Job 31-33; Psalm 102; Revelation 19
Job 31-33
Elihu, a mysterious character, is the youngest of Job’s friends and speaks as a representative of God. After the older friends fall silent, Job lists his righteous deeds at length as evidence of his innocence and reasons why he believes he suffers unjustly.
Elihu responds by highlighting God’s incomparable greatness:
“God is greater than man. Why do you complain to Him that He answers none of man’s words?” (Job 33:12-13).
Elihu explains several reasons why God might allow suffering. Through it, God communicates important lessons to people:
• To turn a person away from wrongdoing (Job 33:17).
• To remove pride (Job 33:17).
• To save the soul from the pit and prevent destruction (Job 33:18).
• To teach through illness (Job 33:19).
Elihu emphasizes that if a person accepts God’s correction, God can:
”…deliver them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them” (Job 33:24).
He speaks of restoration and renewal for those who respond to God’s discipline (Job 33:25-28).
Psalm 102
Throughout Israel’s history, there has always been a faithful remnant who served God from their hearts. This psalm reflects their prayer. Acknowledging that their suffering results from God’s righteous anger, they confess His greatness and ask for His mercy.
Revelation 19
Following the judgment upon Babylon, the great harlot, John hears a triumphant celebration of the coming marriage of the Lamb. The Bride of the Lamb contrasts sharply with Babylon. In Revelation 21, the Bride is also depicted as a holy city, living in perfect harmony with God:
“His bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).
The Church has been in a long process of preparation, and at this moment, the process is complete.
Before the marriage feast of the Lamb, however, Christ must confront the gathered armies of the kings of the earth, led by the Antichrist. This will be the ultimate rebellion of sinful humanity against God. Jesus Christ appears on a white horse, wielding a sword, to establish His earthly kingdom. This moment is a battle and a divine act to affirm God’s sovereignty over all creation.
Elihu, a mysterious character, is the youngest of Job’s friends and speaks as a representative of God. After the older friends fall silent, Job lists his righteous deeds at length as evidence of his innocence and reasons why he believes he suffers unjustly.
Elihu responds by highlighting God’s incomparable greatness:
“God is greater than man. Why do you complain to Him that He answers none of man’s words?” (Job 33:12-13).
Elihu explains several reasons why God might allow suffering. Through it, God communicates important lessons to people:
• To turn a person away from wrongdoing (Job 33:17).
• To remove pride (Job 33:17).
• To save the soul from the pit and prevent destruction (Job 33:18).
• To teach through illness (Job 33:19).
Elihu emphasizes that if a person accepts God’s correction, God can:
”…deliver them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them” (Job 33:24).
He speaks of restoration and renewal for those who respond to God’s discipline (Job 33:25-28).
Psalm 102
Throughout Israel’s history, there has always been a faithful remnant who served God from their hearts. This psalm reflects their prayer. Acknowledging that their suffering results from God’s righteous anger, they confess His greatness and ask for His mercy.
Revelation 19
Following the judgment upon Babylon, the great harlot, John hears a triumphant celebration of the coming marriage of the Lamb. The Bride of the Lamb contrasts sharply with Babylon. In Revelation 21, the Bride is also depicted as a holy city, living in perfect harmony with God:
“His bride has made herself ready” (Revelation 19:7).
The Church has been in a long process of preparation, and at this moment, the process is complete.
Before the marriage feast of the Lamb, however, Christ must confront the gathered armies of the kings of the earth, led by the Antichrist. This will be the ultimate rebellion of sinful humanity against God. Jesus Christ appears on a white horse, wielding a sword, to establish His earthly kingdom. This moment is a battle and a divine act to affirm God’s sovereignty over all creation.
Posted in Reading Bible Together