Job 18-20; Psalm 141; Revelation 15
Job 18-20
As the dialogue between Job and his friends progresses, their tone becomes increasingly harsh and judgmental. Tragically, their accusations stem from an attempt to defend God. Job, who cannot comprehend the reasons for his suffering, questions God and expresses his frustrations. His friends, in their effort to justify God, repeatedly argue that only the wicked suffer, citing numerous examples.
In his anguish, Job pleads with his friends:
"How long will you torment me and crush me with words?" (Job 19:2).
"Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me" (Job 19:21).
Job appeals for compassion, asking his friends to recognize their baseless accusations:
"If you say, 'How we will hound him since the root of the trouble lies in him…'" (Job 19:28).
Their charges are built on assumptions rather than facts.
Despite enduring physical suffering and his friends' judgment, Job continues to turn to God. He places his hope in the Lord, confident that his restoration will come:
"I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God" (Job 19:25-26).
This declaration is a profound testament to Job's unwavering faith, even amid profound uncertainty and despair.
Psalm 141
David, aware of his weaknesses, prays for God's protection from sin:
"Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers" (Psalm 141:4).
He is open to correction and discipline from the righteous, seeing it as an act of grace:
"Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head" (Psalm 141:5).
At the same time, David asks God to shield him from unjust attacks, trusting in God's justice and care.
Revelation 15
The final seven plagues, which complete the wrath of God, are introduced in this chapter:
"I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last because with them God's wrath is completed" (Revelation 15:1).
These plagues originate from the heavenly temple, highlighting their divine origin and purpose. As the seven angels prepare to pour out the bowls of God's wrath, the temple is filled with God's glory, signifying the righteousness of His judgment.
The redeemed in heaven glorify God, singing of His greatness and justice:
"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the nations" (Revelation 15:3).
As the dialogue between Job and his friends progresses, their tone becomes increasingly harsh and judgmental. Tragically, their accusations stem from an attempt to defend God. Job, who cannot comprehend the reasons for his suffering, questions God and expresses his frustrations. His friends, in their effort to justify God, repeatedly argue that only the wicked suffer, citing numerous examples.
In his anguish, Job pleads with his friends:
"How long will you torment me and crush me with words?" (Job 19:2).
"Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me" (Job 19:21).
Job appeals for compassion, asking his friends to recognize their baseless accusations:
"If you say, 'How we will hound him since the root of the trouble lies in him…'" (Job 19:28).
Their charges are built on assumptions rather than facts.
Despite enduring physical suffering and his friends' judgment, Job continues to turn to God. He places his hope in the Lord, confident that his restoration will come:
"I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God" (Job 19:25-26).
This declaration is a profound testament to Job's unwavering faith, even amid profound uncertainty and despair.
Psalm 141
David, aware of his weaknesses, prays for God's protection from sin:
"Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers" (Psalm 141:4).
He is open to correction and discipline from the righteous, seeing it as an act of grace:
"Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head" (Psalm 141:5).
At the same time, David asks God to shield him from unjust attacks, trusting in God's justice and care.
Revelation 15
The final seven plagues, which complete the wrath of God, are introduced in this chapter:
"I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last because with them God's wrath is completed" (Revelation 15:1).
These plagues originate from the heavenly temple, highlighting their divine origin and purpose. As the seven angels prepare to pour out the bowls of God's wrath, the temple is filled with God's glory, signifying the righteousness of His judgment.
The redeemed in heaven glorify God, singing of His greatness and justice:
"Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the nations" (Revelation 15:3).
Posted in Reading Bible Together