“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.””
Matthew 3:16-17 NLT
love this.
16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; – Matthew 3:16
I love reading how important these practices are! John felt he needed to be baptized before he was worthy of baptizing Jesus. Oh that beautiful, peaceful light of God. To hear “ I am well pleased” is the best gift.
even when we make mistakes and sin, God is up in heaven rooting for us telling us we are loved we are enough and that everything will be OK. Just because you sin does not mean you are less valuable. The reason God does not want us to sin it’s not just because we are “breaking rules” but actually because we are breaking ourselves
many of us wonder how such a powerful and perfect God can love us. When Jesus was baptized God opened up the heavens and proclaimed this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased. Imagine the love God has for us especially when you are feeling down or not enough. God is up in heaven saying that is my beloved child with whom I am well pleased. 
10Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Even now. Every relationship in H and C’s life that is not producing good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Even now in the name of Jesus.
“Gods voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5 who are we to guess the plans of the Lord? His plans are marvelous and good! Could you imagine being John ? Seeing Jesus come to you to be baptized and the heavens open up with Being blessed for doing the baptism?! What a beautiful site it would have been.
I am a little further behind you Melanie M! But I am dedicated to seeing this through. Started late but finishing and time with the Father is the goal!
“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5❤️ who are we to guess the plans of the Lord? His plans are marvelous and good.
I may be nearly two weeks behind, but I will not quit. This last month has been a lesson in grace and perseverance. It is ok if I don’t achieve my goal of reading the Bible in a year. It is ok if I go slower, so long as I seek God daily.
Do not worry, I am two weeks behind as well. We keep going because through this daily reading we mature and we get to know and connect with God and know His Word and heart. God bless!
Idk if you can see this. But I’m just now getting to this. I am slow but I want to make it a priority that it’s something I want to do rather then to just check it off!! Keep powering through :) His grace is enough for both of us❤️
My husband and I are reading together, but in different versions. As we read today’s, I Just was in awe of those who translated the Bible for us. What incredible work! We are so fortunate to have God’s words for us to read anytime we want to! What a project that would’ve been!
I think it’s easy to view God as our Father and close friend, which He is, but reading about His character and holiness is a good reminder of His glory.
Job 36: 18, 20. Beware lest wrath entice you to scoffing and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside…do not long for the night, when people vanish in their place.
So powerful. It’s so easy to look at the world today and think, “God, I’m ready to get this Rapture thing going.” But it’s the height of arrogance to think of our salvation this way–it’s prideful and selfish and believing that nothing going on is part of God’s plan. Instead, we should do as John did in Matthew 3:2. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Share the Gospel, love on people, help others, and worship the Lord, taking solace in knowing that this is all in His hands.
I love the way that these two sections Job & Matthew complement each other. We are talking about the amazing, Mighty, incomparable God in Job and then see Him in human form in Matthee. Awesome.
Two bold passages, the first one HARD to read because Job’s friends so clearly have it all right-but-wrong. They KNOW the nature of God. They THINK they KNOW what Job has done to deserve this. But WE know no one can decider God’s ways, and His plans are not a formula for the righteous to follow.
So how refreshing are the BOLD words of John, proclaiming the coming of Jesus and rebuking the Pharisees who, like Job’s friends, think they have it ALL figured out & are following a step by step formula to righteousness. I imagine after he set them straight John felt his heart quicken and his throat tighten when then Jesus asked to be baptized — “isn’t it supposed to go the other way, Jesus?” — but that’s our God!! He is not a formula to be followed, and He is full of surprises even to someone like John. His ways are higher, and all of them serve a greater plan that we cannot and will not understand until the last! How great is our God!
I appreciated the references to the water cycle in Job, and how the waters are evaporated up into the clouds and then poured out as rain. It strengthens my faith in God as the author of the Bible because of its scientific accuracy.
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
This spoke to me. My heart is aching as today I found out one of my students is homeless. He’s 9 years old. But how great is our God? He sees it all! We can’t fathom his might and although I don’t understand his ways, I know he has a plan.
I ask for you to pray for my student with me, that he and his family find a home.
I’m going to pray for your student right now. How great is our God that YOU are his teacher, a praying woman who can petition his situation before God! It is an honor to pray for you as well this morning. Love to you!
Also, did anyone else notice: “But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” (Job 36:15) what a promise for those hard seasons!!
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”(Matthew 3:8) hit me hard tonight! It reminds me that my actions and words should demonstrate His character- and where or when they don’t, I need to repent and ask for Him to change me!
I keep trying to imagine what it feels like to feel the fullness of God’s love and heart pouring down from the Heavens, and Job 36:27-28 really bring the image to life. God is SO GOOD!
Just fully give your heart to God, sing to him with your whole heart! Then you will feel his love, allow him to fill the empty spaces in your heart, and he will!
“Should God be told I want to speak?” Job 37:20. Job had to wrestle with God on some mighty huge loss. I love that Job told God what was in his heart. God listens and waits for all of us in our pain. And welcomes. And speaks in our affliction. Then. Today. Wooing you to be free.
Wow ladies. Today before reading I prayed that the Lord would bring the text alive to me. I’ve been tiring of this back and forth in Job and Elihu kind of makes me want to punch someone (not really but you get it). BUT THE LORD IS GOOD. Two things the Lord brought to my heart. First off, I’ve always just thought the focus of Job was ok you can be obedient to the Lord and terrible things can happen and you don’t know why but His plan is supreme and He redeems for His good and His glory. God is good to His children and we must trust Him, the end. NO. That’s just the very beginning and the very end of Job! This whooooooole middle section that is killing me is kind of the whole point. So many things we have already discussed– debunking the prosperity gospel, God’s sovereignty, and loving people through their lowest darkest valleys without judgment or trying to fix/reprimand them that they deserve it. And even though we have been talking about that for weeks now, the Lord showed me that right now in my life, I am absolutely 100% Job’s friends. My sister has been through some awful circumstances in the past 2-3 years that has caused her to completely question her faith. Recently I have felt concurrently burdened to pray for her (her faith specifically) but have also been frustrated by her and don’t agree with some of her choices. Recently she brought up trying to find her faith again and wanting to believe in God and prayer but she’s scared. I have been so hesitant to say anything to her besides just listening bc some of the hurts she experienced were through close Christian friends whose responses to her we’re basically exactly that of Job’s friends. So often I have wanted (so badly!) to give her words about faith and God and hardship but I felt strongly that the Lord was silencing me. I have been so uncertain whether I should say things to her or not when she is venting (like Job!). All I can say is that today the Lord made it abundantly clear that I should continue to listen and pray. If that is my only job, I should take it up with fervor and dedication. I can’t fix her problems. I can’t bring her back to God. Only the good Shepherd can bring back his sheep. Today I am praising the Lord that I know without any doubt He is holding her close. Lord, thank you for showing me how easy it is to be like Job’s friends. Keep my mouth shut and my ears open. Thank you for answering my simple prayer today.
Christina, I’m standing in agreement with you and others who are praying for your sister as well as for you to remain fervent & obedient as the Holy Spirit leads you. Father may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…all glory, honor & praise to You Jesus for finishing it! In Jesus’ name, amen!
Christina, I smiled visualizing the “punch someone” aspect, and of course I am sure with much “Christian love”. :) I felt similarly and wondered how…much…more…can these men go back & forth (not to forget mention that these long conversations are between men too)…:) I feel like I am easily Job’s friends as well, always ready to give a remedy, a solution… I loved your input to your situation. Praying for your sister, and for you to be the person she needs in her life right now.
Thank you so much for this posting. I have been struggling with how to help my 20 year old son find his way back to The Lord. Your words have inspired me to stay the course and continue in silent prayer for me and not play the Mom guilt card of you weren’t raised this way.
Christina-your comment just made me think. “God is good to his children-but that’s just at the beginning and the end(of Job”
It makes me think of this whole cycle
God had a perfect Eden-enters Pride and Sin and we get this messiness in the middle and then redemption thru Jesus Christ and we go back to the the goodness of walking with God.
Never thought how Job is like our narratives.
Job 37:6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
7 So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.
I live in New England where there is currently 5 feet of snow on the ground! God has literally made me rest and stop laboring during these storms! Thankful! Helpful to remember these verses when I get stir crazy!
I am a teacher in New England with all these snow days. I found it timely and interesting so I bookmarked it too. I have been trying to rest, relax, and reflect.
As I read Elihu’s & John’s replies, I wonder if God is sending warnings regarding bitterness, resentment from being discouraged, turning to evil (maybe just evil thoughts!), becoming complacent, false ideologies (as in the case of the Pharisees!)…
Warnings of:
1. What not to do even when the world is collapsing and your own friends (or anyone else!) are discouraging too,
2. On how to revert back by repenting or being careful not to start hating a wrong’ee (even if it is an accurate portrayal of a direct and harmful wrong),
3. And, how we need to look back to God, to ~His magnificence~, verses our own human perception of things…never losing sight of who God is!!
It seems I have a lot to learn from this…and not just learn, but start applying better!
24 Remember that you should praise His work,
which people have sung about.
25 All mankind has seen it;
people have looked at it from a distance.
Wow. This also correlates with Romans 1
For what can be mknown about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, nhave been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,7 in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they obecame futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
I think it’s safe to say, that there is a huge urgent need for us to realize the weight of sharing the Gospel. Our living God is also a just God and He does not stay silent, praise Him!
Job 36:4 “For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you”. What arrogance! “Look Job. I am telling you the truth. I get it!” But then some of the things he goes on to say truly sound like wisdom. He comes back to the theme that God’s ways are above our ways and we cannot comprehend His plan. Then he reminds Job of the righteousness and goodness of God. Yes. He is mighty. But He is merciful.
I thought the same thing!! The only thing I wondered was whether the “One” referred to himself or God. In English it’s hard to tell… So I looked on my study Bible – sure enough – here he applies perfect wisdom to himself!! He IS as arrogant as I thought! What a punk!
Hit enter too quickly.
God doesn’t despise us! He LOVES US. Why is that so hard to believe at times? Love passages like this throughout the bible, reminding us of His Character.
“5 “God is mighty, but despises no one;
he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.”
Loved reading all these truths about God today. Even though Jobs friends are misguided in their intentions, they DO speak truths about Gods character! How many times do we assume that God despises us because we are having a “job” day? (And really, it’s not nearly of a bad day as Jobs!)
Every time I read about Jesus being baptized I am in awe of the moment after it happen and God came down in the form of the Dove and God spoke to think of the peace that would have been there in that moment when the Trinity was together at the same time on earth. I always wonder what it would have been like to have witnessed that.
It’s interesting that Elihu’s speech about Job’s personal storms of life appears to be in alignment with his thoughts on the weather as demonstrating God’s judgement on the earth.
However, in the coming chapters, the voice of the Lord gives more clarity into both of these topics, and I have a feeling that my heart will be shouting, “Who is like our God!”
Yes He is all-powerful, but if I may echo Lewis in one of my favorite Narnia passages, “He is not a tame lion, but He is GOOD.”
I am so thankful that we live on the other side of John the Baptist’s declarations. Here, we have free access to personal relationship with the one who rules the skies, and revelation through the Holy Spirit of the exact representation of the Father in His son, Jesus.
Love what you say about the “free access”! Never thought of it this way. They had to live in this time and learn from the mistakes, yet we have it all given to us to follow and learn from
I am so in awe of the power of our lord! I love the imagery of the storm in chapter 37. . It makes me wish it would start thundering now so I could sit and “listen to the roar of his voice”. Would we be full of fear and love as we think of our creator!
“If it were his intention
and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together
and mankind would return to the dust.” This is so true. But we so often forget to think like this; Realising that every breath and heartbeat is sustained by the mighty hand of our God. He deserves our worship and our complete obedience. Our very life is sustained by His word!
17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
How I hope this will be my greeting from my Holy Father when I go home to Him. ‘This is my beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased.’
What a powerful image to set for living each day to His glory. This image will be my guide, for my words, my thoughts, my deeds.
Dear Father, thank you for all you do for me each second of everyday. Please give me the strength, courage and wisdom to the life you have designed for me so that when I die you will say,
“This is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased.” In Jesus name, amen.
Jesus Christ is our hope.
Amen. God is good. I really enjoyed today’s reading in Job and the description of God and His power.
“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.””
Matthew 3:16-17 NLT
love this.
Love the story of John the Baptist!
It’s pouring heavy with rain fight now. This verse is applicable.
16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; – Matthew 3:16
❤️
❤️
This is ,y beloved son with who. I am well pleased.
I love reading how important these practices are! John felt he needed to be baptized before he was worthy of baptizing Jesus. Oh that beautiful, peaceful light of God. To hear “ I am well pleased” is the best gift.
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..” we need to hallow God’s name again. Respect God.
even when we make mistakes and sin, God is up in heaven rooting for us telling us we are loved we are enough and that everything will be OK. Just because you sin does not mean you are less valuable. The reason God does not want us to sin it’s not just because we are “breaking rules” but actually because we are breaking ourselves
many of us wonder how such a powerful and perfect God can love us. When Jesus was baptized God opened up the heavens and proclaimed this is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased. Imagine the love God has for us especially when you are feeling down or not enough. God is up in heaven saying that is my beloved child with whom I am well pleased. 
10Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Even now. Every relationship in H and C’s life that is not producing good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Even now in the name of Jesus.
♡
❤️
22Out of the north comes golden splendor;
I love this verse!
God is clothed with awesome majesty.
❤️
✔️
✅
Beautiful picture of the Trinity
✅
“Gods voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5 who are we to guess the plans of the Lord? His plans are marvelous and good! Could you imagine being John ? Seeing Jesus come to you to be baptized and the heavens open up with Being blessed for doing the baptism?! What a beautiful site it would have been.
❤️❤️
Elihu speaks. With fire in his belly. Glorifying God.
Finally caught up. Strange to only read a few chapters after crunching and cramming to get caught up.
I am a little further behind you Melanie M! But I am dedicated to seeing this through. Started late but finishing and time with the Father is the goal!
I am 2 MONTHS behind but catching up! Anyone with me… You can do this!!
Me too!
Still working on Job!
“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5❤️ who are we to guess the plans of the Lord? His plans are marvelous and good.
I may be nearly two weeks behind, but I will not quit. This last month has been a lesson in grace and perseverance. It is ok if I don’t achieve my goal of reading the Bible in a year. It is ok if I go slower, so long as I seek God daily.
Do not worry, I am two weeks behind as well. We keep going because through this daily reading we mature and we get to know and connect with God and know His Word and heart. God bless!
Right there with you!!
Idk if you can see this. But I’m just now getting to this. I am slow but I want to make it a priority that it’s something I want to do rather then to just check it off!! Keep powering through :) His grace is enough for both of us❤️
Amen!!!
At the end of my life I want to hear God say: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.””
❤️
our God is mighty and great !! -ellie
Let us consider the keeping of true repentance which bears the fruit of righteousness through faith.
My husband and I are reading together, but in different versions. As we read today’s, I Just was in awe of those who translated the Bible for us. What incredible work! We are so fortunate to have God’s words for us to read anytime we want to! What a project that would’ve been!
❤️
I think it’s easy to view God as our Father and close friend, which He is, but reading about His character and holiness is a good reminder of His glory.
God is so good, and his daily reminder through devotion is such a blessing.
i love John 36-37 and how Elihu is describing how marvelous God is❤️
Job 36: 18, 20. Beware lest wrath entice you to scoffing and let not the greatness of the ransom turn you aside…do not long for the night, when people vanish in their place.
So powerful. It’s so easy to look at the world today and think, “God, I’m ready to get this Rapture thing going.” But it’s the height of arrogance to think of our salvation this way–it’s prideful and selfish and believing that nothing going on is part of God’s plan. Instead, we should do as John did in Matthew 3:2. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Share the Gospel, love on people, help others, and worship the Lord, taking solace in knowing that this is all in His hands.
I’m totally talking about my own attitude here, not putting this on others.
I love the way that these two sections Job & Matthew complement each other. We are talking about the amazing, Mighty, incomparable God in Job and then see Him in human form in Matthee. Awesome.
Oops! Matthew.
Job 36:7 ❤️
Kylee – perfectly said!
I love Job 36:5 – God does not hate anyone!
Two bold passages, the first one HARD to read because Job’s friends so clearly have it all right-but-wrong. They KNOW the nature of God. They THINK they KNOW what Job has done to deserve this. But WE know no one can decider God’s ways, and His plans are not a formula for the righteous to follow.
So how refreshing are the BOLD words of John, proclaiming the coming of Jesus and rebuking the Pharisees who, like Job’s friends, think they have it ALL figured out & are following a step by step formula to righteousness. I imagine after he set them straight John felt his heart quicken and his throat tighten when then Jesus asked to be baptized — “isn’t it supposed to go the other way, Jesus?” — but that’s our God!! He is not a formula to be followed, and He is full of surprises even to someone like John. His ways are higher, and all of them serve a greater plan that we cannot and will not understand until the last! How great is our God!
Thank you for sharing! I hadn’t made that connection before and it helped bring new light to a familiar passage.
Well said
Praying for your student!!
I appreciated the references to the water cycle in Job, and how the waters are evaporated up into the clouds and then poured out as rain. It strengthens my faith in God as the author of the Bible because of its scientific accuracy.
5 God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
This spoke to me. My heart is aching as today I found out one of my students is homeless. He’s 9 years old. But how great is our God? He sees it all! We can’t fathom his might and although I don’t understand his ways, I know he has a plan.
I ask for you to pray for my student with me, that he and his family find a home.
Praying for him! God does have a wonderful plan, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.
I just lifted up the boy and his family in prayer, too. May His loving hand be in them and their storm reflect His glory. <3
I’m going to pray for your student right now. How great is our God that YOU are his teacher, a praying woman who can petition his situation before God! It is an honor to pray for you as well this morning. Love to you!
I am praying for this child and his family as well. May this family know the sweetness of God and feel his presence and love.
Also, did anyone else notice: “But those who suffer He delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” (Job 36:15) what a promise for those hard seasons!!
Love this. Truly speaks to me.
This really spoke to me as well, especially in my current circumstances.
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”(Matthew 3:8) hit me hard tonight! It reminds me that my actions and words should demonstrate His character- and where or when they don’t, I need to repent and ask for Him to change me!
Starting to work harder towards demonstrating better character in my daily actions and conversations lately!
I keep trying to imagine what it feels like to feel the fullness of God’s love and heart pouring down from the Heavens, and Job 36:27-28 really bring the image to life. God is SO GOOD!
Just fully give your heart to God, sing to him with your whole heart! Then you will feel his love, allow him to fill the empty spaces in your heart, and he will!
Read this out loud as if I were preaching to the masses—but I’m really preaching to myself. Ha. Such a POWERFUL message.
“Should God be told I want to speak?” Job 37:20. Job had to wrestle with God on some mighty huge loss. I love that Job told God what was in his heart. God listens and waits for all of us in our pain. And welcomes. And speaks in our affliction. Then. Today. Wooing you to be free.
Job 37:21 struck me. We can’t even look directly at the sun, which is God’s creation. Just imagine the power and luminous wonder God has!
Amen! That’s so true! Wow!
I love the last bit if Elihu’s speech where he describes how uncomprehendingly powerful God is.
Wow ladies. Today before reading I prayed that the Lord would bring the text alive to me. I’ve been tiring of this back and forth in Job and Elihu kind of makes me want to punch someone (not really but you get it). BUT THE LORD IS GOOD. Two things the Lord brought to my heart. First off, I’ve always just thought the focus of Job was ok you can be obedient to the Lord and terrible things can happen and you don’t know why but His plan is supreme and He redeems for His good and His glory. God is good to His children and we must trust Him, the end. NO. That’s just the very beginning and the very end of Job! This whooooooole middle section that is killing me is kind of the whole point. So many things we have already discussed– debunking the prosperity gospel, God’s sovereignty, and loving people through their lowest darkest valleys without judgment or trying to fix/reprimand them that they deserve it. And even though we have been talking about that for weeks now, the Lord showed me that right now in my life, I am absolutely 100% Job’s friends. My sister has been through some awful circumstances in the past 2-3 years that has caused her to completely question her faith. Recently I have felt concurrently burdened to pray for her (her faith specifically) but have also been frustrated by her and don’t agree with some of her choices. Recently she brought up trying to find her faith again and wanting to believe in God and prayer but she’s scared. I have been so hesitant to say anything to her besides just listening bc some of the hurts she experienced were through close Christian friends whose responses to her we’re basically exactly that of Job’s friends. So often I have wanted (so badly!) to give her words about faith and God and hardship but I felt strongly that the Lord was silencing me. I have been so uncertain whether I should say things to her or not when she is venting (like Job!). All I can say is that today the Lord made it abundantly clear that I should continue to listen and pray. If that is my only job, I should take it up with fervor and dedication. I can’t fix her problems. I can’t bring her back to God. Only the good Shepherd can bring back his sheep. Today I am praising the Lord that I know without any doubt He is holding her close. Lord, thank you for showing me how easy it is to be like Job’s friends. Keep my mouth shut and my ears open. Thank you for answering my simple prayer today.
Just said a prayer for your sister, Christina.
Christina, I’m standing in agreement with you and others who are praying for your sister as well as for you to remain fervent & obedient as the Holy Spirit leads you. Father may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…all glory, honor & praise to You Jesus for finishing it! In Jesus’ name, amen!
Christina, I smiled visualizing the “punch someone” aspect, and of course I am sure with much “Christian love”. :) I felt similarly and wondered how…much…more…can these men go back & forth (not to forget mention that these long conversations are between men too)…:) I feel like I am easily Job’s friends as well, always ready to give a remedy, a solution… I loved your input to your situation. Praying for your sister, and for you to be the person she needs in her life right now.
That was such a great testimony of how this reading has worked in your heart! And very helpful..thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you so much for this posting. I have been struggling with how to help my 20 year old son find his way back to The Lord. Your words have inspired me to stay the course and continue in silent prayer for me and not play the Mom guilt card of you weren’t raised this way.
Prayer for him not me.
Christina-your comment just made me think. “God is good to his children-but that’s just at the beginning and the end(of Job”
It makes me think of this whole cycle
God had a perfect Eden-enters Pride and Sin and we get this messiness in the middle and then redemption thru Jesus Christ and we go back to the the goodness of walking with God.
Never thought how Job is like our narratives.
Job 37:6 He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
7 So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor.
I live in New England where there is currently 5 feet of snow on the ground! God has literally made me rest and stop laboring during these storms! Thankful! Helpful to remember these verses when I get stir crazy!
I am a teacher in New England with all these snow days. I found it timely and interesting so I bookmarked it too. I have been trying to rest, relax, and reflect.
16 “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress
to a spacious place free from restriction,
to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.
May we allow ourselves to be wooed and to enter this spacious place…
I loved this too
As I read Elihu’s & John’s replies, I wonder if God is sending warnings regarding bitterness, resentment from being discouraged, turning to evil (maybe just evil thoughts!), becoming complacent, false ideologies (as in the case of the Pharisees!)…
Warnings of:
1. What not to do even when the world is collapsing and your own friends (or anyone else!) are discouraging too,
2. On how to revert back by repenting or being careful not to start hating a wrong’ee (even if it is an accurate portrayal of a direct and harmful wrong),
3. And, how we need to look back to God, to ~His magnificence~, verses our own human perception of things…never losing sight of who God is!!
It seems I have a lot to learn from this…and not just learn, but start applying better!
That’s a really relevant list! I’ll be writing that down! Thank you!!!
Gabrielle, I am so glad you found that helpful. May God continue to strengthen us in this journey. Thank you for the encouragement!
Good insight into Elibu’s speech:
http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/job-rebuked-in-suffering
Thank you, Lindsay! That’s very helpful :)
That was a good read! It really shed some light on the whole book!
Thanks for sharing this! Job always makes me second guess myself, and this laid it out so clearly! =)
This was awesome. Thanks Lindsay!
24 Remember that you should praise His work,
which people have sung about.
25 All mankind has seen it;
people have looked at it from a distance.
Wow. This also correlates with Romans 1
For what can be mknown about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, nhave been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,7 in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they obecame futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
I think it’s safe to say, that there is a huge urgent need for us to realize the weight of sharing the Gospel. Our living God is also a just God and He does not stay silent, praise Him!
Wow, thanks for laying this upon my heart.
Job 36:4 “For truly my words are not false; One who is perfect in knowledge is with you”. What arrogance! “Look Job. I am telling you the truth. I get it!” But then some of the things he goes on to say truly sound like wisdom. He comes back to the theme that God’s ways are above our ways and we cannot comprehend His plan. Then he reminds Job of the righteousness and goodness of God. Yes. He is mighty. But He is merciful.
I thought the same thing!! The only thing I wondered was whether the “One” referred to himself or God. In English it’s hard to tell… So I looked on my study Bible – sure enough – here he applies perfect wisdom to himself!! He IS as arrogant as I thought! What a punk!
Hit enter too quickly.
God doesn’t despise us! He LOVES US. Why is that so hard to believe at times? Love passages like this throughout the bible, reminding us of His Character.
“5 “God is mighty, but despises no one;
he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.”
Loved reading all these truths about God today. Even though Jobs friends are misguided in their intentions, they DO speak truths about Gods character! How many times do we assume that God despises us because we are having a “job” day? (And really, it’s not nearly of a bad day as Jobs!)
I agree! Even though we know Job’s story, and we know he was good, I love the reverence for the Lord that is expressed in these chapters.
Every time I read about Jesus being baptized I am in awe of the moment after it happen and God came down in the form of the Dove and God spoke to think of the peace that would have been there in that moment when the Trinity was together at the same time on earth. I always wonder what it would have been like to have witnessed that.
Me too!
It’s interesting that Elihu’s speech about Job’s personal storms of life appears to be in alignment with his thoughts on the weather as demonstrating God’s judgement on the earth.
However, in the coming chapters, the voice of the Lord gives more clarity into both of these topics, and I have a feeling that my heart will be shouting, “Who is like our God!”
Yes He is all-powerful, but if I may echo Lewis in one of my favorite Narnia passages, “He is not a tame lion, but He is GOOD.”
I am so thankful that we live on the other side of John the Baptist’s declarations. Here, we have free access to personal relationship with the one who rules the skies, and revelation through the Holy Spirit of the exact representation of the Father in His son, Jesus.
Love what you say about the “free access”! Never thought of it this way. They had to live in this time and learn from the mistakes, yet we have it all given to us to follow and learn from
So good to be able to read it on my iPad! Thanks so much for all the hard work you do at SRT!!!
I am so in awe of the power of our lord! I love the imagery of the storm in chapter 37. . It makes me wish it would start thundering now so I could sit and “listen to the roar of his voice”. Would we be full of fear and love as we think of our creator!
Love it!
It’s racing at my house at this time… I just had to stop and Thank God for something I was grumbling about when I woke up…. Talk about humbled …
Amen. There is absolutely nothing more beautiful, and in the same breath, humbling as a loud thunderstorm.
“If it were his intention
and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all humanity would perish together
and mankind would return to the dust.” This is so true. But we so often forget to think like this; Realising that every breath and heartbeat is sustained by the mighty hand of our God. He deserves our worship and our complete obedience. Our very life is sustained by His word!
17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”
How I hope this will be my greeting from my Holy Father when I go home to Him. ‘This is my beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased.’
What a powerful image to set for living each day to His glory. This image will be my guide, for my words, my thoughts, my deeds.
Dear Father, thank you for all you do for me each second of everyday. Please give me the strength, courage and wisdom to the life you have designed for me so that when I die you will say,
“This is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased.” In Jesus name, amen.
Such a beautiful heartfelt prayer! How wonderful is it that if we trust in Jesus than we can be assured of a warm and joyous welcome in His presence!
I love this image and I share y our prayer. Thanks Yana