Hearing with Faith

Abram and Lot separate because they have too much stuff.

God tells Abram to leave everything and go to the land He will show him. Even so Abram takes a while to follow God. Faith has to grow over time. We learn from this that our faith may not start out great, but that God will use even our failures to grow our faith.

Job's Response to God (Job 42:1-6):Job replies to the Lord, admitting that he spoke of things he did not understand, matters too wonderful for him. He acknowledges God's omnipotence and omniscience, stating, "I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted."Job repents in dust and ashes, not for any specific sin, but for his previous questioning of God’s justice. This act signifies his acceptance of God’s ways, which are beyond human comprehension.God's Rebuke of Job’s Friends (Job 42:7-9):God expresses His anger towards Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for not speaking rightly of Him as Job did. They are instructed to offer a burnt offering for themselves, with Job praying for them. This act of Job interceding for his friends underscores themes of forgiveness and mediation.Upon Job's prayer, God accepts their offering, thus forgiving them, highlighting the significance of Job's role in their redemption.Job’s Restoration (Job 42:10-17):After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. This includes not only material wealth but also his health.His family members and acquaintances came to comfort him for all the troubles the Lord had brought upon him, each one giving him a piece of silver and a gold ring.Job's life is blessed with a new family; he has seven sons and three daughters. His daughters are named Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-Happuch, noted for their beauty, and they are given an inheritance alongside their brothers, which was unusual for the time and underscores Job's wealth and status.Job lives to see four generations of his offspring, enjoying a long and prosperous life until his death, old and full of years.Themes:Divine Justice and Sovereignty: Job's story concludes with an affirmation of God’s justice, even when His ways are inscrutable to humans.Repentance and Humility: Job’s acknowledgment of his own limitations in understanding divine matters.Restoration and Blessing: After enduring immense suffering, Job is not only restored but blessed abundantly, illustrating themes of redemption and divine generosity.Intercession: Job's act of praying for his friends who wronged him emphasizes forgiveness and the restorative power of intercessory prayer.Patience and Perseverance: The narrative as a whole, ending with Job's restoration, serves as an example of enduring faith through suffering.Significance:Chapter 42 resolves the theological debates of the book, affirming that while humans might not understand God's actions, faith in His goodness and justice prevails.It provides a literary and theological conclusion to one of the most profound explorations of suffering, faith, and divine-human interaction in the Bible.This chapter thus encapsulates the Book of Job's message about the mystery of God’s ways, the value of faith and integrity, and the ultimate hope of restoration for the righteous.

Introduction to Leviathan (Job 41:1-2):God challenges Job to try to capture Leviathan with a fishhook or tie its tongue down with a cord, emphasizing the futility of such an attempt due to Leviathan's strength.Leviathan's Fearsomeness (Job 41:3-11):God describes how one would not approach Leviathan due to fear, how no one is fierce enough to rouse it, and how even the mighty are afraid of it. God rhetorically asks if anyone can subdue Leviathan, underscoring that all things under heaven belong to God.Physical Description and Capabilities (Job 41:12-34):Strength and Appearance: God details Leviathan's muscular build and its impenetrable scales, noting that they are close together like shields, making it impervious to attack.Breath and Movement: It's said that Leviathan sneezes light and has eyes like the dawn. Smoke comes from its nostrils, and its breath kindles coals, creating an image of a fire-breathing, or at least very hot, creature.Fearsome Sounds: Its voice is described as thunderous, causing terror among those who hear it.Invisibility and Power: When it rises up, the mighty are afraid, and the water boils from its thrashing. It leaves a luminous wake in the sea, suggesting its divine or mythical nature.Supremacy: No sword, spear, dart, or javelin can stand against it. Iron is like straw, and bronze like rotten wood to Leviathan. There's nothing on earth its equal; it is without fear, looking down on all that are haughty (the "sons of pride").Conclusion (Job 41:34):Leviathan is described as the king over all the sons of pride, emphasizing its supreme position in the animal kingdom or even in the cosmic order, underlining the theme of God's sovereignty over creation.The chapter serves several purposes:To illustrate the omnipotence of God: If God can create and control such a creature, His power is vast and beyond human comprehension.A lesson in humility: The Leviathan's description suggests that human pride or attempts to control everything are futile when faced with the vastness of God's creation.In essence, Job 41 uses the Leviathan to encapsulate themes of divine power, the limits of human understanding, and the natural order's reflection of God's majesty.

Job chapter 40 is a significant part of the Book of Job where the interaction between Job and God reaches a pivotal moment. Here's a concise description:Job 40 Overview:God's Challenge to Job (verses 1-2):God speaks again, asking Job if he will indeed put God in the wrong to justify himself, essentially questioning whether Job believes he can contend with the Almighty.Job's Humble Response (verses 3-5):Job responds with humility, admitting that he has spoken out of turn and is of little worth in comparison to God. He acknowledges his rash words and falls silent.God Continues His Discourse (verses 6-14):God challenges Job further, asking if he has the power and wisdom to govern the universe as God does. He rhetorically asks Job if he can condemn the wicked or if he has the strength to save himself with his own arm.Introduction of Behemoth (verses 15-24):God then describes the Behemoth, which is often interpreted as a symbol of raw, untamable nature or even chaos. This creature is described as the first of God's works, extraordinarily strong, eating grass like an ox, yet possessing immense power. It lives in the river, and nothing can capture or control it, emphasizing God's control over even the mightiest of creatures.The purpose of describing Behemoth seems to be to illustrate God's sovereignty over all creation, including the most formidable and untamed elements of the natural world.This chapter underscores themes of divine power, human limitation, and the wisdom of recognizing one's place in the grand scheme of creation. God's discourse here serves to put Job's sufferings into perspective, highlighting the vast difference between human understanding and divine omnipotence.

Job chapter 39 continues God's response to Job from the whirlwind, where God questions Job about various aspects of the natural world to illustrate His sovereign power and wisdom. Mountain Goats and Deer: God asks if Job knows the time when the mountain goats give birth and if he can count the months they fulfill.Wild Donkeys: God describes the wild donkeys, free in the wilderness, scorning the tumult of the city, and how they roam the range for pasture.Wild Ox: God challenges Job, asking if he can bind the wild ox in the furrow or make it work in the field.Ostrich: God contrasts the ostrich's lack of wisdom in caring for its eggs with its remarkable ability to run swiftly, questioning if Job would leave such a creature to its fate.Horses: God vividly describes the majesty and might of the horse in battle, how it laughs at fear and charges into the fray.Hawks and Eagles: God speaks of the hawk flying by God's wisdom, and of the eagle, which soars high and nests in high places, finding food for its young.Throughout the chapter, God's rhetorical questions serve to highlight the complexity and wonder of His creation, underscoring the theme that human understanding is limited compared to divine wisdom and power. This chapter, like the others in God's speech, is meant to humble Job and show him the vastness of God's dominion over all creatures and natural phenomena, suggesting that human suffering and the mysteries of life are part of a larger, divine plan that humans cannot fully grasp.

Chapter 38 of the Book of Job in the Bible marks a significant turning point where God responds to Job out of a whirlwind, after Job and his friends have debated the reasons for his suffering. Here's a summary with the emphasis you requested:Summary of Job Chapter 38:God begins by challenging Job with a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the vastness of divine knowledge and power compared to human understanding. God essentially asks Job:Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? This question immediately sets the tone, reminding Job that he was not present at creation, underscoring his limited perspective.Who determined its measurements? God questions Job's knowledge of the very construction of the world, implying that Job does not even grasp the basics of creation.Who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb? Here, God describes His control over natural forces like the sea, which Job cannot command or fully understand.Have you commanded the morning since your days began? God challenges Job's influence over daily cycles like dawn, which are under divine control.Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep? This continues to highlight the depth of creation that is beyond human exploration.Have the gates of death been revealed to you? God probes Job's knowledge of the afterlife and the metaphysical, areas completely beyond human comprehension.Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? God questions Job's understanding of celestial mechanics, which were mysteries to humans of that time.Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion? These questions illustrate God's control over the stars and constellations, phenomena that Job can observe but not influence.Throughout these questions, God is not providing Job with answers but rather emphasizing Job's profound ignorance about the universe. Job, who has been demanding an explanation for his suffering, is put in his place by being shown how little he truly knows about the workings of the world and the cosmos. This divine interrogation serves to humble Job, making it clear that he understands far less than he thought about the divine plan, the nature of creation, and his place within it. Job's need for understanding is met not with explanation but with an overwhelming display of divine mystery and power, highlighting the vast gap between human perception and divine reality.

Job 37 is part of Elihu's speech, one of Job's friends, who speaks at length about the majesty and power of God. This chapter, in particular, focuses on God's control over nature, serving as a prelude to God's own response to Job beginning in Chapter 38.Summary:Elihu's Awe: Elihu starts by expressing his awe at the sound of God's voice and the wonders it signifies. He describes God's works in nature with reverence, highlighting how God's majesty should command human attention and respect.God's Power in Nature:Elihu speaks of God's power over weather phenomena like lightning, thunder, and snow, illustrating how these forces are under God's command, not subject to human understanding or control.He describes how God uses these elements to govern the earth, providing water for the ground or punishing wickedness, showing that everything serves a divine purpose.The Majesty of God:Elihu points out that these natural phenomena are mere whispers of God's power, suggesting that human comprehension barely scratches the surface of God's true capabilities and nature.God's Justice and Righteousness:While not directly quoted, the overarching theme, especially when seen in context with the rest of Job, is that God's ways are beyond human understanding. Elihu implies that questioning God's justice or ways is futile because:God's actions are inherently just: Even when humans perceive suffering or injustice, these are part of a larger, divine plan or order.Human limitations: Humans are limited in their perception and understanding, thus not equipped to judge what God does. Elihu's focus on natural phenomena underscores that if humans can't fathom these simple manifestations, how much less can they grasp the intricacies of divine justice?Emphasis:It Doesn't Matter What We Think: Elihu's discourse, especially in the context of Job's trials, conveys that human opinions or feelings about God's actions are irrelevant to the justice or righteousness of those actions. God's justice isn't subject to human approval or understanding; it stands on its own merit, rooted in divine wisdom and power.Submission to God's Wisdom: The chapter indirectly calls for submission to God's will, recognizing that questioning or doubting His justice stems from human limitations, not from any flaw in God's righteousness.In essence, Job 37, through Elihu, magnifies God's omnipotence and sovereignty over nature and human affairs, suggesting that our role is not to question but to marvel at and submit to God's greater wisdom and justice, which operates beyond human comprehension or critique.

Job 36 continues Elihu's argument defending God's justice and wisdom, which subtly underscores the futility of human understanding and efforts when compared to divine omniscience and omnipotence. Elihu attempts to explain that human suffering and divine judgme are part of a larger, incomprehensible plan.Divine Justice and Wisdom: Elihu argues that God is mighty, yet He does not despise anyone; He is mighty in strength of understanding (Job 36:5). This suggests that human attempts to fathom God's ways are inherently futile because human wisdom pales in comparison to God's.God's Justice is Unassailable: Elihu claims that God does not "withdraw His eyes from the righteous" (Job 36:7). Here, the futility lies in human efforts to escape divine scrutiny or to judge God's actions by human standards. No matter how righteous one might seem, complete understanding or justification of one's state before God is beyond human reach.Discipline as a Form of Mercy: Elihu describes how God uses affliction as a means to bring people back from wrongdoing (Job 36:8-10). This highlights the futility of human attempts to avoid or understand suffering without considering it might be a corrective or educational tool from God.The Inaccessibility of God's Ways: Elihu explains that God's work is great, and we do not comprehend it (Job 36:26). This theme of divine inscrutability underscores the futility of human efforts to fully understand or predict divine actions or the reasons behind personal or global events.The Smallness of Man: Throughout the chapter, there's an undercurrent of how small and powerless humans are in the face of divine might and wisdom. Elihu's discourse on the greatness of God, which cannot be fathomed (Job 36:26), serves to diminish any human claim to full understanding or control over their fate.Job 36, through Elihu's words, thus serves to magnify the gap between human understanding and divine reality, emphasizing not just the limitations but the futility of human attempts to grasp or challenge divine justice and purpose. This theme of human futility is not meant to discourage but to foster a deeper reverence and trust in God's superior wisdom and justice, even when they are beyond human comprehension.

Elihu addresses Job, questioning whether a man's righteousness can benefit God or whether a man's sin can harm Him. He asserts that Job's complaints against God, claiming that his righteousness has not been rewarded nor his sins punished, are misguided. Elihu argues that human actions do not affect God in a direct, personal way; God is above human moral dynamics.He then delves into the idea that when people cry out under oppression, God does not necessarily respond out of personal obligation or need. Instead, Elihu suggests that God's actions are based on His divine purpose, which transcends human understanding.Elihu uses the example of the oppressed who cry out but receive no immediate answer to illustrate that God's justice might not align with human timing or expectationsThe chapter emphasizes the vast difference between divine justice and human perception of fairness. God's justice is not swayed by human cries for justice but operates on a higher plane of wisdom and purpose.

In this chapter, Elihu continues his discourse, addressing Job and his friends. He begins by calling for attention to his words, asserting that he is speaking on behalf of God and not out of human bias. Elihu challenges Job's claim of righteousness and his contention with God. He argues that God is mighty but does not despise anyone; He is just and does not pervert justice.Elihu explains that if a man truly desires to understand God, he must recognize that God does not need to give an account of His actions. He points out that God is the supreme governor who punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. He refutes Job's claim that he has been wronged by God without cause, stating that God would not act wickedly.Elihu then poses a series of rhetorical questions to emphasize God's justice and omnipotence:Does Job think he can be more just than God?Should God recompense according to Job's view?Does Job have the right to choose how God should govern?He concludes by stating that those who rebel against God will face consequences, whereas those who obey Him will prosper. Elihu's speech aims to correct what he perceives as Job's misguided views about divine justice and retribution, emphasizing God's fairness and the need for humility in human judgment of divine actions.

Elihu begins by asking Job to listen to him, as he speaks on behalf of God, not out of human bias or flattery. He asserts that he will speak without fear, choosing his words carefully.Elihu then explains that God speaks in various ways but often people do not perceive it. He talks about how God might use dreams and visions at night to open the ears of men and seal their instruction, turning them from wrongdoing.He describes scenarios where God might use pain and suffering to get someone's attention, suggesting that if there is an angel or a mediator to explain God's work, then the person can be redeemed from going down to the pit, and his life can see the light.Elihu insists that God does all these things twice, even three times, with a man to bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of life. He then turns directly to Job, saying that Job should listen because Elihu is speaking for God, not accusing Job with words beyond what he has done.Elihu challenges Job's claim of innocence, suggesting that Job's affliction might be a form of divine communication or discipline, aimed at turning him from his path and covering his pride. Elihu concludes by urging Job to consider if he has sinned in any way and to be ready to face God without contention, acknowledging that God is greater than humans and does not answer according to their ways.

Introduction of Elihu: Elihu, a younger man, has been listening to all the discussions. He's described as being angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God, and also angry with Job's friends because they could not refute Job yet condemned him without finding an answer.Elihu's Preparation to Speak: Elihu waits until Job finishes speaking because of his youth and out of respect. He then explains that he must speak because he is full of words and his spirit compels him to express his knowledge.Theme: This chapter sets the stage for Elihu's speeches, which will focus on defending God's justice and arguing that suffering can be educational and redemptive, rather than merely punitive.

Job 31 provides a profound reflection on moral integrity and social justice, themes that resonate well with the teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament. Here's a summary that highlights the parallels:Job 31: Integrity and Moral PurityJob begins by affirming his commitment to purity and integrity, vowing to avoid lustful thoughts and adultery (Job 31:1-12). This aligns with Jesus's teachings on adultery which expand the commandment to include even the thoughts of the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). Jesus emphasizes that sin isn't just in the act but in the intent and desire.Deception and FalsehoodJob curses deceit and falsehood (Job 31:5-8), which mirrors Jesus's call to honesty and forthrightness. Jesus teaches his followers not to swear oaths but to let their "yes" be "yes" and their "no" be "no," emphasizing straightforward truthfulness (Matthew 5:33-37).Social Justice and CompassionJob speaks of his fairness towards servants, not withholding their rights or despising them, and his care for the poor and the widow (Job 31:13-23). This reflects Jesus's teachings on care for the least of these (Matthew 25:31-46) and his condemnation of hypocrisy in religious practice, urging genuine compassion and justice.Trust in Wealth and IdolatryJob denounces the trust in wealth, specifically gold, and any idolatry (Job 31:24-28), which aligns with Jesus's teachings on the impossibility of serving both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Jesus often warned against the accumulation of treasures on earth instead of heaven.Vengeance and Love for EnemiesJob mentions his lack of joy in the misfortune of his enemies (Job 31:29-30), which can be seen in parallel with Jesus's command to love one's enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43-48). This teaches a radical form of forgiveness and love that transcends typical human reactions.Hospitality and GenerosityJob describes his open door to strangers and his readiness to share his bread with those less fortunate (Job 31:31-32). This mirrors Jesus's parable of the sheep and goats, where welcoming the stranger is akin to welcoming Him (Matthew 25:35).Public IntegrityJob concludes by declaring his willingness to be judged openly if he has wronged anyone (Job 31:38-40). This public accountability resonates with Jesus's call to righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees, which was often outwardly religious but lacked inner sincerity.In summary, Job 31 outlines a life of moral uprightness, social justice, and personal integrity, which, while predating Jesus, aligns with the ethical and moral teachings Jesus later expanded upon. Job's reflections on his life provide a practical example of living out principles that Jesus would later teach, emphasizing internal righteousness, love for others, and trust in God over material wealth. This continuity underscores a consistent thread of divine ethical standards across the biblical narrative, from the Old Testament to the New.

Job 30 contrasts Job's past honor with his current degradation:Past Respect: Job was once revered by all, even the young.Current Mockery: Now, he's scorned by the youth and those he once considered beneath him, suffering in illness and scorn.Physical Suffering: Job describes intense physical pain, with his skin turning black, peeling, and bones burning.Emotional Despair: He feels abandoned by God, his prayers leading to tears, and his life filled with sorrow.Metaphorical Desolation: Job likens himself to creatures of desolation, his life's "music" now only tunes of mourning.Conclusion: Job's lament highlights his profound fall from grace, facing physical, social, and spiritual agony, encapsulating the theme of suffering and existential crisis.

 An imagined dialogue where Job discusses:His Past Glory: Job reflects on Job 29, describing the days when God watched over him, when he was the eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. We delve into what it meant for him to be a leader, a source of justice, and how his life exemplified righteousness.The Depths of Suffering: Job shares his thoughts on the loss of everything dear to him, exploring themes of suffering, divine justice, and human endurance. How did he reconcile his faith with his misfortunes?The Role of Wisdom: Job discusses his insights gained through suffering, touching on how wisdom, not just from prosperity but from pain, shapes character and understanding.t .What we can learn about resilience, faith, and the complexity of divine-human relationships.

Join us for an enlightening episode where we delve deep into profound wisdom. Imagine sitting down for a heartfelt conversation with Job himself,The Search for Wisdom: We start with Job's poetic exploration of where true wisdom can be found, not in the depths of the earth nor among the treasures of the world, but in something far more profound.An Interview with Job: Job will discuss the meaning behind his words in chapter 28, particularly the pivotal verse 28: "The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." Job will share how this wisdom wasn't just philosophical but profoundly practical in his life.Understanding Divine Wisdom: We'll unpack what it means to have "the fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom, exploring how this reverence shapes one's life, choices, and understanding of the world around us.This episode promises not only to educate but to inspire, offering a rare blend of scriptural insight, personal narrative, and timeless wisdom. Whether you're a scholar of the Bible, someone facing personal trials, or simply curious about the depths of human endurance and divine interaction, this conversation with Job will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the wisdom that has guided souls for generations.

Today, we dive into Job 27, where Job continues his discourse, defending his integrity and contrasting his situation with that of the wicked. Let's explore this chapter through an imagined conversation with Job himself.   Oath of Innocence:Job opens by taking an oath, declaring that God has taken away his justice, yet he will maintain his righteousness. He insists he won't lie about his integrity.Contrast with the Wicked:Job then draws a stark contrast between his life and that of the wicked. He asserts that while the wicked might seem to prosper, their joy is temporary, their hope will perish, and their trust is as fragile as a spider's web.Destruction of the Wicked:He elaborates on the fate of the wicked, describing how their houses will be uninhabited, their wealth will vanish, and their prosperity will fade. They will die and wake up in terror and distress. Job paints a picture of inevitable ruin for those who live contrary to righteousness.Job's Certainty:Despite his own suffering, Job remains convinced of the eventual downfall of the wicked. This conviction underscores his faith in divine justice, even when personal experience seems to contradict it.

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into one of the most profound and poetic chapters of the Book of Job, Chapter 26. Imagining a conversation with Job himself, we explore his response to Bildad's words, which have failed to console him. Job, in his anguish, turns not to man but to the majesty and mystery of God.Key Points Discussed:Job's Rebuke:Job begins by seemingly agreeing with Bildad but quickly shifts to a critique, highlighting the inadequacy of human wisdom in the face of divine mystery. We discuss how this sets the stage for Job's deeper reflection on God's power.The Wonders of Creation:Job poetically describes the underworld, the heavens, and the earth, showcasing God's sovereignty over all creation. We explore how this imagery serves to both humble and exalt Job’s understanding of God.The Incomprehensible Nature of God:Through Job's words, we examine the theme that God's ways are beyond human comprehension. Job's extensive knowledge of natural phenomena underscores his point: humanity's grasp is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom.Personal Reflections by Job:Imagine Job sharing his personal insights on suffering, how it has driven him to seek God beyond the superficial, into the very fabric of existence.Theological Implications:We discuss how Job’s monologue challenges traditional views of suffering as punishment, suggesting instead that suffering might be an avenue to encounter God's true nature.Modern Relevance:How can Job's experiences and responses inform contemporary discussions on suffering, resilience, and faith? We explore what lessons modern listeners might draw from Job's ancient dialogue with his friends and with God.Concluding Thoughts:The episode wraps up by considering Job's journey not as a simple narrative of cause and effect but as a complex exploration of divine mystery, human limitation, and the profound depth of faith when confronted with inexplicable pain.Call to Action:Engage with listeners by encouraging them to share their thoughts or personal experiences of how they've reconciled suffering with their beliefs, or how they perceive the divine in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

We delve into Job 25, where we virtually sit down with Bildad, one of Job's 'friends.' Known for his sharp tongue and unwavering certainty, Bildad attempts to explain Job's suffering through a lens of divine justice and human unworthiness. However, as we explore, it becomes evident that Bildad's perspective is fundamentally flawed.The Interview: We start by setting the scene of where Bildad's speech comes in Job's narrative, emphasizing his role as a supposed comforter who turns into a critic.Bildad's Views: We outline his key points: the dominion of God over all creation, the insignificance of man compared to celestial bodies, and the impossibility of human purity before God.The Flaws: Each segment of Bildad's speech is dissected to reveal its inaccuracies. From misunderstanding divine justice to oversimplifying human suffering, we highlight how Bildad's theology lacks nuance and compassion.Theological Critique: With insights from biblical scholars and theologians, we discuss why Bildad's approach, while rooted in some truth about God's greatness, fails to grasp the complexity of human experience and divine grace.Job's Response: While Job does not directly respond to Bildad in the text, we infer from his other responses how he might have felt about this particular round of 'advice.'This episode serves not just as a biblical study but as a cautionary tale against dogmatic certainty and the danger of oversimplifying God's ways with humanity. Join us as we uncover the layers of Job 25, learning from Bildad's mistakes about offering genuine comfort and understanding in times of distress.