Job 27-28
Job is now playing for keeps, as the opening of Job 27 is an oath that Job takes to speak the truth. Notice that within the oath Job maintains his righteousness and his "heart does not reproach" him. He feels clear in his conscience that he has not fallen onto the wicked path, but has remained righteous.
Beginning with verse 7, many authors believe that Job is offering a parody of what Zophar would respond to Job's statement. Job tires of hearing the same old argument, time and again, that fails to recognize the reality of Job's life and experience. Furthermore because of his experience he has real reservations about divine justice.
Job shifts now in Job 28, as the question of wisdom has been at the heart of much of their discussion. What is wisdom and where does one find it? He opens and speaks of precious metals and how they might be found in the earth and produced, but what of wisdom? Can these metals buy wisdom? No. Finally it would seem that wisdom is a part of the creative process, it is part of the fabric of the earth and the heavens but cannot be found "in it", for it has been determined that wisdom would be the fear of the Lord. Of course, we are not sure if that is criticism of Job's or just his statement of reality.
Luke 22
There has been much written about chapter 22 and it is rather familiar to the reader, not only does it contain the Last Supper, the Betrayal and the Denial but it also demonstrates the forces that are at work bringing this all together. I will focus on the last as we discuss this chapter.
As we read the chapter, we are nearing the climax of the Gospel, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, so the story picks up pace. But behind the story we cannot help but feel that their are forces are play here that are moving actors to bring about desired actions. The story opens with Satan convincing Judas to betray Jesus, Judas is not a bad guy, just the puzzle piece that Satan picked out to help destroy the picture.
Meanwhile, in the preparations for the meal, Jesus seems to pointing out things are already in motion as he sends the disciples into the city to make arrangements. Even the Last Supper itself seems to point towards something else, with Jesus' frequent statements that the he will be in the Kingdom soon.
Yet within the story is a reminder that when the Twelve went out, that they were taken care of, but now a turbulent time is coming. A time when swords might factor in, yet it would seem that the Twelve must remember how they were taken care of when they went out to the mission field. Trust.
So as Jesus is arrested, as Peter denials him, as the courts render their verdicts; the disciples must trust. We must trust! God is not mentioned as acting in this chapter, yet behind the scenes, one seems to sense that God, the Warrior, is about to give battle. Satan has made his play. God prepares for the response!
Backlogged Posts
1 Chronicles 28-29
David now calls all of Israel, at least the leaders, together and informs them of the decision to build the temple. In 1 Chronicles 28, many interesting things happen; first, David affirms his role as the anointed one. It is he who has been chosen to lead Israel, yet he is a warrior, a man who has shed blood, so it is his son, Solomon, whom God has chosen to build the temple.
This is the only place where Solomon is "chosen" by God. In 2 Samuel, palace intrigue leads to Solomon's becoming king, but here Solomon has been chosen by God. Again the author is elevating David and Solomon above others, they are God's anointed.
The last piece that is rather interesting is that David gives Solomon the plans to build the temple. All the work has been done for Solomon, David has raised the money, he has gathered the supplies and now he has drafted up the plans, all Solomon needs to do is finish what David has done. In 2 Samuel, the temple is purely a Solomon project.
As 1 Chronicles comes to a close, the 29th Chapter begins with the offerings that David brings forth for the temple but then includes the offerings that the leaders of Israel bring forward. This action parallels the actions in the Wilderness when Moses collects from the tribes for the Tabernacle.
David then enters into prayer, celebrating the gifts of God and giving thanks. In verse 11, note how this language was then used in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew. Also notice how the prayer also seeks a blessing for Solomon, who is young and David has great concern over. It is not clear if David thinks Solomon is up to the challenge facing him because this is not the first time he references Solomon's inexperience.
The book closes with the transition from David to Solomon, and with God blessing Solomon and Israel. Note, however, how different this transition is compared to what happened in 1 Kings 1.
Psalm 70-71
Psalm 70 is a short individual prayer of one seeking God's relief from opponents who attacking him or her. The psalmist seeks that these people be brought low, but that those who truly worship and follow God be exalted.
Psalm 71 is another individual prayer of an older person who reflects on a life of care by God, yet one who is also suffering from persecution of others. The psalmist prays not to be forsaken by God but to remain a refuge and a shelter. The psalmist is one who has experienced the care of the Lord, who has grown in faith and protection and who alternates from praise to seeking assistance.
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