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February 16, Sunday
Reading A47 — Job 36 — The Ways of God Audio link: Job 36 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
Why Affliction? — Evidence of the incredible arrogance of Elihu is shown throughout the first stanza of this chapter, climaxed with the statement that appears to be about himself, that “one who is perfect in knowledge is with you” (v. 4). That should alert us to the danger of heeding the words of people who think that they know it all. God’s Word is our standard, not the opinions of mankind. Elihu had a lot of good things to say about God, that “God is mighty…” (v. 5), and that “God is great” (v. 26), but he continued to accuse Job, saying that “you are full of the judgment on the wicked; judgment and justice seize you” (v. 17), and warning him not to “turn to iniquity, for this you have chosen” (v. 21). Elihu maintained the philosophy of his friends, that one’s circumstances reveal the anger or pleasure of God. On the other hand, there is another emphasis by Elihu that is supported in the New Testament, i.e., that God “delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity” (v. 15). God often does use the painful means of discipline to bring us back to Him: “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb. 12:6). When affliction comes to us, we should ask if it might be discipline for straying away from God’s way. This was not the situation with Job, however. He was being afflicted for another reason, one that was never explained to Job.
February 17, Monday
Reading A48 — Job 37 — Elihu Concludes Audio link: Job 37 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
Wise in Our Own Eyes — As Elihu concluded his long speech, he was careful to honor the majesty of God and to challenge Job to “Keep listening” to the heavenly voice (v. 2) speaking through “the wondrous works of God” (v. 14). Twice he asked Job, “Do you know …?” (vv. 15-16) and contrasted his limited knowledge with that of God “who is perfect in knowledge” (v. 16b). It is sadly ironic that Elihu said the same thing about his own knowledge in the previous chapter: “For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you” (36:4). Not recognizing his own pride, Elihu concluded with the true statement that God “does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit” (v. 24). Similar supporting statements are made throughout Scripture. For example, Solomon cautioned, “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD” (Prov. 3:7). God said through Jeremiah, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom” (Jer. 9:23). Paul gave this warning command: “Never be wise in your own sight” (Rom. 12:16). In His prayer, Jesus thanked the Father “that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (Luke 10:21). True wisdom is given to those who are humble, and it is withheld from those who think they are wise.
February 18, Tuesday
Reading A49 — Job 38 — Questions About Creation Audio link: Job 38 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
Gaining Understanding — Elihu had twice charged Job of being “without knowledge” (34:35, 35:16), suggesting that what Job had expressed was false. In today’s chapter, God began His response to the long dialogue between Job and his friends by using the same words, saying that Job was “without knowledge” (38:2), but used in the sense of what was hidden from him. God has revealed much about Himself and His works in the words He has given to us in the Bible, but there is far more that is still hidden from us. We still do not know the answers to most of the questions God asked Job about Creation, but despite our continuing lack of understanding, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:3). We don’t know everything, but we know enough. It is often difficult just to grasp the meaning of what has been revealed to us through God’s Word. No matter how long and hard we read and study the Bible, there is always much more to learn. It is inexhaustible. For many things that still puzzle us now, as the gospel song says, “We will understand it better by and by.” Then, we will know much more, not with pride but in awe.
February 19, Wednesday
Reading A50 — Job 39 — Mysteries of Creatures Audio link: Job 39 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
From Great to Small — God goes from exposing Job’s ignorance of the broad scope of Creation in the previous chapter to asking questions in this chapter about some of the wonders of the wild creatures He made. Mountain goats live such an isolated life that ancient people couldn’t observe when they conceived or gave birth (vv. 1-2). Also isolated were wild donkeys that managed to thrive in barren places where humans could not survive (vv. 5-6). The wild ox could not be tamed to be useful to a farmer (v. 9). The stupid ostrich, with a brain smaller than its eye, cannot fly in the air but can “fly” on the ground (vv. 17-18), outrunning the horse that is mighty in strength and courage (vv. 19, 22). Finally, in verse 29, God questioned Job about the uncanny ability of the eagle to see prey clearly from two miles away (3.2km), which is four times better than a human can see. All this was unknown to Job and is still being discovered through technology available to modern man. From the expanse of the creation of the spheres of the stars to the intricate eyeball of the eagle, God’s creative genius is demonstrated. How great is our God!
February 20, Thursday
Reading A51 — Job 40 — Are You Like God? Audio link: Job 40 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
Blaming or Blessing? — Although Job was “blameless and upright,” he is shown here to have overstepped his limits of wisdom and judgment. God called him a “faultfinder” (v. 2) and suggested that he was blaming God for his circumstances, attempting to justify himself (v. 8). Being even less upright than Job, it is quite common for us Christians to blame God for our negative conditions. To say, or even think, that we deserve better in life is questioning and criticizing God’s wisdom and love. It would be much better to have Job’s earlier attitude that said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (1:21). In pointing out Job’s limitations, God questioned him about two special created beasts, the Behemoth in this chapter, and the Leviathan in the next chapter. Most commentaries think that the Behemoth describes the hippopotamus, a powerful but untamable animal. God created all things for purposes often not understood by us. Are we willing to let God be God without questioning His ways or motives? “Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
February 21, Friday
A52 — Job 41 — Terrifying Leviathan Audio link: Job 41 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
Dangerous or Approachable? — What is Leviathan? Much of the description matches that of the crocodile, which strikes fear into the hearts of mankind. Who would even think of putting “a rope in his nose” (v. 2) to master him or attempt to make him a pet to “play with him” (v. 5)? If no man could face such a terrifying creation of God (v. 9), who could face God Himself, as Job was asked: “Who then is he who can stand before me?” (v. 10). Presenting his case before God was what Job had earlier said that he wanted to do: “I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God” (13:3). If God made such a terrifying creature as Leviathan, why would anyone want to stand before its Creator? Leviathan seems to be more than the crocodile, however, because “Out of his mouth go flaming torches … His breath kindles coals, and a flame comes forth from his mouth” (41:19, 21). That sounds more like a mythical dragon, but it is presented here as a real animal that God created, perhaps now extinct. There was nothing like it in being fearless (v. 33) and fearful (v. 34). God is shown here as one who cannot be approached with an attitude of pride or even to be argued with. On the other hand, He is a loving, kind, and generous God toward those who come to Him in humility and reverence. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
February 22, Saturday
Reading A53 — Job 42 — Job is Restored Audio link: Job 42 (ESV)
An audio recording of the following comments is available below:
Avoiding Painful Repentance — I was confused about two statements in this chapter until it was pointed out to me that Job was repeating God’s previous comments aimed at him. The first was the question in verse 3, “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” (quoted from 38:2). Job answered by admitting, basically, “I was the one speaking without knowledge” (42:3b). In verse 4, he repeated God’s earlier statement, “I will question you, and you make it known to me” (cf. 38:3). Job painfully recognized and admitted his error by saying, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (42:6). Just imagine how much worse it must have felt for Job’s three friends, whom God not only rebuked but required that they must offer a costly burnt offering to show their repentance (v. 8). Then, God’s acceptance of their repentance depended on Job’s prayer for them (v. 9). Repentance is often costly, and it must be accompanied by humility. We can avoid this painful process of repentance by maintaining an attitude of humility. Having humility will keep us from being proud in our relationships with God and others, thus avoiding humiliating rebuke and embarrassing apologies.
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