Job 29-30
Unlike earlier in the Book of Job, Job now looks back on the past longingly, but not for the wealth of his possessions or even his family. When he looks back, it is his standing in society that he misses, but not for the "prestige" but for his acts of righteousness. In Job 29, Job seems to contrast his present situation in which he is called wicked and abandoned by even those he thought were his friends, with a past in which his mere presence could insure the proper order of things.
He was a man who was the picture of righteousness, who was held in esteem by young and old. He spoke the truth and faced up to wickedness. His words carried wisdom and light. He provided for others and cared for the stranger. Truly, he was a man of God, the image that we all aspire to be.
Now Job speaks of the present in Job 30 and it is not a pretty picture. Job has gone from being exalted by all, to being abhored by all, even the lowest in society, the outcast. Job claims to have been humbled by God and now he is easy prey for anyone in society. He speaks graphically of the hand of God being against him and of being "seized" by this hand and being cast into the mire.
Even though Job cries out to God, God does not answer. He has looked for light and good but only darkness and evil have found him. He cries for help but his cries go ignored. He suffers greatly, yet no one helps.
Luke 23
Much like chapter 22, much has been written and many sermons have been offered regarding the various actions found in Trial and Crucifixion found in chapter 23 so I will spare you the repetition. However, I do want to draw notice to a couple of things. Frequently throughout history one group or another has been blamed for the death of Jesus, and I plan to dismiss this, the blood of Christ, rests upon all of us.
Notice the flow of the trials. Jesus goes to the council, who are the leaders of the people of Israel. Then Jesus goes to Pilate and Herod. Finally Jesus goes in front of the people. Interestingly enough, given how poorly we view politicians these days, only the politicians seem to have not problem with Jesus. Pilate and Herod, may not like Jesus, but they certainly do not see a charge worthy of death. But the politicians are complicit, for they do not speak to justice, they just go with the whims of others.
The religious leaders and the people, perhaps call them the church councils and the congregations, perhaps call them the synagogues or just perhaps call them humanity, it is the "religious" people who want Jesus' blood. They want Jesus dead. But notice it does not say the Jews, it says the people. Perhaps most were Jewish but not likely all. However, before you think, not I. Consider, how frequently do we stand up for the righteous? How often do we step out of our norm and proclaim Jesus as Lord? See, not that easy is it? No, if I am honest with myself, while I might not have called for Jesus' death, I certainly would not be raising my voice too loud either.
Jesus' blood is on our hands, all of ours. Yet, in a sign of the future, one criminal, yes one criminal stands up for Jesus. "Today you will be with me in Paradise." Just as one who had sinned found forgiveness in Jesus, so can we all. Also, a member of the council who saw the truth claimed Jesus' body and laid him in the tomb.
Death has won, sin a victory, Satan is elated!
But wait? What's that Light? It is coming for all of us, yes all! Just as we have the blood of Jesus on our hands, so we witnessed to a criminal being the first in the Kingdom and we witness to the work of a member of the religious council who was faithful to God's plan and provided the setting for the Empty Tomb. There is a place for all of those in between in the Kingdom!
Backlogged Posts
2 Chronicles 1-2
The break between 1 and 2 Chronicles occurs with the transition of reigns between David and Solomon. If we contrast the beginning of Solomon's reign in 1 Kings and in 2 Chronicles it could not be more different. The beginning of 1 Kings is a bloodbath in which sons of David conspire against each other until Solomon achieves power and then wipes out his opposition. 2 Chronicles 1, on the other hand, speaks of God's presence with Solomon and how prosperous he was because of God's blessing. There also is no mention of Solomon's marriage to the daughter of Pharaoh. .
The first thing Solomon does is to seek the Lord and make preparations for the Ark. Gibeon was a high place that had a history as a cultic site. God is pleased with Solomon and asks Solomon what can God provide to him? Solomon makes his famous appeal for wisdom and understanding to rule appropriately. God, pleased with Solomon's request, also provides riches which is demonstrated at the end of the chapter as the author describes Solomon's army and chariots.
Now it is time to build, but two things were needed, people and supplies. So Solomon conscripted workers, or selected, the language in Hebrew is more of selected but others use conscripted. So are these free workers, or forced laborers, we do not know.
Next, we need supplies and again in 1 Chronicles 2, Solomon turns to Hiram of Phoenicia, or Huram depending on how you spell it. Hiram was close to David and had supplied David with the supplies to build his home so now Solomon asks for supplies to build God's home, a home as grandiose as possible. Hiram recognizes that God has blessed Solomon so he offers assistance.
(Note however that the author completely leaves out the fact that Solomon built a huge home for himself, which far exceeded that of the temple. )
Everything is now in order, the building can begin.
Galatians 4
Paul is constantly seeking to provide vivid explanations for the difference in life that is provided in the grace of God vs. the Law and in this chapter he opens with a rather astounding explanation. He posits that being under the Law is much like being a child, a minor, who is in the care of guardians. Yes this child might be an "heir" but they would have no rights whatsoever until they reach a particular age. The Law is the guardian in this example.
But under grace, the children become full heirs to the Kingdom, heirs without guardians who can call out to the Father. We are considered children just as Jesus is the Son of God, so we are sons and daughters of God, able to rejoice in the grace offered to the family.
If this is the case, then why would a free person, or an heir, go back and become enslaved? Why give up the rights and abilities of a full member of the family to go backwards and be less? That is the question Paul would pose to the Galatians.
So Paul appeals to the hearts of the Galatians who had welcomed him in his infirmity when he first came and whose hearts went out to him. Why then have they turned against him now? Has he done something to cause this change? Paul longs to be back with them, to be reunited with them, for he fears how they are being done wrong by outsiders who only seek to deceive them.
Paul makes one more plea for understanding and uses the example of Ishmael and Isaac. Both are sons born in promise. Yet, Hagar represents those born in slavery, while Isaac represents those born in freedom. He urges the Galatians to be of Isaac and freedom, to turn to the grace of Christ.
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