SOAP 10/23/2015; Job 14:4-5

Today's reading: Job 13, 14; Acts 17, 18

S) "⁴ Who can make the clean out of the unclean?
No one!
⁵ Since his days are determined,
The number of his months is with You;
And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass."

Job 14:4-5 (NASB)

O) In context, Job was making a point about the brevity of a man's life. In v.4, his reference about unclean to clean, in context, has to do with a man trying to extend his own life. That is, our sinful and unclean bodies cannot be made clean (by ourselves), such that we will prolong life. God has already determined the number of days a man shall live. God sets the limits for a man, and he can do nothing to extend that limit. The use of days and months, seems to give the impression of both a micro-view, and a macro-view on this topic. In the details, there is nothing that we can do, and in the grand scheme, there is nothing we can do.

A) This is quite contrary to what the modern medical and health industries would have us believe. While I do think it's important to be a good steward for my body, and that there are many unhealthy things I can do which would actually be sinful, the errors I should be concerned about are the spiritual errors. It is so much more important, even infinitely more important, that I am spiritually healthy. I can be in the best health in the world, but when God decides to take me home, my health will not stand in His way. Certainly, gluttony is sinful, but so is pride. Laziness is sinful, but working out can be idolatrous. Death awaits this flesh, it is unclean. There is nothing I can do to clean it. In the end, this body will die, and one day I will have a new, perfect, glorious body. In the meantime, I must not concern myself with the longevity of my physical life, but the quality of my spiritual life.

P) Father, Help me maintain focus, God. You are holy, and so I want to be holy. You see the inner man, and that is what concerns You. I want a circumcised heart, not circumcised flesh. It is an easy lie to believe that I can somehow control, or even affect, my own lifespan. You determine the length of my days. In that way, help me to be a good steward of my time. I don't want to waste the time You have given me. Help me be wise, and to follow my convictions, about how I use the time You have allotted me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/22/2015; Psalm 68:19

Today's reading: Job 11, 12; Acts 15, 16*

S) "¹⁹ Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,
The God who is our salvation. Selah."

Psalm 68:19 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 68

O) The concept of a burden means a lot to a people who have come out of slavery. When the Israelites were coming out of Egypt, we read that God told them He was delivering them from the burdens of the Egyptians (see Exodus 6:6-7). Only a short time later, in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, we see Moses had a difficult time being a judge, and he likened it to a burden that was too hard for him. In Job 7:20, he likens his own sins to a self-imposed burden. In a similar way, in Psalm 38:4, David also likened his iniquities to a burden too heavy for himself. But here, we see that David, who was in the middle of a much larger psalm, contextually speaking, makes the point that God, who is our salvation, bears our burden daily. When Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would break the yoke of burden from the people, we can see that it wasn't meant as a reference to slavery to other nations, because Jesus didn't establish a kingdom of flesh and blood, but a spiritual Kingdom. So, the breaking of the yoke was about spiritual burdens, and also a reference to the slavery of sin. When Jesus tells us to come, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and to take up His burden, I think it is as much about burdens of life, as it is a reference to laying down our sins, and taking up His righteousness. Jesus bore the burden of our sins, when He carried the cross to Golgotha, and allowed Himself to be hanged on it.

A) Everyday, the Lord of my Salvation bears the burden of my sins, in His eternal sacrifice on the cross. Not that Jesus must be continually crucified, He took the penalty once for all, but that my sins need His atonement every single day. Certainly, God is my Comforter. Since I laid my life down for Christ, and the Holy Spirit came upon me, I have relied on His comfort and refuge countless times. He has carried by burdens of grief, of uncertainty, and even of physical needs. However, He has also carried my burden of shame. This verse is a reminder of what David knew very well, and what I need to remember each day. The Lord saved me from myself. My God who is my salvation, bears the burdens of my weakness, my brokenness, my sins, each day. The Lord daily saves me from myself.

P) Father, blessed be Your name. You bear my burdens daily, my God who is my salvation. I am humbled by this grace. Be glorified in my weakness, and my need for my Savior. Let me be unashamed that I need the gospel every day, to change me from who I was, to the man You are calling me to be. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/21/2015; Job 9:27-28

Today's reading: Job 9, 10; Acts 13, 14

S) "²⁷ Though I say, 'I will forget my complaint,
I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,'
²⁸ I am afraid of all my pains,
I know that You will not acquit me."

Job 9:27-28 (NASB)

O) Job was obviously dealing with physical struggles, but he was also dealing with tremendous emotional pain. It cannot be overlooked, that he had lost everything he could possibly value. He lost his offspring. It would seem his wife also left him, although she didn't die. He lost all of his possessions. Through this, he couldn't see any specific thing he had done wrong, but he understood that if God saw him as guilty, he stood no chance for appeal. In this brief passage (vv.25-35), he started to express the futility of his life, realizing he had no hope of pleading with God. In the verses above, he specifically notes that even optimism is pointless, because it doesn't actually change his situation. He knows that putting on a happy face doesn't actually change the pain that is coming against him, because it doesn't change how God sees him. He understood that if God was indeed against him, there was nothing he could do for himself about that (see v.32-35).

A) Optimism does not work. In a general way, I suppose my outlook on life would be described as optimistic. However, I cringe a little every time I hear myself described that way. Even though I could never correctly be described as a pessimist, so often I think optimism is seen as hollow. Indeed, when optimism is baseless, it actually is hollow! That's the root of what Job was saying in the passage above. In my own life, it may seem that I am usually positive, but it is only because of what Christ has done, and what He is doing currently, in my life. I don't mean what He is doing for me, but what He is doing to me, as He is continuing to change me, shaping me into a better disciple and a better son of God. Too often, I think Christians are seen as "fake" because we feel a pressure to always be happy. We hear sermons, or read books, or even see Scripture that talks about being joyful, and there tends to be this pressure to put on a happy smile all of the time. However, the world will see right through that façade. It is perfectly okay to acknowledge pain. Because, as Job was saying, we are not able to pretend, like we are not facing various struggles and trials. We are not like that in ourselves. However, if  I in Christ, if I am surrendering my suffering to Him, then I can consider it all joy. If my suffering is driving me to my knees, not in submission to the trial, but in submission to Christ, then it is all for joy, even if the tears are bitter.

P) Father, You are good. In the most simple, yet most profound way, Your goodness and grace are the source of my joy. I know that plain optimism is pointless. If there is no basis for hope, no basis for joy, then just putting on a happy face will be futile. That kind of forced happiness cannot be sustained. That is just the sort of faking that casts suspicion on Christianity. I never want to misrepresent Your goodness with a fake optimism. On the other hand, I recognize that You have blessed me with a tremendous joy, and peace that has carried me through many trials, sufferings, and outright chaos. You have sustained me, not some kind of positive mindset. Help me to properly represent Your character to others. Let me be bold and honest about the source of my happiness. I am joyful because You have acquitted me! You acquitted me through the redemptive work of Your Son, Jesus Christ! Because of the redemption that has been given to me in grace, I no longer fear the punishment and pain that were due to me, because of my sins. In Your perfect love and grace, You count me as righteous when I place my faith in You. That is the source of my joy. That truth, the truth of the gospel, is why I do not despair. The power of the gospel is why I can leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful. When sorrow comes upon me, when I face grief or hardship, let me again focus on the beauty of the gospel. Open my eyes and ears, to behold all of Your goodness, and be glad. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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.