Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19Näide

Cold comfort from Eliphaz

Today’s reading helps to spell out a condition in the human heart when the trials and tribulations in this life seem to overwhelm us. Job is having a pity-parade for all his considerable losses, and he is casting about for the reason God would bring him to such desolation. Have you ever been there? “Why me, Lord?” “This just isn’t fair.” “What did I do to deserve this?” The sometimes-harsh terms Eliphaz uses to describe the error in Job’s lament is a brotherly consolation; to re-think who God is, to seek the lesson in wisdom of God’s sovereignty and power. It is Job’s lack of faith and trust in God that is his sin, and his sin has brought him low. Eliphaz finishes with a devastating scenario, describing the hopeless condition of the wicked and the godless, whose prosperity is temporary and pointless. His counsel challenges us to assure our focus is on God and His love for humanity, not the vain comforts of this world.

Love Letters and the Throne

Revelation seems to be better understood after a substantial reading of Old Testament fundamental scripture to frame the magnificent language of the visions of St John the Revelator. The letters to the churches of Philadelphia and Laodicea are in red letters in my Bible, indicating that these are the very words of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. The message is delivered in such power and majesty, a call to passion and perseverance, with the imperative repeated for our clarity:

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Rev 3:13, 3:22 (NLT)

And rather abruptly, we are suddenly in the glorious presence of God, in the very Throne Room. No wonder the images are sometimes hard to follow, given the unspeakable radiance of shekinah glory and the heavenly host that attends the Throne of God. Take some time with these verses. Jesus is calling.

Primer contributed by Matt Harry, Older Elder Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla