Job 21-23; Psalm 101; Revelation 16
Job 21-23
In response to his friends’ assertion that suffering is always the result of wickedness, Job counters by pointing out the apparent injustices in life:
“Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” (Job 21:7).
He challenges the simplistic reasoning of his friends, emphasizing that life is often more complex than it seems.
Eliphaz, however, escalates his accusations, moving from indirect suggestions to outright allegations:
“Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless? You demanded security from your relatives for no reason; you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked” (Job 22:5-6).
Eliphaz offers advice that is fundamentally true but misapplied in Job’s situation:
“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way, prosperity will come to you” (Job 22:21).
While it is wise to humble oneself before God, Eliphaz wrongly assumes Job’s suffering is due to unrepented sin.
In response, Job expresses his longing for an audience with God:
“If only I knew where to find Him; if only I could go to His dwelling!” (Job 23:3).
Job reaffirms his fear and reverence for God:
“God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me” (Job 23:16).
He seeks understanding, even as he trembles before God’s sovereignty.
Psalm 101
David outlines key principles for walking faithfully with God:
• Reflect on the blameless way (v. 2).
• Avoid worthless and evil things (v. 3).
• Distance oneself from corrupt individuals (v. 4).
• Reject slanderers, the proud, and the arrogant (v. 5).
• Seek out the faithful and cultivate fellowship with them (v. 6).
This psalm serves as a guide for maintaining integrity and fostering a heart aligned with God.
Revelation 16
The chapter describes the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath. These judgments intensify as God’s righteous anger is fully revealed. Despite the undeniable origin of these plagues, humanity remains unrepentant:
“They were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify Him” (Revelation 16:9).
“And they cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done” (Revelation 16:11).
The chapter underscores the hardness of human hearts, even in the face of divine judgment, highlighting the need for repentance and submission to God’s authority.
In response to his friends’ assertion that suffering is always the result of wickedness, Job counters by pointing out the apparent injustices in life:
“Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” (Job 21:7).
He challenges the simplistic reasoning of his friends, emphasizing that life is often more complex than it seems.
Eliphaz, however, escalates his accusations, moving from indirect suggestions to outright allegations:
“Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless? You demanded security from your relatives for no reason; you stripped people of their clothing, leaving them naked” (Job 22:5-6).
Eliphaz offers advice that is fundamentally true but misapplied in Job’s situation:
“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way, prosperity will come to you” (Job 22:21).
While it is wise to humble oneself before God, Eliphaz wrongly assumes Job’s suffering is due to unrepented sin.
In response, Job expresses his longing for an audience with God:
“If only I knew where to find Him; if only I could go to His dwelling!” (Job 23:3).
Job reaffirms his fear and reverence for God:
“God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me” (Job 23:16).
He seeks understanding, even as he trembles before God’s sovereignty.
Psalm 101
David outlines key principles for walking faithfully with God:
• Reflect on the blameless way (v. 2).
• Avoid worthless and evil things (v. 3).
• Distance oneself from corrupt individuals (v. 4).
• Reject slanderers, the proud, and the arrogant (v. 5).
• Seek out the faithful and cultivate fellowship with them (v. 6).
This psalm serves as a guide for maintaining integrity and fostering a heart aligned with God.
Revelation 16
The chapter describes the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath. These judgments intensify as God’s righteous anger is fully revealed. Despite the undeniable origin of these plagues, humanity remains unrepentant:
“They were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify Him” (Revelation 16:9).
“And they cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done” (Revelation 16:11).
The chapter underscores the hardness of human hearts, even in the face of divine judgment, highlighting the need for repentance and submission to God’s authority.
Posted in Reading Bible Together