Job 33-34
Having chastized the friends, Elihu now turns to Job in Job 33. He begins by pointing out that he is like Job, yet he seems to infer that he has some sort of divine inspiration. But then shifts into chastising Job for challenging God.
According to Elihu, God speaks in two ways, through dreams or visions and through suffering. Both are used to warn mortals to turn away from their deeds and turn to God. As one suffers, a redeemer must step forward, in Elihu's example, an angel who can be an intercessor for God, the person can thus repent and be redeemed. This is God's gracious way, according to Elihu.
Not exactly a great system, I would have to agree with Job. Something better should exist. Elihu seems to speak from wisdom and inspiration, but Job is still holding out for something more. I am glad he does.
Elihu continues in Job 34 making his case that God is just, this is the basis for the universe. Since God is just and brings the mighty down, then what right do humans have to question this sovereign ruler? It is God who judges the universe and keeps the scales of justice balance, but God will do it in his own way. Mortals do not have standing to question this justice. They must just seek forgiveness.
Elihu is making a rather good argument but his god is far off and aloof, whereas God of Israel has always been accessible, so in this regard, Job is right that God has not answered him.
Luke 24
The Resurrection is the defining story of Jesus Christ and God's love for us. But the Resurrection is also the continual work of a faithful God, and this cannot be overlooked. When Paul speaks of righteousness, he speaks of God's faithfulness to the covenant; even as we fall away from the covenant God remains faithful. From this righteousness we trust in God to fulfill God's promises.
The Resurrection is the fulfillment of God's promise to redeem not just Israel but the nations. Throughout Luke 24, Jesus and others continually refer to how this was foretold, this was not a surprise, this was God's plan. While the Resurrection shocks and amazes us for its unbelievable display of power, it is God's love and faithfulness that ring true.
For all of Satan's manuevring, for all of the evil in the hearts of humanity, nothing could stop God from fulfilling God's word and promises. When we think about these promises, of forgiveness and life eternal, remember God's faithfulness, that is the sign of the Resurrection.
Backlogged Posts
2 Chronicles 6-7
The temple, now completed, needs to be dedicated. In 2 Chronicles 6, Solomon begins the dedication. For Solomon the temple represents a couple of God's decisions, first is the selection of David and his family to rule over Israel and the second is the choice of Jerusalem as the location of God's seat. The opening verses review these decisions.
In the prayer, Solomon gives thanks for God's anointing of David and asks God to fulfill the promise to David by being faithful to Solomon as well. He then entreats God to reside in the temple, to make residence there. Then, Solomon offers prayers to create a system of forgiveness, for the temple to serve as a place for Israel to become right before God. This however means that God needs to be present and to forgive Israel when they sin.
The closing of the prayer differs from the version in 1 Kings, which at the end references Moses. The author ends this part of the prayer with a portion of Psalm 132, which references David and covenant. Again the chronicler is very concerned to demonstrate the continuity of David's line.
God's response to the prayer begins 2 Chronicles 7, as fire came a consumed the offerings that were provided. God has accepted the dedication and the prayers of Solomon and will reside in the temple. This action leads to celebrations and a week of worship that all of Israel, from the furthest northern territories to the deep southern territories celebrated.
God now appears before Solomon and agrees to Solomon terms but also establishes his own terms. God will remain faithful to the temple but Solomon and Israel must remain faithful to God. If not, then they will be caste out of the land.
Galatians 6
Paul continues in his instruction of living in the Spirit and this includes caring for one another, even one who has sinned. It is the love found in living in the Spirit that enables us to forgive and help each other through difficult times. A person of Spirit does not turn their back on another just because the other may have sinned! No instead they help them with their burdens to bring them back to the truth.
Paul continues in his exhortation because God will not be mocked, so the Galatians must show the fruits of the Spirit, their works must reflect that they are in Christ. God will judge and God knows the truth. What your sow, is what you will reap.
Finally Paul closes with one final argument, to not follow those who do not truly believe in the Law or aim to follow it either as the Law or as Christ. His opponents only seek to exalt in the lives of the Galatians, whereas Paul only seeks to exalt God in Christ. Live in Christ, and only Christ is Paul's final charge.
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