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.

SOAP 10/16/2015; Malachi 4:4

Today's reading: Malachi 3, 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

S) "⁴ Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel."

Malachi 4:4 (NASB)

O) Despite the fact that the prose is instruction, this verse is really about God's nature, and the transition from the Old Covenant into the New Covenant. What makes this verse curious, is its placement in the chapter. In the passage just before this, Malachi described a judgment day, that almost sounds like the Final Judgment day. Because of that, it would almost seem like this verse, this instruction to obey the Law, would carry through to that Judgment day. But then after this verse, he closed by referring to the return of Elijah, and the role He would play (see also, Matthew 11:14). So, based on the paragraphs before and after this verse, it really seems like this admonition is really taking the people to the work of Christ. Malachi comes fairly late in the chronology, with many scholars placing it between the reconstruction of the temple and Nehemiah's return to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Still, that leaves more than 400 years before Christ would return, and bring with Him a New Covenant. In the meantime, certainly the remnant of the Jews were expected to obey the statutes and commands according to the Law. The judgment described may very well be the final Judgment Day, but I don't think the verse above is tied to that, so much as it seems to be directed until Elijah came.

A) This point cannot be underscored enough, that the obedience of the New Covenant is not "easier" than the Old Covenant. Jesus made Himself very clear, that the Pharisees were obeying the letter of the Mosaic Law, while still transgressing against God and people. Adultery was not physical, but a heart issue. Murder was not only an issue of life and death, but an issue of hatred. Leadership was not only about effecting the compliance of others, but about being a servant. On and on, Jesus showed that the condition of the heart was the issue, and not an external obedience to hundreds of laws. So, even though this verse may point to the end of the Mosaic Law (which could also refer to the first two paragraphs, in vv.1-6), it still points me to the higher standard, the law on my heart, that the Holy Spirit brought with the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

P) Father, Your holy standard is impossibly high. I could never reach it alone. Still, in Your grace, You knew that fully, and provided a way. Even with the mercy Your grace provides, You don't slack in Your standard. You still require holiness from me. You have a righteous judgment that will make no allowance for my sins, no matter how small. So, You also gave a propitiation for my sins. I confess that I still need that grace, I need new mercy every morning. Please continue to bring about maturity and growth in me, Father. I want to be an obedient citizen in Your Kingdom, working to honor my King. Help me to walk in obedience, not to laws that are penned, but obedient to love You with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and obedient to love others as myself. Help me to stay focused in every area of my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/15/2105; Malachi 1:2-3

Today's reading: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1, 2; Acts 4

S) "² 'I have loved you,' says the Lord. But you say, 'How have You loved us?' 'Was not Esau Jacob's brother?' declares the Lord. 'Yet I have loved Jacob; ³ but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.'"

Malachi 1:2-3 (NASB)

O) This is a passage that is often taken out of context, as an attempt to show a contradiction in Scripture. Since God is love, how could He also hate Esau? This is, first, a failing of the English language. We have one word for "love" while many other languages are much more nuanced. Even aside from that, this particular passage was written to a people who had just been decimated over the course of about one hundred years (with the seventy year exile in there). They were struggling to regain a devotion to the LORD, struggling to understand holiness. This passage is not about God's treatment of Esau (that is, the nation of Edom), but it is actually a commentary of His devotion and treatment of Jacob (that is, the nation of Israel, before their civil war). To make His point, the LORD contrasts Jacob and Esau. Esau had abandoned what his father and grandfather had taught (Isaac and Abraham, that is). God's judgment and punishment of Edom was perfectly just. His righteous justice was properly served. However, it was because of His love for His chosen people, that He saved a remnant. They didn't feel particularly "saved" and the message given to Malachi, was to remind the people of the fate of Edom, who was so close to the promise of Abraham! God made Edom a desolation, and refused to let it be restored. He also made Jerusalem a desolation, but He restored it! In this passage, "love" and "hate" are simply terms of polarity, to show two sides of God's righteousness. It would also serve to say that God gave mercy to Jacob and justice to Edom. They were all guilty, but God's "loved Jacob" by giving Him mercy. This does not, in any way, contradict His character. His character is to judge righteously, which He also did to Jacob. The difference, is that it is also in His character to see a person's faith and credit it as righteousness. That is exactly what preserved the remnant in Judah. God found some who would remain faithful, although it was precious few. He was able to credit them with righteousness, and they were not judged as guilty. Apparently, this was not the case in Edom. The most direct, simplest way to convey this contrast, is to simply say that He hated Esau, but that He (still) loved Jacob.

A) One application for me, is to simply voice the truth in the face of opposition. People try to pit this passage against 1 John 4:8, as if there is disharmony in God's character. That is not the case, but people often do not want truth, they want corroboration. If they can find something that discredits the Bible, then they think it should have no authority. I suppose that's true, but they will never truly discredit the Bible, and it's authority is unblemished. But, it is also still important for me to read this passage without consideration for controversy. This passage is still showing me the unfailing, persevering, faithful, and preserving love of God. It is truly humbling to remember what I have done, the sinful life I have actually lived, and realize how merciful God has been to me. I can never question His love, because in Christ, I am forgiven. In Christ, all of the just punishments for my sins were absolved at the cross.

P) Father, Your grace and mercy are so overwhelming, that I don't even know the dangers, destruction, and desolation a You have kept from me. You have loved me with more than I can fully know. Give me wisdom, Lord, to express Your love for others. Give me words, and show me how to share, to properly show people Your true character. Thank You for loving me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/14/2015; Nehemiah 12:44-45

Today's reading: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

S) "⁴⁴ On that day men were also appointed over the chambers for the stores, the contributions, the first fruits and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions required by the law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who served. ⁴⁵ For they performed the worship of their God and the service of purification, together with the singers and the gatekeepers in accordance with the command of David and of his son Solomon."

Nehemiah 12:44-45 (NASB)

O) This passage does fall under instruction, although it was certainly according to the Old Covenant (see "required by the law"). This whole chapter is a sort of summary about how things were getting back to how they should have been. In this paragraph, this little phrase caught my eye, "for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who served." Everything was very new to this generation. They were dedicating themselves as individuals, with a devotion they had probably never had. They were rededicating themselves as a nation, with a devotion they had probably only ever read about. No doubt, this enhanced the zeal with which they were restarting their obedience.

A) To be sure, I cannot live on hype. Still, newness is exciting. When I began really serving God as an adult, I had an irresistible zeal. As the years have moved, and I have matured, the feeling of newness has dissipated. Still, my devotion to Jesus must be like my devotion to my wife. I don't love my wife according to feelings, and neither do I serve my Lord that way. In my marriage, I make conscious decisions to celebrate, both my wife and my marriage. The same should be true about my relationship with God. In my family, when someone does something good, I make the decision to rejoice. Sure, the decision is easy, based on all of my invested emotions (when Ella was first chosen to go to Chile, I was naturally ecstatic!), but it's still something I'm choosing. So, while much of the instruction from this passage does not apply to me, under the New Covenant, that one phrase certainly sticks out. I should be choosing to rejoice, over preachers and teachers who serve. I should choose to rejoice, when a missionary is sent and a small group is started. I often overlook these types of events, or people, because they can seem so commonplace. The truth is, however, that every instance that a brother or sister does something for Jesus Christ, anything big or small, it is an occasion to rejoice. God's Kingdom is advancing, people are maturing in their faith, and His name is being glorified!

P) Father, You should be a celebrity, in the most holy sense! You deserve celebration, if anyone would, or anything could be. When I think about Your grace and mercy, I am sobered. At the same time, I am filled with joy, knowing Your all-encompassing love! Even so, I do not rejoice about the services of others, especially when they feel routine. However, I don't want to live my life based on feelings. I want to make right decisions, based on what You call good or bad, righteous or unrighteous, holy or profane. Help me to recognize more occasions for rejoicing. Let me be an encourager of everything that glorifies Your name! Let Your will be done, and let me celebrate it every step of the way, no matter how small the step. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.