Job 11-12
The niceties of Eliphaz are over as Zophar takes the stage in Job 11. Zophar goes right after Job since, as a mere human, he cannot and will not be able to comprehend the iniquity that must have transgressed for God to have acted as such. Clearly action was warranted or God would not have acted as God did. God is above reproach but know that God is also just since Zophar is sure that Job is not being punished to the full extent he should for the transgression he has committed. (Of course no one seems to know the transgression.)
Zophar seems to be focusing on purity, while Job focuses on moral constructs. Either way it really does not matter, for God is irreproachable in this endeavor and Job just needs to accept that and admit his sin.
All that Job needs to do is admit his sin, and repent and God will bring Job back into good graces. He will be blessed and suffer no more.
Job response to these attacks by questioning conventional wisdom and he does so with sarcasm. As Zophar has alluded to wisdom, so Job responds wondering what wisdom truly is. Clearly, he has as much wisdom as Zophar and the others, but is their wisdom in just inferring a hidden wisdom of God that is unassailable? Job is calling to God seeking answers, yet it is his friends answering for God? Is this wisdom? No, that is human wisdom, but Job is seeking true wisdom.
What Job is doing in Job 12 is asserting his covenantal rights, he has lived in relationship with God justly and now he seeks to know more. It is not enough just to be sanctioned, he wants God to speak to him. Job knows that God is mysterious but Job is making a larger claim, that God is in this relationship with humanity and therefore, God can be approached and Job is doing that.
Luke 17
Jesus now turns his attention to the disciples and speaks of the good of the community. He challenges the disciples to live in such a way not to be an impediment towards others in their journey of faith. He also warns against the danger of sin, the offender must be confronted and the community protected against the sinner. However, if the sinner repents, they must be forgiven. These actions are to be done to maintain the harmony of the community.
Having spoken about the community, Jesus now addresses the kingdom. In the story of the Ten Lepers, an example is offered of one who receives mercy and is thankful. This one, a Samaritan even, comes and offers thanks for the one who offered salvation. Yes, Jesus comes to offer us forgiveness and salvation, but do we take it for granted or do we respond in thanks and praise?
So perhaps this Samaritan has recognized the Son of Man, for the Son and the coming of the Kingdom are often linked in Luke. This passage is not different as now Jesus speaks of how the Kingdom is coming as well as here as well. The question do we see it, or do we act like Noah's neighbors who just ridiculed him and went about their lives of debauchery. Do we see the times for what they are and live accordingly?
The end of the chapter has given rise for the rather modern understanding of the Rapture, of how some will be gathered up into heaven. Yet the purpose in this chapter is to let the listeners and readers now to be awake and aware of the times. Otherwise the coming of the Kingdom will sneak up on us.
Backlogged Posts
1 Chronicles 7-10
The genealogies continue wth Issachar, Benjamin, Napthali, Manasseh, Ephraim and Asher being listed out. Considering the role that Ephraim will play in the split of Judah and the houses of Joseph it is interesting that has such a short list.
Of course, Benjamin receives larger treatment in Chapter 8 which traces the genealogy to Saul and Jonathan.
It is highly likely that much of the content found in 1 Chronicles 9 was taken from Nehemiah as the author lists out those who remained in Jerusalem during the Exile. It also includes some repetitious material about the family as Saul that had already been written in chapter 8.
1 Chronicles 10 revisits the story of the death of Saul and Jonathan. It basically repeats the report that was already given at the close of First Samuel.
Psalm 68
Perhaps this psalm is at the center of worship for Israel, which might be way it may have been adapted for worship purposes. The psalm speaks of the Almighty God who as Divine Warrior has lead Israel into liberation. It speaks of God who protects and cares for her people, a God who goes out before and leads them not just in battle but in life. No one, not the mightiest king can stand before this God and not be swept away by the Hosts of Heaven.
Towards vs. 28 we begin to see some form of supplication, seeking God's favor to action, but the action is not clear. But then the psalm closes with a final hymn of praise.
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