Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my cry;
do not hold your peace at my tears.
For I am your passing guest,
(Psalm 39:12a)
Job 12:1-15:35
Job told his friends "You think you know so much. Well, everybody knows as much as you." He reiterated his argument that despite what they believed that his situation was not punishment for sin.
He then says "Every animal, every bird, every plant, every fish can tell you that every living thing is in God's hand. I want to argue my case with God."
His friend Eliphaz (Ch 4) speaks again. "Why do you think you know more than we do? What you're saying is a diminishment of God." He repeated his assertion that the wicked will be punished.
1 Corinthians 15:29-58
Christian faith is more than good theology; it's also right living.
Series of contrasts.
Analogy of seed that becomes flower--although you can't see the flower now, it will come from the seed. We already participate in Adam's earthly humanity, and Not yet, in the resurrection life of the new humanity. Notice that Paul does not mention physical resurrection of either Jesus or ourselves. "Body" is the essential self. How resurrection happens is a mystery (Boring & Craddock).
For further reading: I'm posting from a commentary by Thomas Fischer about wrong reasons to serve God: 1) Guilt; 2) Pressure; 3) To please people; 4) Pride; 5) To earn salvation
Psalm 39:1-13
It is interesting to read this psalm on the same day as the selection from Job. Eliphaz could have prayed these verses.
Proverbs 21:30-31
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel,
can avail against the Lord.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Prayer for Today: O Lord, when we despair, encourage us. When we fear, comfort us. When we waiver, strengthen us. Amen.
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