May 17–Job 3-6

“Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, ‘If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?”(4:1-2).

I have made this mistake. Often. God forgive me.

A person in pain is asking deep questions of faith, struggling to express the inner turmoil. Rather than offer support in silence, I feel the need to speak. To explain God.

It doesn’t go well. When I try to fix what only God can, the sufferer feels misunderstood. Judged. Criticized. More alone than before. Who can blame him? He now has no place to go, no person to whom he can express his honest questions and emotions. I have robbed him of something God wants him to have. See Psalm 13.

At the end of the story, God’s harshest criticism was not toward Job, but toward his talkative friends. Refusing to face the mystery of evil with required humility, they over-simplified God and became false witnesses. See 42:7.

The New Testament teaches me to, “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” It insists that I trust God and respectfully allow every honest question. “Call unto Me and I will answer,” is God’s offer, not mine.

Here is the truth that humbles me, (or should). There are times (many) when the wise path is to stand with those who suffer in silent sympathy and solidarity. No words. Just presence. Sometimes, faith and silence are the same thing.

“The first duty of love is to listen” (Paul Tillich).

“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you”(1 Peter 5:10, italics mine).

May 16–Job 1-2

” ‘Shall we accept good from God and not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips”(2:10).

As a boy, I encountered an old gospel song. A Stamps-Baxter quartet favorite. “Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder, why it should be thus all the day long . . . Farther along, we’ll know all about it. Farther along we’ll understand why. Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it all by and by” (William B. Stevens).

It is a song of great comfort, great truth from Scripture. If, at times, we don’t understand God’s purposes, eventually we will!

True faith, therefore, involves endurance, confidence in God, loyalty to Him, even when we cannot understand what He is doing. Someday, every tear will be dry and all the events of life will make sense.

What I didn’t realize, when I first encountered this song, was that “farther along” is more than a future point on a map. It is also a description of me as I walk with Christ. Over the years, using trials and the encouragement of His near Spirit, God changed me! The process wasn’t always pretty, but, gradually, eventually, I was farther along, too. Deeper. More willing to wait, to trust.

Frequently, we hear about “the patience of Job”. Reading this ancient story, however, we realize that he, like all of us, is a strange mixture of patience and impatience. He is steady in faith. Refuses to curse or blame God. But he also complains (often), honest with his frustration. For all his moral excellence, Job still has MUCH room for growth.

And Job did grow! At the end, (spoiler alert) Job is a different man. Having endured the pain, he came to see God (and himself) with clearer eyes, cleaner heart. Some of the answers he demanded were never provided. Even so, he came to a deeper, more child-like faith in the One who “causes all things to work together for good, for those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).

From the perspective of heaven, Job made progress. Enduring pain, asking honest questions, trusting God, he emerged a different and better man. He was patient. He was humble. He was farther along.

May it be so for us, as well.

May 15–Esther 3-10

“But he (Haman) disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. . .(but) sought to destroy all the Jews”(3:3).

We have seen it in history. Again, and again. Ignited by the Dark One, fanned by his sinister suggestions, an irrational hatred for the people of God often flames into destructive existence. It is the animosity we saw in the Holocaust.

We see it today in the persecution of Christians. “An hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God,” warned Jesus in John 16:2.

The book of Esther is about providence (see yesterday’s blog). As we consider this subject, it is especially compelling to note God’s care for His people in a time of the world’s hatred. “No weapon formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgement you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me, declares the Lord”(Isaiah 54:17). Bravely facing the irrational hatred of the world, people of faith believe that God’s goodness is sovereignly sufficient. He is our shield. He is our Shepherd.

In Esther, the irrational hatred forms in Haman’s heart. Proud official in King Ahasuerus’ court, Haman interpreted Mordecai’s faith (and the prohibitions included in it) as a personal insult. Without logic or challenge of conscience, he moved from resentment to rage to murderous intent. Not hatred for Mordecai alone, but for all the Jews! How does this happen? A dark invisible force is behind it! Those who resist God will hate His people.

While many of us suffer for faith (a possibility that Esther realized), no enemy has the power to permanently harm us. Sometimes, God steps in to foil the plan of the haters. Other times, He allows us to suffer and uses our testimony to sow seeds in the conscience of those looking on. See the death of Stephen in Acts 7.

In all circumstances, God guards and guides His people. Even in the face of irrational hatred, we are called to courage and faith.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my strength all-sufficient will be thy supply. The flames shall not hurt thee, I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine”(John Rippon).

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated me first”(John 15:18).

May 14–Esther 1-2

“The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him. . .so that he set the royal crown on her head”(2:17).

“Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne, Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above his own”(James Russell Lowell, italics mine).

God is at work in the world. In our lives and circumstances. Sometimes we can’t see what He is doing. He is, “standing in the shadow.” Hidden. Strong. Revealing Himself. Calling men to Himself in faith.

The book of Esther declares this truth. Without ever mentioning the name of God, it proclaims His providence. “The continuous agency of God by which He makes all events of the physical and moral universe fulfill the original design with which He created it,” says A.H. Strong.

One after another, this book narrates “coincidences” orchestrated by God. Vashti is rejected. Esther is chosen as her replacement. Mordecai learns of a plot against the king. Esther finds courage to go before the king with a request for help. She finds favor with him and becomes queen.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing”(John 20:29). He calls us to believe the God who reveals Himself in creation and Scripture and conscience and Spirit. Even when He is invisible to our eyes, we can trust His slow, precise, gracious work.

Does God seem hidden to you, dear one? Probably. Does this mean that He has grown careless or inattentive? No. Even in shadows, He is standing in sovereign authority. He is worthy of your trust, faithful to bless those who come to Him in faith. Esther’s story is the promise of God to every believer.

“‘ For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’ “(Jeremiah 29:11).

May 13–Nehemiah 11-13

“Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem so that they might celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with songs to the accompaniment of cymbals, harps and lyres”(12:27).

It needed to be HUGE and HAPPY! Nothing else would do. The Dedication of the wall was to CELEBRATE God. His provision and protection, His faithfulness.

History informed their choices. Years before, David commanded the Levites to sing and play instruments. On this day, Nehemiah gave instruction for a great choir to be formed. The “new” Jerusalem was to worship as the “old” Jerusalem had.

They worked hard in preparation. Sought out the Levites. Scheduled rehearsals. Practiced the processional. Two great choirs, one walking clockwise around the city on the wall, the other walking counterclockwise. Singing as they went, they joined as they entered the house of the Lord. Beautiful! Majestic!

Person-centered worship is a mistake. Too much about us. We need to remember Kierkegaard’s wisdom. God is the audience and we are the performers. We sing for HIS ears. We aim at heaven’s approval, joining our voices to those of angels shouting the worth and holiness of God. Our goal is neither our own entertainment, nor “likes” from fickle consumers.

True worship is the foundation for all good things. Once God is the center, once we set our eyes on Him and begin to shout His goodness, we will find courage to face every challenge.

“Great (huge, high, vast, good, transcendent) is the Lord and greatly (in size and scope) to be praised”(Psalm 48:1).

“It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about Himself. . .We weren’t meant to be somebody–we were meant to know Somebody” (John Piper).

May 12–Nehemiah 9-10

“On the sealed document were the names of Nehemiah. . .and Zedekiah. . .(and) the rest of the people. . .taking on themselves. . .an oath to walk in God’s law, which was given through Moses, God’s servant”(10:1, 28-29).

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed a document that we know as the Declaration of Independence. A turning point in American history. An act of courage. In essence, it was a declaration of war against Great Britain.

In 443 B.C., eighty-four leaders of Judah signed a similar document. An inspiring act of faith. Declaration of dependence on God. They voluntarily re-entered covenant with Him.

In both cases, the signers appealed to history for justification. The Americans listed 27 grievances against King George. The Jews looked back even further, to creation, to Abraham and Moses. They told the story of God’s faithfulness and of their own disobedience. Knowing history helped them understand the mistakes made, inspired them to take the oath and begin again.

Apart from a public pledge, no man can follow Christ. The will to obey is never enough. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord. . .you will be saved,” says Romans 10:9. Ultimately, there are no secret disciples, because there are no secrets. Everything will be known! This being so, the Father requires a public and courageous commitment.

Friend, have you publicly confessed Jesus as Lord? Will you now walk forward in the privileges and the obligations of this oath?

“Participation is when you show up, engagement is when you sign up” (Dan Reiland).

“If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves whom you will serve. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

May 11–Nehemiah 5-8

“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep. . .for the joy of the Lord is your strength”(8:10).

Walls aren’t enough. Never are. Neither are armies or bank accounts. God is our true defense. We are safe in time and eternity only when we abide in Him and under the conditions of His offered protection. Important lesson for Israel! Important lesson for us!

After 2 exciting months of renewal and progress, an unexpected experience came to the people of Jerusalem. As they gathered to hear Ezra read the Law of Moses, conviction of sin flooded over the crowd. Particularly convicting was the section of Deuteronomy that summarized the agreement of God with the Jewish people and His law. Using Scripture, the Spirit of God opened their eyes to their disobedience. Their ingratitude. Their pride. It was a PAINFUL experience.

As grief spread over the crowd, Nehemiah was wise in his counsel. Sin, for all its seriousness, is never the first truth! It is not first in order or priority. Even when guilt is undeniable and unbearable, the way forward is not to obsess on it. The way out is the Savior!

Eyes up, dear one! Not what WE have done, but what HE has done is our focus. When faith is first, joy is the outcome. When our eyes are raised to the sufficient Savior, confidence comes, and strength with it! Again and again the church has proven this formula. In a Roman prison, Paul and Silas praised God! They lifted eyes off themselves (limited resources for sin or situation) and strength came!

Friend, do you believe that the Great One will forgive you? Has already? In surrender to His wisdom rather than your own, will you today focus on the sufficient and successful Christ? This is true repentance! Will you lift your eyes only to Him? Will you follow His path forward into offered joy?

“Not the labor of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands; could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone, Thou must save, and Thou alone” (Augustus Toplady).

“How blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven” (Psalm 32:1).

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

May 10–Nehemiah 1-4

“If your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it”(2:5).

Sometimes, God calls us to rebuild. Not to create something new, not to pioneer some previously unexplored path, but to restore something that once was strong and can be again.

Despite two waves of returning exiles over the previous 100 years, Jerusalem was still weak. The temple was functional, but there was no protection for it, or for the people living in the city. The walls were a wreck. Some damage was from recent attacks. Some still a reminder of the Babylonian invasion nearly 150 years earlier. Discouraging situation.

Hearing this news, a remarkable leader was moved to prayer. A trustworthy man with a high position in Persian government, Nehemiah was a true believer. He knew the promise of God given to Moses in Leviticus 26:40 ff. (Note this clue to Nehemiah’s character. He was a careful student of the first 5 books of the Bible. God promises great blessings to those who seek Him in Scripture!)

Encouraged by God’s promise, Nehemiah opened his heart to seek the Lord. He wept and mourned and fasted and prayed. “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work”, says Oswald Chambers, “Prayer IS the greater work.”

Having prayed, Nehemiah experienced the “good hand of God”(2:8). Providential coincidences. Indications of God’s help and approval. Soon, a new expedition was approved by the king and help was on its way.

Friend, is your heart moved by the present brokenness of your church, family, nation or inner life? God is capable and kind to help us. As Thomas Moore said, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Will you go to your knees with tears and Scripture-inspired confidence? It is possible that God is calling you to be a rebuilder?

“Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell”(Isaiah 58:12).

May 9–Ezra 9-10

“But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the Lord our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place. . .and grant us a little reviving in our bondage”(9:8).

Ezra was the leader of a second wave of exiles returning to Israel. 70 years after the first exiles returned to rebuild, Ezra and his team of volunteers arrived from Babylon, only to face the most serious crisis thus far. The first wave of exiles had NOT been faithful to the Law of God. They had married women of the land, birthed children. Less racial prohibition than religious, God had forbidden such marriages as a hedge against the idolatry that inevitably comes from such unions.

An inclusive age resists this teaching. It proposes all men equal, all truths equally valuable. God says that the world is lost and that one of first tasks of a believer is to break from it. “Come out from their midst and be separate,” says God in 2 Corinthians 6:17. Even when we do not fully understand His wisdom on this subject, we are unwise to ignore His command.

Notice Ezra’s humility as he prays over this situation (9:5-10). Observe his grief, the seriousness he gives sin. God’s grace brought them, “safe thus far,” but Ezra has absolutely NO PRESUMPTION that God will continue to bless a disobedient people. God had given them, “a little reviving,” “a peg in a holy place” (a fixed but fragile connection), but Ezra knows that it is only a beginning.

Those who trust God must never become over-confident, must never lose fear of being disqualified or disciplined. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It also contributes to the continuation of the journey.

In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel examples the right balance. After a decisive battle with the Philistines, he erected a stone monument. Eben (stone) ha-ezer (of help). “Thus far hath the Lord helped us,” he said in explanation. Perfect expression! Gratitude for God’s help AND vigilance for danger of sin and the challenges still ahead.

Friend, are you clear that you need the Lord today as much as you ever have?! Have you become over confident with a few steps of Spiritual progress, when MANY steps are still required? “Miles to go before I sleep,” says Robert Frost. The believer should embrace the same perspective and learn a daily dependence on God.

The battle is not over, nor can we presume from past victories that the Lord will be tolerant if we ignore His word. “ A peg in a holy place,” should only make us hungry for progress in our knowledge of Him.

May 8–Ezra 5-8

“When. . .Haggai the prophet and Zechariah. . .prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem. . .then Zerubbabel. . .arose and began to rebuild the house of God. . .and the prophets of God were with them supporting them”(5:1-2).

“And the elders of the Jews were successful in building through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo” (6:14).

The temple project was going nowhere. After a promising start, powerful enemies discouraged and delayed construction. No forward momentum. No enthusiasm.

One day, the prophet Haggai stood to speak. “You say you don’t have time or money to build the temple,” he shouted with laser-like moral clarity, “but you have had plenty of both to build your own houses! No wonder the Lord is withholding His blessings.” See today’s reading and Haggai 1.

What a sermon it was! Words with penetrating power. As Haggai spoke, the people felt the conviction of God.

They began again that day. They repented and believed. Picked up their tools. Adjusted their schedules. Experienced what the New Testament would later call, “the washing of the water of the Word.”

Beginning again is sometimes the most important decision of all. Easy for us to drift from God. In the power of the Spirit, prophets/preachers call us back. The greatest failure is not stumbling. Quitting is.

As I sat in church recently, my pastor spoke words from God that reignited a place in my heart that had gradually grown cold. God used him to help me make progress.

Friend, if you are a teacher or preacher, is it God’s word your people hear when you speak? Do you seek Him so that He can speak through you? If you are a member of a body, do you pray the filling of the Spirit for your pastor? Do you realize how much you NEED your pastor(s)? He plays an essential role in God’s plan for your welfare! When God’s word is preached, progress is possible!

“Prophesy over these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord’ “(Ezekiel 37:4).

“Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).