SOAP 10/20/2015; Job 7:17-18

Today's reading: Job 6, 7, 8; Acts 12

S) "¹⁷ What is man that You magnify him,
And that You are concerned about him,
¹⁸ That You examine him every morning
And try him every moment?"

Job 7:17-18 (NASB)

O) Job was expressing his anguish about the unceasing test he was facing. He understood God was testing him, as indeed the devil, "the tester" had been released against him according to the will of God (although, he probably didn't understand that much detail, as he never actually mentions the devil, as we are told about those interactions separately in chapters 1 and 2). Job knew he was being tested, but he was full of despair, even sounding suicidal (see v.15). Even though he voiced his complaint freely, speaking his frustrations and confusion over the relentless trial he faced, they were always just that: expressions of raw emotion. He never blamed God, never forsook Him, never cursed Him.

A) Even though the trials are different, I have definitely felt this in the past. Whether it is something like continual financial struggle, or relentless temptation to sin, I have felt tested in a way that felt like it was never-ending. But it's not infinite. Even Job understood that. He spoke the truth of it in vv. 1 and 2. There is an end to the testing. For me, that was made even more clear by Jesus Christ. He told us that when He left, He was preparing a place for those who are following Him. He promised us His glory in the resurrection. As much as I could ever relate to Job, in feeling like my trials are unending, I must persevere and remember that there will be an eternal end, even if there never is a temporal one.

P) Father, at this very moment, I feel a respite from my testing. You have given me grace, that I am in a peaceful season, even if it is only for today. I know that You will test those who love You, because in that testing my love is proven. I know that the testing is not for Your knowledge, but actually for mine. I want to prove myself, God. I will be faithful, I will be obedient, I will persevere. I know that there will be tests that I fail, but I thank You for the mercy and grace that I will have through those failures. Even in my shortcomings, You will be glorified because of the gospel. So, whether in my testing or at my rest, whether in trials or in peace, be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/19/2015; Job 5:2

Today's reading: Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10, 11

S) "² For anger slays the foolish man,
And jealousy kills the simple."

Job 5:2 (NASB)

O) Eliphaz continued his plea with Job here, by confirming the dangers of anger and jealousy. They are both lethal, when left unchecked. The foolish man and the simple man are defined by how much they allow anger and jealousy to take root. It is not foolish to become angry, but it is foolish to remain angry. Remaining in that anger will slay a man. Jealousy works the same way, turning a normal man into a simpleton, before killing him. Normal, average people (if such a thing could be defined) will become foolish or simpleminded, before being consumed in anger or jealousy. Eliphaz's warning to Job was about this very transformation.

A) The real warning to heed, here, is that anger can make me a foolish man. Jealousy can make me simple-minded. There is no remedy to say, "Well, I'm not foolish, so I can remain angry." Likewise, there is no defense with jealousy. I am not normally angry, and not normally jealous. However, it is easy to slip into an emotion, any emotion, for a moment. Similarly, I'd like to believe I am not usually a fool or simple. Still, anyone capable of becoming angry or jealous, is capable of becoming a fool or simple, and that can literally be deadly. So, recognizing those emotions, and surrendering them to my Lord, is the primary safeguard against the kind of anger and jealousy that will cost me dearly.

P) Father, You are wise and slow to anger. I am simple and prone to anger. I want to become more like You, Lord. In Jesus Christ, I was given the perfect example of living. Only by the Holy Spirit, could I ever have that kind of life. But, the glory of the gospel is shown, in that, I am given the power of the Holy Spirit within me, to do just that. Jesus came to give me life, and life to its fullest! I can live free from anger, free from jealousy. Open my eyes to see when I am falling prey to the emotions of my flesh. Let me surrender quickly, to the power of the cross, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Himself. Be glorified by the peace and joy in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/18/2015; Job 4:2

Today's reading: Job 3, 4; Acts 8, 9

S) "² If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient?
But who can refrain from speaking?"

Job 4:2 (NASB)

O) When Job began to speak, after a week of silence spent with his friends (see Job 2:13), his words were mostly lament at being born at all (see chapter 3). So now, we have the first response of his friends (this one from Eliphaz). As he explains in the following few verses, they knew Job to be a wise man, who had counseled many other people through various troubles. So, now the tables were turned. Before even trying to give advice, Eliphaz wants to set the expectation for their discussion. If Job wasn't even going to hear them out, there would be no point in discussing things at all. Even still, Eliphaz felt he could not stop himself from giving his opinion on the matter.

A) There are two ways to view this verse, and it really depends on how I see myself connecting to these two men. If I am the in a position of needing counsel, then I need to carefully consider this question directly to me. Am I going to be patient, when people have something to say about my life and the circumstances I face? Will I be able to hear them out, and be humble, and be teachable? Will I be ready to hear admonishing words, or even rebuking? On the other hand, if I am in a position like Eliphaz, and someone else is going through something, I should carefully consider who they are. I should acknowledge that their circumstance may be unique and unprecedented for them. I should also approach the conversation delicately, and try to disarm any feelings of defensiveness or hostility. When it seems like I cannot ignore something, and I cannot help but bring something up, then I should first ask the person if they will even hear me out.

P) Father, Your counsel is always perfect, and Your wisdom and authority are complete. If ever I am needing counsel, let me first turn to You, searching Your word, and praying for wisdom and understanding. Beyond that, when I seek other wise counsel, from trustworthy Christians, let me be humble and teachable, and to lay aside my own history of counseling others. Help me to disregard any feelings of pride, and patiently hear people who are lovingly trying to help me. On the other side, let me always approach people carefully, when I am in a position to give advice. Let me carefully consider Your Word, and how it should apply to their circumstances. Before I actually give anyone counsel, remind me to start humbly, by asking if they even want my advice. If they will be patient and hear me out, then let me present biblical answers to their circumstances, as You lead and give me wisdom. In every way be glorified, whether I am receiving counsel or giving it. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/17/2015; Psalm 64:2-4

Today's reading: Job 1, 2; Acts 6, 7*

S) "² Hide me from the secret counsel of evildoers,
From the tumult of those who do iniquity,
³ Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword.
They aimed bitter speech as their arrow,
⁴ To shoot from concealment at the blameless;
Suddenly they shoot at him, and do not fear."

Psalm 64:2-4 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 64

O) David had many, very real enemies. He had military enemies and physical warfare. He also had political enemies, both within and without his own kingdom. All the while, his practice was to voice his concerns directly to God, through song. He understood that no one was going to help him more than God would. In this passage, it seems he is referring to those political opponents who were attacking him with words (possibly things like false accusations). Normally, to speak against a king would carry a swift and severe punishment, but apparently David did not execute such commands. Whether he refused, or was unable, I do not know. Whatever the reason, it is clear that his opponents did not fear voicing their cutting remarks.

A) There was a time and place, that speaking against Christ and the church, carried a very swift and severe punishment. That pendulum swung too far, in many ways, as Christians persecuted and even killed people, wrongly in the name of Christ. Sometimes, I think it is partly because of that bloody history, that the culture today seems so vehemently against Christianity. So now, while I am not in a similar position to David, I am seeing a similar opponent. As a Christian, I expect oppositions. The world will hate me because they hate Christ. They will have cutting words against blameless behavior, and shoot at me without fear. In all of that possible tumult, I will react like David. I will remember that only God can save from such a foe, but He is indeed mighty to save! I have no fear, because just as Christ said, He has overcome the world. I will pray, maybe not always with the poetry of David's words, but I will pray that God will deliver me from such evildoers. Even if I am not delivered in this world, I will be delivered in the next.

P) Father, You are righteous and holy. You are my Savior, and there is no other to deliver me. Hide me from the secret counsel of evildoers, from the tumult of those who do iniquity, who have sharpened their tongue like a sword. They aimed bitter speech as their arrow, to shoot from concealment at the blameless; suddenly they shoot at me, and do not fear. But You are a righteous judge. You are a mighty fortress. In You, I will dwell safely, until I am brought into Your glory for eternity. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.