Just joined in today, starting on day 42. Thank you God for bringing me here today & introducing me to this group and to your word. I have trust in you, Lord.
God is powerful! He is mighty! i love going back to matthew 4 and seeing how Jesus responded to Satan. He responded with scriptures and it’s a great example for us to respond in scripture but we must know the Word.
I never really think about how much God has to take care of, the birds of the sky, feeding all of the animals, making it rain, and even taking care of us. He is so powerful, what an awesome God we have!!! ❤️
I love how Peter, Andrew, James, and John just dropped their fishing nets and followed Jesus. They didn’t have to be convinced. They just did it. I want to be a disciple like that!
25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Large crowds followed Him. Are you following Him? Am I following Him?
God reminds Job He is running a universe and things are going on that Job knows nothing about. Not just the weather and the animals, but the heavenly challenge from chapter 1. Interesting, God didn’t tell Job about that, just to trust in His wisdom. ❤️
Many of us become very sad and ashamed when we are tempted. Jesus was tempted multiple times and every time he was tempted he used God’s word to fight off the devil. Truth and light will certainly win over lies and darkness. That is why it’s so important to get into God’s word even if you can’t pronounce everything correctly or don’t understand some of it just keep trying trying
I want to denounce Satan and temptation as emphatically as Jesus did, and learn to leave that temptation and fuel my energy each time temptation occurs into spreading God’s word to others.
I listened to this pod cast about how we interpret the bible. It was talking about how a lot of times we read the bible in a really narcissistic way. He was talking about how the first thing we do when we read a passage is find out how it applies to ourselves and what it says about “me”. Or we read the bible just searching to feel better about ourselves. The preacher turned the tables while explaining Jesus’s time of fasting in the wilderness, when he was tempted three times. (What we just read) Most people look at this passage and think we are only supposed to learn to be steadfast and to conquer sin the way that Jesus did but this is not the first point that should be meditated on. The pastor drew the parallel between Adam and the way he was tempted and his response and then what Jesus being tempted and His response really tells us about what Christ has already done for us. When Adam was tempted he chose sin over Gods promises.. When Jesus was tempted He conquered sin FOR us. So in the same way that Adam’s actions were the symbol of sin overtaking the world.. Jesus’s conquering of sin was the symbol of what He was about to do on the cross. Many times this passage puts the pressure on people to “fight sin” by themselves and think that this passage is a call to fight sin like Jesus did… But in reality we CANT fight sin like Jesus did… Because we are not sinless/the Son of God. So the main point of the passage was to say that this story is about what JESUS already did for us not what we can do for ourselves. So next time sin comes knocking at our doorways we can remember that Sin has already been conquered and that God is the one who will help us fight sin… We can’t do it by ourselves. The last reminder the pastor gave was advise on the way we should approach the bible.. He said we should first read the passage and find out what God is saying about Himself and then carry on to see how we might be able to apply the passage to our lives with the purpose of bringing GLORY to GOD. Not ourselves. I thought it was a really good reminder
The Creation Science researchers believe the Behemoth was a dinosaur like Brachiosaurus. It may sound far fetched to some but their theory fits with the “young earth” teaching. They believe the earth is about 10,000 yrs old, not millions like evolution teaches. They also believe that Noah brought dinosaurs (small hatchlings) onto the ark with him.
They have some interesting “outside the box “ views but maybe there’s truth to their beliefs.
Jesus was tempted and resisted, and His Spirit lives in me. Therefore, I am equipped with His power to resist temptation. Also, I am so glad that my God is not wicked, or tempted by evil. He is good and absolutely holy.
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Immediately they left… IMMEDIATELY. Oh that I would be so quick and trusting to follow God wherever He has called me!
I like to connect this verse when I am struggling with life. God allows these struggles to happen, but He controls how far they go. He is good and knows how much we can endure to prove our faith genuine.
The Job chapters and Matthew 4 really tied together to me. As humans, we like to question what God wants for us. As God reminds Job, who are we to question what He does? In Matthew 4, Satan challenges Jesus with “If you are the Son of God…”. Who is Satan to question Jesus? As humans, we are constantly asking God for proof that He does exist, when our life alone is proof enough. We are accountable to Him, not the other way around.
Also, in Matthew 4, I had to laugh out loud at Satan showing Jesus the kingdoms and saying if you bow down I will grant you all of this. Satan was offering up what God already owned. The way I interpreted this was that God created the angels, and Satan seems to have forgotten that God created him and all of the earth. When Satan fell, God granted him dominion over the earth, but never actually turned over the deed for land, correct? So Satan has a lease on it, and was offering up all the kingdoms and their glory to Jesus, when it wasn’t even his to give. It reminds me of those swindlers that try to sell someone else’s stuff without permission.
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
He will heal all those in pain or need, if it is his will. Those few verses are so powerful! If we are living in darkness we shall see a great light, and that light will be God! We must also preach to others, for the Kingdom of God IS near.
I love Jesus’ response when satan tempted him! But if I’m being honest, I get lost in all the words of the passages in Job, not really sure what they mean. Matthew 4 ties it together nicely, in that Job was being tested as Jesus would also be tested — but other than that it’s all going over my head :-/
It’s suppose to be a poem, so I find that remembering it’s supposed to sound lyrical helps me!
I agree though, Job has been difficult to read. remembering
Well when I read Job I think it’s important to remember what the book is all about. You see this book is about suffering and we see throughout the poetry different people laying out their ideas about why there is suffering. We see Job’s friends telling Job that he has no right to ask God those difficult questions like why does suffering happen to good people… and yet that is not what God says – God rewards Job for coming to him and pouring out his heart. In this chapter what the elaborate poetry is showing is the mega greatness and mighty nature of our God. God is reminding Job that he sees the full picture and even though for Job it’s too hard to understand (like it is with us) that God is so amazing that he sees absolutely everything and knows all the reasons. He is reassuring Job that the only answer that makes sense is that God is so so great and magnificent and Job should find his comfort in that knowledge of who God is!
Jesus went around proclaiming the “good news of the kingdom” — so often I read good news and think of Jesus dying for my sins and the ressurection story as the good news, but this hasn’t happened yet– so what good news is this that stirs up crowds to bring their sick to be healed? Perhaps the same good news of the sermon on the mount? Blessed are the poor in spirit, that those who mourn will be comforted, and that it isn’t about the outside of our cups, but the insides? I suppose the good news is that we have the freedom to choose God no matter our circumstances just like Job did.
Any other thoughts on what that phrase means there?
I have a question that kind of goes back to Mathew 1. My commentary said that jesus had to be born of a virgin because he had I be born sinless…if he was born sinless then he didn’t have a sinful nature and that means that he wasn’t tempted the same way we are right? I always found comfort in how Jesus stands off temptation against Satan and lived a sinless life but of course he could if he wasn’t born sinful…am I totally missing something?!
Chelsea- That is a great observation. I am wondering though… Weren’t Adam & Eve born without a sin nature yet they CHOSE to sin? And since the fall that sin nature has been passed to the entire human race? Anyone have some knowledge about this??
He was born without sin nature, but was still fully human. He felt hunger. Also after fasting for 40 days the body and mind are weak. He still had to contend with these things while being tempted.
Jesus is fully God and fully man. His blood is sinless as He gets His blood from Father God and not a single drop of Mary’s sinful blood went into Jesus in the womb, hence He is without sin. The word ‘tempted’ also means ‘tested’ in Greek if I recall correctly. This testing proves Jesus’ divinity to Satan – imagine someone gives you a real gold bar and tells you to test it if you don’t believe it’s real. After testing it in all ways you can, you know and have full assurance knowing its real gold. I guess it’s the same thing :)
What I LOVE about Matthew 4 is verses 20 and 22. Peter and Andrew “at once” left their nets and followed him. James and John “immediately” left the boat and follows Jesus. May our faith be this big!
And here is God’s perspective, His answer to the rags and tatters. “Let Him who accuses God answer him.” Jon’s answer: I am unworthy. And my hand is over my mouth. Job 40:2-4. No Words.
Both Job and Jesus went through these trials and temptation.. How often do I look at what I’m going through and try to use my own “wisdom” to solve my problems?! I am like Job, using the reasoning of man to seek fulfillment. I should me like Jeaus and use the Word as my hiding place and my defense. Humbled..
And how can I? I look at the world and try to analyze God’s character based on what I see and understand of the world. And a lot of what I come up with is pretty bad! And I think, “why would I want anything to do with a God like that?” But do I even have a clue? Do I have the right or ability to judge God? How can I evaluate the worth and beauty of the final tapestry when all I see are the tangled threads? Maybe I have been foolish as well
First God asks Job if he can match God’s knowledge and creative power. Job honestly doesn’t say much. He basically says, “ok. I’ll be quiet”. But God isn’t satisfied. Next He asks if Job has enough wisdom. He accuses God of being unjust. But with Job’s limited wisdom, how can he accuse God?
The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. Matthew 4:16 AMP
“Dawned” in KJV actually reads “sprung up”, and comes from the original word that carries the idea of both rising from the earth, and descending from Heaven. Indeed Jesus did both; Emmanuel. Praise Him.
Two things I noticed about the story of Jesus being tempted:
First, a quote I always have in my head is “Satan often tricks us by offering something good, but gaining it through evil means” see, the bread itself is good, but the mean is disobedience to God. We shouldn’t think that something comes from God, just because it seems to be good. We should always have a look on the means as well.
Second, the three temptations are a) to satisfy your own needs vs trusting God to fulfill my needs. b) to challenge God vs to trust God. c) to seek praise for yourself vs to seek praise for God. I think, these are the basic temptations everyone is facing, always disguised in a ‘nice little temptation’…
One thing I really took from the reading today was in Job 40:23, when talking about the beast, hippo possibly, it says “the river may rage, yet he is not disturbed; he is confident…” The river is the hippo’s habitat so he’s not worried when it rages. Walking with God, being in His presence, should be *our* habitat; therefore, when rivers rage, troubles come, we shouldn’t be worried! Just like Matthew’s reading of the disciples, we should leave what we have and go with Jesus! This just really spoke to me and reminded me of the huge importance it is to be living with and lovin on Jesus, so much so, that He is considered our habitat.
Was anyone else humbled!? How insignificant are we to question the acts of God? Trust is often times hard but never, not once has history shown God led any of His children wrong! This was an awesome passage. Maybe my favorite day yet. How about Matthew 4. “For it is written, do not test the Lord our God ” People say God, if I do this or God, I’m doing this so you can, even murderers try to justify acts based on what “God told them to do” yet, putting God to a test is forbidden. That’s an act, we as Christians ought not do. Once we pray, let it go. No trying to give God an ultimatum a scare tactic to do something else. Try it and let us know how it worked out.
Yes this is what I what I got from today’s reading too. Trust. And it’s something that I’m seriously needing in my life right now as I’m in the middle of a shaky transition period! I haven’t had to trust God like this in a long time (sad, I know how we just drift through life without really thinking) and it’s scary! It requires a huge leap of faith. I feel him holding me tenderly though it all though.
Also.. Sometimes it’s hard to relate to the temptation (for me at least it is) .. And I think..Of course Jesus was able to endure! He IS God! How can he relate to US?! But then I stop and tell myself.. YES He IS God and He needed to of course demonstrate His sovereignty and holiness.. But Jesus could have put an end to it and rebuked Satan to who knows where, but He didn’t! Jesus didn’t use any special thing to endure thru the temptation and He COULD have. He used what we ALL have access to which is the Word, the Light that shines in the darkness!
One thing I really took from the reading today was in Job 40:23, when talking about the beast, hippo possibly, it says “the river may rage, yet he is not disturbed; he is confident…” The river is the hippo’s habitat so he’s not worried when it rages. Walking with God, being in His presence, should be *our* habitat; therefore, when rivers rage, troubles come, we shouldn’t be worried! Just like Matthew’s reading of the disciples, we should leave what we have and go with Jesus! This just really spoke to me and reminded me of the huge importance it is to be living with and lovin on Jesus, so much so, that He is considered our habitat.
Agreed with previous posts. From science we understand more about weather patterns and the animal kingdom, but we really don’t know about the true cause of things. Only God knows! And how wise he is to rebut all of satans temptations!
Yes! I love passages like this reminding us of how little we know. Sure, we know more now but there are endless mysteries. I am a research scientist and study the brain and everyday I am face to face with how little we know. I love being able to explore God’s mysteries and learn more about them but I never presume that we will understand it completely. God’s creation is amazing!
Yes, God reveals Himself through His creation! As a daughter of a physicist, I was raised to appreciate the endless wonder that is creation. Thank you, Sarah, for the work you do as a scientist.
First- in Job, I am just captivated by the breadth of things God lists when describing his works. I think too rarely about His interaction with and control over nature and these passages really brought it back to the fact that He really does control everything on Earth. It was beautiful.
Second, it almost gave me chills reading Matthew and imagining JESUS standing on a cliff with Satan himself. I found it really interesting that it said the Spirit led JESUS up there where Satan was. And i found it comforting that even our Savior was tempted while on Earth. Not successfully, but that Satan tried.
Yes! I was affected the same way by both! And there was just something about hearing God describe His own works that I really really loved,
And I love in Matthew how Jesus fought Satan only with Scripture. It shows how powerful the Word is.
In all of the previous chapters, we have seen a swirl around Job of people who quickly voice their opinions of Job’s plot in life in full contrast to his own thoughts of his complete righteousness. I bet that walking those conversations made Job’s mind go for a spin about the character of God. Who was Job really serving, anyway? A loving God? One of fire and brimstone? Faithful to His people? Forgetful of His own? Full of promises to be fulfilled?
And now the voice of the Lord thunders to remind Job of all that He really needs to know — the full-blown majesty of the one who He has chosen to serve, and the one in whom is his life. He serves the God of Justice that holds and conducts the inner workings of the universe. Reality check.
In moments when we doubt the goodness of God, may we return to the Word that always speaks in every season, and search it out to remind ourselves of the One who spoke and all of creation was made, and yet the one who works on behalf of the widow and orphan; the one who is close to the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. O how His strength is displayed in such beautiful ways.
Oh yes! The One who spoke and created the Earth. The one who spoke and cast away evil. The one who spoke to our hearts through His word today. Let us fix our eyes on Him!
Also, I kind of love when God is sarcastic to people who think they know everything! I just really feel like God is also a Person, not that his patience gets exhausted, but that he’s put up with Job and everyone saying such rubbish about him that he’s like, “Put up or shut up – you really need to deal with not knowing everything.”
All of them – Job, the three friends, Elihu – flattered themselves by thinking they knew God’s motives. What a humbling they got from God. What a humbling I’m getting from God in these chapters!
I feel like Job so often! “My words have been frivolous: what can I reply? I had better lay my finger in my lips.” When it comes to God, nothing can stand against him no matter how big the adversity feels to me.
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Such a beautiful picture of our Lord teaching truth, sharing the good news AND serving. Word and Walk in action!
Loved reading the chapters in Job today, as God spoke to Him through a storm… Wow!! It connects well with what I learnt at church camp last weekend. We try to understand or reason with God from human-focus: as if we are the centre of the universe and everything revolves around us. E.g. Why would a good and loving God allow suffering? Or why is he allowing this to happen to me; have I done something wrong? The question is why not? He’s God and he owes us nothing. It’s not for us to question his motives or his reasons.
The fact is we are created beings and he is the Creator! Can we send hail and snow? Were we there when the earth was created? Do we provide food for the beasts or give them the wisdom to hunt for their prey? No. Because we are not God. Would he really be all powerful, majestic and glorious if humans could understand everything with our human flawed minds?? The speaker encouraged us to stop telling God what He *should* do and start listening to what He is doing. And he has been doing a lot as we read through the Bible and see His marvellous redemptive plan through all the stories in the OT and fulfilled in the NT. We serve an awesome God who is working beyond our understanding. His world including us revolves around Him and His glory!!! And yet He loves us and is so so good and kind and compassionate. What an amazing God we serve!
Wow. Jess. Your wisdom continues to amaze me. I personally identify with you in more ways than one and your message the other morning about your eating disorder and claiming it as a blessing instead of a curse was complete knspiration. I am currently battling an eating disorder myself (it’s taken me years to admit to that and not feel completely ashamed). I have been through treatment and am currently taking my first few stumbling steps in recovery. Your progress and your heartfelt confession have really made a difference in my views of whether or not recovery is possible. It is with His help and His power ALONE. Thank you for taking the time to share your heart.
Much love.
-Reneé
Renee, my roommate has been struggling with the same thing, as well as a childhood friend and although I am just an outsider trying to help, I understand what a struggle it can be, prayers with both you and Jess!
Renee, prayers for you, sweetie. You too,Jess. God is right there with you both in every moment, and every struggle. As we see in these passages of Job, He is so much bigger than our struggles and heartache. You both will conquer and be victorious in God’s strength.
Reminded of this verse in connection with these passages both with Job’s suffering and then of Jesus’
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
Love the thought of God himself doing the restoring…He could have sent any manner of angels to talk to Job but He himself has the conversation.
Just joined in today, starting on day 42. Thank you God for bringing me here today & introducing me to this group and to your word. I have trust in you, Lord.
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I love you so much, Jesus! Thank you for drawing me closer to you through your word. Amen!
With Jesus there is fulfilment.
How mighty God is. The words of Gos talking to job was so powerful
Could people pray for my faith please?
Praying for you this morning!
God is powerful! He is mighty! i love going back to matthew 4 and seeing how Jesus responded to Satan. He responded with scriptures and it’s a great example for us to respond in scripture but we must know the Word.
How great is our God!
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love this
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Devil tries to use Gods word to deceive us
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Incredible Job passage today! ❤️
I never really think about how much God has to take care of, the birds of the sky, feeding all of the animals, making it rain, and even taking care of us. He is so powerful, what an awesome God we have!!! ❤️
Rewatched Passion of the Christ last night.
I love how Peter, Andrew, James, and John just dropped their fishing nets and followed Jesus. They didn’t have to be convinced. They just did it. I want to be a disciple like that!
25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Large crowds followed Him. Are you following Him? Am I following Him?
God reminds Job He is running a universe and things are going on that Job knows nothing about. Not just the weather and the animals, but the heavenly challenge from chapter 1. Interesting, God didn’t tell Job about that, just to trust in His wisdom. ❤️
Many of us become very sad and ashamed when we are tempted. Jesus was tempted multiple times and every time he was tempted he used God’s word to fight off the devil. Truth and light will certainly win over lies and darkness. That is why it’s so important to get into God’s word even if you can’t pronounce everything correctly or don’t understand some of it just keep trying trying
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10“Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity;
clothe yourself with glory and splendor.
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Way behind but loving this reading plan!
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Jesus tells Satan, “do not put the Lord your God to the test.” This is a good reminder for us too!
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
10Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,
“‘You shall worship the Lord your God
and him only shall you serve.’”
-ellie
amen !-ellie
May we take heed of those who use scripture for their own devices and do not honor the true meaning and power of His Word.
I want to denounce Satan and temptation as emphatically as Jesus did, and learn to leave that temptation and fuel my energy each time temptation occurs into spreading God’s word to others.
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Day 42
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I listened to this pod cast about how we interpret the bible. It was talking about how a lot of times we read the bible in a really narcissistic way. He was talking about how the first thing we do when we read a passage is find out how it applies to ourselves and what it says about “me”. Or we read the bible just searching to feel better about ourselves. The preacher turned the tables while explaining Jesus’s time of fasting in the wilderness, when he was tempted three times. (What we just read) Most people look at this passage and think we are only supposed to learn to be steadfast and to conquer sin the way that Jesus did but this is not the first point that should be meditated on. The pastor drew the parallel between Adam and the way he was tempted and his response and then what Jesus being tempted and His response really tells us about what Christ has already done for us. When Adam was tempted he chose sin over Gods promises.. When Jesus was tempted He conquered sin FOR us. So in the same way that Adam’s actions were the symbol of sin overtaking the world.. Jesus’s conquering of sin was the symbol of what He was about to do on the cross. Many times this passage puts the pressure on people to “fight sin” by themselves and think that this passage is a call to fight sin like Jesus did… But in reality we CANT fight sin like Jesus did… Because we are not sinless/the Son of God. So the main point of the passage was to say that this story is about what JESUS already did for us not what we can do for ourselves. So next time sin comes knocking at our doorways we can remember that Sin has already been conquered and that God is the one who will help us fight sin… We can’t do it by ourselves. The last reminder the pastor gave was advise on the way we should approach the bible.. He said we should first read the passage and find out what God is saying about Himself and then carry on to see how we might be able to apply the passage to our lives with the purpose of bringing GLORY to GOD. Not ourselves. I thought it was a really good reminder
Thank you for this Kayce!
Thank you for sharing. Excellent points!
Wow that is such insight and it is so helpful !
I’m intrigued as to what animal the Behemoth actually is.
The Creation Science researchers believe the Behemoth was a dinosaur like Brachiosaurus. It may sound far fetched to some but their theory fits with the “young earth” teaching. They believe the earth is about 10,000 yrs old, not millions like evolution teaches. They also believe that Noah brought dinosaurs (small hatchlings) onto the ark with him.
They have some interesting “outside the box “ views but maybe there’s truth to their beliefs.
Jesus was tempted and resisted, and His Spirit lives in me. Therefore, I am equipped with His power to resist temptation. Also, I am so glad that my God is not wicked, or tempted by evil. He is good and absolutely holy.
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Immediately they left… IMMEDIATELY. Oh that I would be so quick and trusting to follow God wherever He has called me!
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?
I like to connect this verse when I am struggling with life. God allows these struggles to happen, but He controls how far they go. He is good and knows how much we can endure to prove our faith genuine.
What a great connection! Thank you for sharing
The Job chapters and Matthew 4 really tied together to me. As humans, we like to question what God wants for us. As God reminds Job, who are we to question what He does? In Matthew 4, Satan challenges Jesus with “If you are the Son of God…”. Who is Satan to question Jesus? As humans, we are constantly asking God for proof that He does exist, when our life alone is proof enough. We are accountable to Him, not the other way around.
Also, in Matthew 4, I had to laugh out loud at Satan showing Jesus the kingdoms and saying if you bow down I will grant you all of this. Satan was offering up what God already owned. The way I interpreted this was that God created the angels, and Satan seems to have forgotten that God created him and all of the earth. When Satan fell, God granted him dominion over the earth, but never actually turned over the deed for land, correct? So Satan has a lease on it, and was offering up all the kingdoms and their glory to Jesus, when it wasn’t even his to give. It reminds me of those swindlers that try to sell someone else’s stuff without permission.
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
Thy will be done Lord!
He will heal all those in pain or need, if it is his will. Those few verses are so powerful! If we are living in darkness we shall see a great light, and that light will be God! We must also preach to others, for the Kingdom of God IS near.
I love Jesus’ response when satan tempted him! But if I’m being honest, I get lost in all the words of the passages in Job, not really sure what they mean. Matthew 4 ties it together nicely, in that Job was being tested as Jesus would also be tested — but other than that it’s all going over my head :-/
I feel the same way!! It’s easy to get lost in all the words!allallwordsworks
Woah, don’t know what happened there! * in all the words!
It’s suppose to be a poem, so I find that remembering it’s supposed to sound lyrical helps me!
I agree though, Job has been difficult to read. remembering
Well when I read Job I think it’s important to remember what the book is all about. You see this book is about suffering and we see throughout the poetry different people laying out their ideas about why there is suffering. We see Job’s friends telling Job that he has no right to ask God those difficult questions like why does suffering happen to good people… and yet that is not what God says – God rewards Job for coming to him and pouring out his heart. In this chapter what the elaborate poetry is showing is the mega greatness and mighty nature of our God. God is reminding Job that he sees the full picture and even though for Job it’s too hard to understand (like it is with us) that God is so amazing that he sees absolutely everything and knows all the reasons. He is reassuring Job that the only answer that makes sense is that God is so so great and magnificent and Job should find his comfort in that knowledge of who God is!
Amazing truly amazing!
I love how it says they left their boats AT ONCE. No questions of their comfortable lifestyle, just trust.
The good news for them would be that their long-awaited messiah was here!
Jesus went around proclaiming the “good news of the kingdom” — so often I read good news and think of Jesus dying for my sins and the ressurection story as the good news, but this hasn’t happened yet– so what good news is this that stirs up crowds to bring their sick to be healed? Perhaps the same good news of the sermon on the mount? Blessed are the poor in spirit, that those who mourn will be comforted, and that it isn’t about the outside of our cups, but the insides? I suppose the good news is that we have the freedom to choose God no matter our circumstances just like Job did.
Any other thoughts on what that phrase means there?
The good news for them would be that their long-awaited messiah was here!
I have a question that kind of goes back to Mathew 1. My commentary said that jesus had to be born of a virgin because he had I be born sinless…if he was born sinless then he didn’t have a sinful nature and that means that he wasn’t tempted the same way we are right? I always found comfort in how Jesus stands off temptation against Satan and lived a sinless life but of course he could if he wasn’t born sinful…am I totally missing something?!
Chelsea- That is a great observation. I am wondering though… Weren’t Adam & Eve born without a sin nature yet they CHOSE to sin? And since the fall that sin nature has been passed to the entire human race? Anyone have some knowledge about this??
He was born without sin nature, but was still fully human. He felt hunger. Also after fasting for 40 days the body and mind are weak. He still had to contend with these things while being tempted.
Jesus is fully God and fully man. His blood is sinless as He gets His blood from Father God and not a single drop of Mary’s sinful blood went into Jesus in the womb, hence He is without sin. The word ‘tempted’ also means ‘tested’ in Greek if I recall correctly. This testing proves Jesus’ divinity to Satan – imagine someone gives you a real gold bar and tells you to test it if you don’t believe it’s real. After testing it in all ways you can, you know and have full assurance knowing its real gold. I guess it’s the same thing :)
What I LOVE about Matthew 4 is verses 20 and 22. Peter and Andrew “at once” left their nets and followed him. James and John “immediately” left the boat and follows Jesus. May our faith be this big!
That strikes me too! There are some areas of my life that would be hard to immediately leave. Reminds me to keep an eternal perspective.
That struck me too…it’s powerful!
And here is God’s perspective, His answer to the rags and tatters. “Let Him who accuses God answer him.” Jon’s answer: I am unworthy. And my hand is over my mouth. Job 40:2-4. No Words.
Love how descriptive this section is! Makes everything feel so much more real and shows gods power over everything
Both Job and Jesus went through these trials and temptation.. How often do I look at what I’m going through and try to use my own “wisdom” to solve my problems?! I am like Job, using the reasoning of man to seek fulfillment. I should me like Jeaus and use the Word as my hiding place and my defense. Humbled..
And how can I? I look at the world and try to analyze God’s character based on what I see and understand of the world. And a lot of what I come up with is pretty bad! And I think, “why would I want anything to do with a God like that?” But do I even have a clue? Do I have the right or ability to judge God? How can I evaluate the worth and beauty of the final tapestry when all I see are the tangled threads? Maybe I have been foolish as well
First God asks Job if he can match God’s knowledge and creative power. Job honestly doesn’t say much. He basically says, “ok. I’ll be quiet”. But God isn’t satisfied. Next He asks if Job has enough wisdom. He accuses God of being unjust. But with Job’s limited wisdom, how can he accuse God?
The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. Matthew 4:16 AMP
“Dawned” in KJV actually reads “sprung up”, and comes from the original word that carries the idea of both rising from the earth, and descending from Heaven. Indeed Jesus did both; Emmanuel. Praise Him.
#365daysoftruth #lampandlight #biblestudy
That’s amazing thank you for sharing:)
Two things I noticed about the story of Jesus being tempted:
First, a quote I always have in my head is “Satan often tricks us by offering something good, but gaining it through evil means” see, the bread itself is good, but the mean is disobedience to God. We shouldn’t think that something comes from God, just because it seems to be good. We should always have a look on the means as well.
Second, the three temptations are a) to satisfy your own needs vs trusting God to fulfill my needs. b) to challenge God vs to trust God. c) to seek praise for yourself vs to seek praise for God. I think, these are the basic temptations everyone is facing, always disguised in a ‘nice little temptation’…
Love this!
One thing I really took from the reading today was in Job 40:23, when talking about the beast, hippo possibly, it says “the river may rage, yet he is not disturbed; he is confident…” The river is the hippo’s habitat so he’s not worried when it rages. Walking with God, being in His presence, should be *our* habitat; therefore, when rivers rage, troubles come, we shouldn’t be worried! Just like Matthew’s reading of the disciples, we should leave what we have and go with Jesus! This just really spoke to me and reminded me of the huge importance it is to be living with and lovin on Jesus, so much so, that He is considered our habitat.
I didn’t mean to repost this
Was anyone else humbled!? How insignificant are we to question the acts of God? Trust is often times hard but never, not once has history shown God led any of His children wrong! This was an awesome passage. Maybe my favorite day yet. How about Matthew 4. “For it is written, do not test the Lord our God ” People say God, if I do this or God, I’m doing this so you can, even murderers try to justify acts based on what “God told them to do” yet, putting God to a test is forbidden. That’s an act, we as Christians ought not do. Once we pray, let it go. No trying to give God an ultimatum a scare tactic to do something else. Try it and let us know how it worked out.
Yes this is what I what I got from today’s reading too. Trust. And it’s something that I’m seriously needing in my life right now as I’m in the middle of a shaky transition period! I haven’t had to trust God like this in a long time (sad, I know how we just drift through life without really thinking) and it’s scary! It requires a huge leap of faith. I feel him holding me tenderly though it all though.
Also.. Sometimes it’s hard to relate to the temptation (for me at least it is) .. And I think..Of course Jesus was able to endure! He IS God! How can he relate to US?! But then I stop and tell myself.. YES He IS God and He needed to of course demonstrate His sovereignty and holiness.. But Jesus could have put an end to it and rebuked Satan to who knows where, but He didn’t! Jesus didn’t use any special thing to endure thru the temptation and He COULD have. He used what we ALL have access to which is the Word, the Light that shines in the darkness!
Yes…he used scripture! Testifies to the power of scripture and how important it is to hide it in our hearts! Great point!
One thing I really took from the reading today was in Job 40:23, when talking about the beast, hippo possibly, it says “the river may rage, yet he is not disturbed; he is confident…” The river is the hippo’s habitat so he’s not worried when it rages. Walking with God, being in His presence, should be *our* habitat; therefore, when rivers rage, troubles come, we shouldn’t be worried! Just like Matthew’s reading of the disciples, we should leave what we have and go with Jesus! This just really spoke to me and reminded me of the huge importance it is to be living with and lovin on Jesus, so much so, that He is considered our habitat.
LOVE THIS!! Hope you don’t mind that I wrote this down in my journal :)
Oh absolutely! I’m glad it made sense to someone else! :) sometimes I have these mini revelations and think i may be alone in that one LOL
LOVE this! He uses what we all have access to… Praise God for Jesus our perfect example!
Yes!
Love the use of 40 days and 40 nights in matthew 4! Where Israel failed in the OT (Deuteronomy), Jesus would succeed!
Amen! I am so glad that little detail was added!
Agreed with previous posts. From science we understand more about weather patterns and the animal kingdom, but we really don’t know about the true cause of things. Only God knows! And how wise he is to rebut all of satans temptations!
Yes! I love passages like this reminding us of how little we know. Sure, we know more now but there are endless mysteries. I am a research scientist and study the brain and everyday I am face to face with how little we know. I love being able to explore God’s mysteries and learn more about them but I never presume that we will understand it completely. God’s creation is amazing!
Yes, God reveals Himself through His creation! As a daughter of a physicist, I was raised to appreciate the endless wonder that is creation. Thank you, Sarah, for the work you do as a scientist.
Two thoughts on today.
First- in Job, I am just captivated by the breadth of things God lists when describing his works. I think too rarely about His interaction with and control over nature and these passages really brought it back to the fact that He really does control everything on Earth. It was beautiful.
Second, it almost gave me chills reading Matthew and imagining JESUS standing on a cliff with Satan himself. I found it really interesting that it said the Spirit led JESUS up there where Satan was. And i found it comforting that even our Savior was tempted while on Earth. Not successfully, but that Satan tried.
Yes! I was affected the same way by both! And there was just something about hearing God describe His own works that I really really loved,
And I love in Matthew how Jesus fought Satan only with Scripture. It shows how powerful the Word is.
Same!
In all of the previous chapters, we have seen a swirl around Job of people who quickly voice their opinions of Job’s plot in life in full contrast to his own thoughts of his complete righteousness. I bet that walking those conversations made Job’s mind go for a spin about the character of God. Who was Job really serving, anyway? A loving God? One of fire and brimstone? Faithful to His people? Forgetful of His own? Full of promises to be fulfilled?
And now the voice of the Lord thunders to remind Job of all that He really needs to know — the full-blown majesty of the one who He has chosen to serve, and the one in whom is his life. He serves the God of Justice that holds and conducts the inner workings of the universe. Reality check.
In moments when we doubt the goodness of God, may we return to the Word that always speaks in every season, and search it out to remind ourselves of the One who spoke and all of creation was made, and yet the one who works on behalf of the widow and orphan; the one who is close to the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. O how His strength is displayed in such beautiful ways.
Beautifully said.
Oh yes! The One who spoke and created the Earth. The one who spoke and cast away evil. The one who spoke to our hearts through His word today. Let us fix our eyes on Him!
Oh yes. Thank you for sharing.
Also, I kind of love when God is sarcastic to people who think they know everything! I just really feel like God is also a Person, not that his patience gets exhausted, but that he’s put up with Job and everyone saying such rubbish about him that he’s like, “Put up or shut up – you really need to deal with not knowing everything.”
All of them – Job, the three friends, Elihu – flattered themselves by thinking they knew God’s motives. What a humbling they got from God. What a humbling I’m getting from God in these chapters!
So true. Who can know the mind of God…and then howJesus came to reveal the Father to us.
I feel like Job so often! “My words have been frivolous: what can I reply? I had better lay my finger in my lips.” When it comes to God, nothing can stand against him no matter how big the adversity feels to me.
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Such a beautiful picture of our Lord teaching truth, sharing the good news AND serving. Word and Walk in action!
Loved reading the chapters in Job today, as God spoke to Him through a storm… Wow!! It connects well with what I learnt at church camp last weekend. We try to understand or reason with God from human-focus: as if we are the centre of the universe and everything revolves around us. E.g. Why would a good and loving God allow suffering? Or why is he allowing this to happen to me; have I done something wrong? The question is why not? He’s God and he owes us nothing. It’s not for us to question his motives or his reasons.
The fact is we are created beings and he is the Creator! Can we send hail and snow? Were we there when the earth was created? Do we provide food for the beasts or give them the wisdom to hunt for their prey? No. Because we are not God. Would he really be all powerful, majestic and glorious if humans could understand everything with our human flawed minds?? The speaker encouraged us to stop telling God what He *should* do and start listening to what He is doing. And he has been doing a lot as we read through the Bible and see His marvellous redemptive plan through all the stories in the OT and fulfilled in the NT. We serve an awesome God who is working beyond our understanding. His world including us revolves around Him and His glory!!! And yet He loves us and is so so good and kind and compassionate. What an amazing God we serve!
Wow. Jess. Your wisdom continues to amaze me. I personally identify with you in more ways than one and your message the other morning about your eating disorder and claiming it as a blessing instead of a curse was complete knspiration. I am currently battling an eating disorder myself (it’s taken me years to admit to that and not feel completely ashamed). I have been through treatment and am currently taking my first few stumbling steps in recovery. Your progress and your heartfelt confession have really made a difference in my views of whether or not recovery is possible. It is with His help and His power ALONE. Thank you for taking the time to share your heart.
Much love.
-Reneé
Renee, my roommate has been struggling with the same thing, as well as a childhood friend and although I am just an outsider trying to help, I understand what a struggle it can be, prayers with both you and Jess!
Thank you for your beautiful encouraging comment Renee. It’s a roller coaster ride but He holds us ALL the way. Praying for you right now!! xxx
I praise God for this community of women and how we are lifting up and encouraging one another!
Renee, prayers for you, sweetie. You too,Jess. God is right there with you both in every moment, and every struggle. As we see in these passages of Job, He is so much bigger than our struggles and heartache. You both will conquer and be victorious in God’s strength.
Loved everything about this Jess!
Reminded of this verse in connection with these passages both with Job’s suffering and then of Jesus’
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
Love the thought of God himself doing the restoring…He could have sent any manner of angels to talk to Job but He himself has the conversation.
Ah so beautiful! Where he wounds, he also restores!
Nice analogy
Agreed!