy over them. 11“He will also come and strike the land of Egypt; those who are meant for death will be given over to death, and those for captivity to captivity, and those for the sword to the sword. 12“And I shall set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he will burn them and take them captive. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself with his garment, and he will depart from there safely. 13“He will also shatter the obelisks of Heliopolis, which is in the land of Egypt; and the temples of the gods of Egypt he will burn with fire.”’”

Spend time in prayer and reflection. Are there areas in your life where you are not fully listening to and surrendering to God’s direction? Are you going your own way because it makes sense to you?

Ask God to help you make changes to fully rely on Him and do as He leads.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.