I had great ambitions of writing a blog for each of the dialogues that Job has with his three friends, Elphaz, Bildada, and Zophar. However, I’ve come to realize how hard it is to catch up when you are behind, all while still trying to keep up with the regular daily readings. So, knowing that we are just staring our read through the Psalm’s and that I would like to get back to a regular daily post, I’m going to condense things down for Job into a few short posts.

Chapters 3 – 31

If there was one question/phrase that could be used to summarize chapters 3 through 31 it might be “who sinned?” And what ever happened to the act of true friendship and the offering of moral support? One can only wonder how many times Job may have longed for the seven days of silence to continue after he heard his friends response.

After seven days of silence, Job finally speaks. He’s wounded physically, with sores all over his body. He’s wounded mentally, as he has lost everything he has. He’s wounded emotionally, as his family is now dead, and his wife seems less than compassionate. Job is in a pretty dark place, and now surrounded by the company of friends Job speaks! He laments, “Why did I not die at birth?” (3:11) He curses the day he was born, later he will curse his entire life. The age old question, “why?” applies here, time and time again. In Job’s mind he has done nothing wrong, and to our knowledge as a reader, he has done nothing wrong. Even God in the early chapters claims Job to be “blameless.” So perhaps Job is justified in asking, “why?”

While Job laments, his friends respond in a surprising manner. Do they offer support? Do they offer compassion? Do they take his side? No! Not at all! If these were my friends, I’d be looking for others. Essentially, everything they say boils down to one reoccurring phrase, “Job, admit you did something wrong, for you must have done something wrong to deserve this!”

And so, the pattern is set for these chapters. Job laments. The friends say, you must have done something wrong. Job rebuttals. The friends say the same thing over in a different way. Job laments some more, and on and on it goes, until we get to chapter 32.

Enter Elihu

Amazingly, somewhere in the midst of this conversation a fourth friend arrives. Don’t know when he arrived. Not sure when he came from (although 32:2 gives all his family details), either way, he’s not affiliated with the original three, and takes on a completely different mindset than the rest of the conversation. He wants to acknowledge God for all of God’s greatness.

The spirit of God has made me,
and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Job 33:4

God will not do wickedly
and the Almighty will not pervert justice.
Who gave him charge over the earth
and who laid on him the whole world?
Job 34:12-13

Everything that Elihu speaks points to God’s divine wisdom and sets the stage for what will come in chapter 38. More on that to follow soon . . .

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

The Stage is Set

First off, your heart has to pour out for Job. He is described as “Good” “Righteous” “There is no one like him” and as “a person of integrity.” With these wonderful introductions and descriptions, we think the best of Job, and then the unthinkable happens. God gives permission for him to be tormented. Its a test of his character, I know, but this seems uncharacteristic of God. Then again, aren’t we tested each and every day? Should Job be no different? Still, this seems a bit unusual and the result seems rather harsh!

“Satan”

Let’s understand this . . . this isn’t “Satan” as you and I think of him. Red horns, tail, fiery pitchfork, ruling from the depths of hell. This is not who we are speaking of in Job. Instead, a better translation would be “the accuser” or “prosecuting attorney.” Here is is a heavenly being, who has a place in the inner court of God, and is allowed free reign on Job. “Anything but his life,” we are told. Still seems unfair, and I’d agree, however, let’s agree this is not “Satan” as we think of today. This “Satan” is a fellow in the kingdom of God. I’d suggest we approach him with caution, when that time comes.

The Attack

Job’s children are killed. Job’s servants are killed. Job’s livestock are killed. Everything except Job’s wife is completely destroyed. In some weird way, I’d almost wish something would have happened to her, as she seems less than compassionate. “Curse God and die” she proclaims (2:9) Yet, Job will not. Even as Job’s own skin is ravaged with sores, he will not speak ill about God. Would we be so faithful?

The Friends

With all that takes place, three of Job’s friends arrive. Elphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Out of all of Job, this is the one part that I love (next to God speaking at the end of the book). His friends arrive and the say nothing! What a blessing! They just are there, for seven days to offer support. Its a realization that sometimes the best word to say, is no word at all. Sometimes just being present is enough. I am sure that Job took their company in these first seven days a a blessing and a comfort. As we read on, that will change, but for now we will enjoy their silent company!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

If you have been following along with our Year or Scripture, we’ve been reading Job since the first of June. Its’ been a bit more of a struggle to read then I initially had intended. There is a lot of dialogue, speeches, and back and forth. There is blame, shame, and self defense. At times your heart pours out for Job, at others, you can only wonder why he might think (or say) what he does.

But before we get too far into discerning the book of Job, let’s check out the explanation given by thebibleproject.com. There are two of them, so take your time and enjoy!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Days 150 and 151 were set aside for reading Esther.

As we begin our read through Esther, perhaps we turn to our friends at thebibleproject.com for their review of this interesting Biblical Book.

As always, thebibleproject.com does a great short video on Esther, and truth be told, they put a much brighter picture on the book than I ever would. Honestly I’ve always look harshly on Esther. It’s not one of my favorite reads through the Bible. There are a variety of reasons to my thinking, and our video highlights on just a few of them.

First – God is never mentioned. I ask is God present in the actions taking place? Maybe? Maybe not? Do Esther and Mordecai rely on God’s wisdom, guidance, and provision? I’m not so sure. While the Israelites are nortorious for straying from God’s ways, this seems to put things at the extreme to ‘let’s ignore God, and hope that God will continue to provide.’ If only there was just one prayer, one petition, one calling out for guidance on God’s behalf . . . then it would be a much better read.

Second – We gloss over the fact of how Esther became queen. Too often its this great zero to hero moment, and it makes for a great cute Children’s Sermon/Bible Story moment. But not so fast. Chapter 2:1-18 spells out the details. The king was angry with is wife. He sought a new one. Virgins were requested. These were given royal beauty treatments. Then, they were given one night with the king. After that the king made his choice. If you aren’t reading between the lines, Esther was prostituted out to win the kings favor, all with Mordecai’s permission and coaching. Again, connecting the dots in my mind, Mordecai becomes her pimp. And this is the stuff we make Sunday School lessons out of!!

Third – The book seems self serving. Mordecai uses Esther’s power to secure the linage of the Israelites. Esther is praise. Mordecai is praised. Both find themselves at a place of honor. This is a bit crass, but I see the mindset of Mordecai, “look what my star girl did for me.” Again, this is the stuff we make Sunday School lessons out of!!

Now don’t get me wrong, Esther is a great read. Drama, Sex, Scandal, Death, and Scheming. It’s all in there. If only, there was some public recognition of God, then, perhaps I’d look at Esther a little bit differently. As it is, it seems more likely something I would have expected to see on the streets of Las Vegas.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Day 144 through Day 149 took us on a six day read through Nehemiah.

If we remember back to the start of Ezra, these two readings were once combined as one book. Together they tell the story of the Israelite who returned to Jerusalem following their exile in Babylon. While they both tell a similar story, Ezra focuses more on the reconstruction of the Temple, while the focus of Nehemiah is on the rebuilding of the city walls.

Some highlights:

• Nehemiah serves as a high ranking official (cup bearer) fro the king of Persia. He laments over news of Jerusalem’s destruction, and the king takes note of is saddened state. Telling his story to the king, Nehemiah is allowed to return to Jerusalem to assist wherever needed. (Chapters 1&2)
• The walls of the city are then rebuilt under Nehemiah’s leadership. It is an amazing building project that takes a mere 52 days. What an astounding feat! This was no small task. Rubble had to be removed, stone redressed, foundations laid, and the walls built. Amazing as it sounds, with God’s guidance, the impossible happened, because everyone was willing to do their part. Every family took on the responsibility of building the wall closest to their home, and it worked! (Chapters 2 – 7)
• Now building the wall wasn’t without controversy. Enemies of Israel try, and try again to ruin the plans of rebuilding the city and take long to a hold of Jerusalem. Every time they try . . . they fail (Chapters 4-6)
• With the walls (and Temple if we are considering Ezra) now complete the Torah is read to the people. The rededicated themselves, the Temple, and the walls of Jerusalem to the glory of God. A census is taken. Everything seems hunky dory. (Chapters 9 – 12)
• Well, these are Gods (un)faithful people, so we know how things go. The priest aren’t fulling their duties, people begin to intermarry, sin creeps its way back into Jerusalem. (Chapter 13)

All in all, Nehemiah is a great read as the people realize that with God all things are possible. Including the rebuilding of an entire city wall in less than two months time. Despite the hardships faced, they achieve the impossible, because God was with them. Yet that continual reminder as we close the reading in Nehemiah, that sin and temptation, continue to hold sway. Even in the midst of what would seem a bright corner in the story of Israel, there is the darken cloud of sin and shame that cannot and will not be erased until we encounter Christ and his cross. Long way to go in our readings until we get there, but we are getting closer.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Greetings friends and followers. Our family is back from a great week of travel. We created some wonderful memories together as we visited Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood, and San Diego. What a joy to take in a part of God’s creation as we played, explored, and had fun together. Thanks for your prayers during our travel.

While we were gone, I kept up on my daily reading. I didn’t make too many notes, but I know I’ll have some thoughts to share. It might take me a bit, but I’ll get there, I promise. In the near future you can expect and update on Nehemiah, Esther, and then on to Job.

If you are reading along, I know our readings don’t match Job’s response to each of his friend’s petition. God willing, it is my hope to write my thoughts that way. At least in my mind that seems to make the most sense. Bare with me, we’ll get caught up!

In the mean time, here’s an update on the reading we should be on:

Thursday, June 6:  Job 17-20
Friday, June 7:  Job 21-23
Saturday, June 8:  Job 24-28
Sunday, June 9:  Job 29-31
Monday, June 10:  Job 32-34
Tuesday, June 11:  Job 35-37
Wednesday, June 12:  Job 38-39
Thursday, June 13:  Job 40-42

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

I’m getting ready to take a long overdue and greatly anticipated break to spend some time with the family. I’ve decided for the most part to try and go with out much digital interaction. That mean’s I’ll be “blogging off” for a bit.

I fully anticipate continuing my daily reading. I certainly don’t want to ruin my 145 day perfect streak on my iPad app! Of course, I’m not doing this to keep count, but to grow closer to God, and deeper in my understanding of Scripture. While I continue to read, I pray that you will do the same.

Here is a list of the next two weeks of readings: I might surprise you and pop in while I’m traveling, but if not, I’m sure I’ll have much to say as we keep on reading together!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Friday, May 24: Nehemiah 1-3
Saturday, May 25: Nehemiah 4-6
Sunday, May 26: Nehemiah 7
Monday, May 27: Nehemiah 8-9
Tuesday, May 28: Nehemiah 10-11
Wednesday, May 29: Nehemiah 12-13

Thursday, May 30: Esther 1-5
Friday, May 31: Esther 6-10

Saturday, June 1: Job 1-4
Sunday, June 2: Job 5-7
Monday, June 3: Job 8-10
Tuesday, June 4: Job 11-13
Wednesday: June 5: Job 14-16
Thursday, June 6: Job 17-20

Today’s reading: 
Thursday, May 23: Ezra 8-10

Ezra’s story comes to a close with some humbling words as he prays for the people of Israel. I think they are beautiful words that continue to speak to us/for us even today. Granted, the events leading up to his prayer was the discovery of those who had intermarried with people of other nations. Yet, he speaks over arching words of being reconciled with God. It’s wonderful. If you didn’t read through chapter 9, here these words from Ezra’s prayer:

“I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. ⁷ From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.

⁸ “But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place^[a] in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.⁹ Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.

¹⁰ “But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands ¹¹ you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: ‘The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. ¹² Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.’

¹³ “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. ¹⁴ Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? ¹⁵ Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.”

Sometimes as a Christian today, it feels as if we are the remnant of faithful followers. Do you feel the same? Perhaps, as Ezra once did, we should pray, not only for our selves, but for those who do not yet know God, that they might, and that together we might find salvation in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Friday, May 24: Nehemiah 1-3
Saturday, May 25: Nehemiah 4-6
Sunday, May 26: Nehemiah 7

Side note: I’m getting ready for some travel, and I’ve decided that it’s okay to not take work with me. Once we get through Ezra, I’ll probably “blog-off” for a few weeks so I can enjoy some time with family and serve with our youth on their mission trip. I know I’ll keep reading. Hope you will too. And maybe, I’ll just surprise you with a few posts along the way. Be sure to stay tuned . . . 
PB

Today’s reading: 
Wednesday, May 22: Ezra 4-7

Today we encounter a little bit of pride and arrogance!

This isn’t unusual, and it is something we are all guilty of. Each and everyone of us as boasted a bit more than we should, and with that, our fall into sin slips just that little bit further. Yet, by grace we are saved, through faith! Thanks be to God for that!

Unfortunately, it is the faithfulness of some which leads to the pride and arrogance of those reconstructing the Temple.

When the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of families and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of King Esar-haddon of Assyria who brought us here.”
(Ezra 4:1-2, NRSV)

Here is a gracious offer! Here is a chance for a wonderful partnership! Here is a truly new beginning for the people of Israel! Here is a sign that God’s presence is being revealed to people all around the world! All of these are great things, yet the response:

You shall have no part with us in building a house to our God;
but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel.
(Ezra, 4:3, NRSV)

A little bit of pride. A little bit of arrogance. At this point in the story of Israel, I get it. I don’t have to like it, but I understand it. The people were home. This is an important place. This is part of their story. They want to do it alone. But at what cost?

Think about that, the next time your pride and arrogance get in the way of a future partnership. Perhaps, God is trying to do something greater if/when we realize that its not about us or what we want, but what God wants to do through us!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Thursday, May 23: Ezra 8-10
Friday, May 24: Nehemiah 1-3
Saturday, May 25: Nehemiah 4-6

Side note: I’m getting ready for some travel, and I’ve decided that it’s okay to not take work with me. Once we get through Ezra, I’ll probably “blog-off” for a few weeks so I can enjoy some time with family and serve with our youth on their mission trip. I know I’ll keep reading. Hope you will too. And maybe, I’ll just surprise you with a few posts along the way. Be sure to stay tuned . . . 
PB

Today’s reading: 
Tuesday, May 21: Ezra 1-3

Fast forward from the end of Chronicle about 70 years. The Israelites have been living in exile. Some in Assyria. Some in Babylon. It’s been a long time since many of them have been home. The older generations have passed away. The younger generations might have a fleeting memory of the glory and splendor of Jerusalem. Now, as Cyrus has some divine guidance, a select group of people are allowed to return to Jerusalem. The words that come to us from Ezra and Nehemiah tell their story. Some of them are stories of great rejoicing, others tell of hardships they experience. Some tell of rebuilding the Temple, others tell of rebuilding the city itself.

As we read, we have to keep in mind, much has changed. The mindset of the people has changed. The dynamics of life have changed. Even their faithfulness has changed. We’ll have to see how it all comes together as we venture back to Jerusalem, now 70 years after the reign of Zedekiah. But before we get too far into our reading, let’s take a look a the summary that is provided by thebibleproject.com

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next readings: 
Wednesday, May 22: Ezra 8-10 
Thursday, May 23: Nehemiah 1-3
Friday, May 24: Nehemiah 4-6

Side note: I’m getting ready for some travel, and I’ve decided that it’s okay to not take work with me. Once we get through Ezra, I’ll probably “blog-off” for a few weeks so I can enjoy some time with family and serve with our youth on their mission trip. I know I’ll keep reading. Hope you will too. And maybe, I’ll just surprise you with a few posts along the way. Be sure to stay tuned . . . 
PB