punishment – Be Still…

Job 22:1-30 – Eliphaz’s Final Speech

Read Job 22:1-30

We begin the third round of discussion between friends, although it seems more like a debate. Didn’t Eliphaz pay attention to Job’s last observation about wickedness? Eliphaz doesn’t tread lightly but makes a brutal attack on Job’s character and condition making it clear he thinks Job is one of the wicked ones.

I have an answer to Eliphaz’s first question. “Can a person do anything to help God?” Eliphaz may have meant it as a slam against Job, but there is at least one thing we can do to help God and further his kingdom. We can be good witnesses to God’s love and compassion, to his power and might. We plant seeds of faith that can then be nurtured by God into a living relationship with God. Have you ever had the privilege of introducing anyone to God? Continue reading “Job 22:1-30 – Eliphaz’s Final Speech”

Zechariah 1:18-21 – God’s Revenge

Read Zechariah 1:18-21

Horns, blacksmiths, and colorful horses! “Are we in the book of Revelation?” is the question that came to me as I read this passage. I understand Zechariah does have some apocalyptic sections. Clearly the visions God gave Zechariah are a bit different from how other prophets received their messages. I appreciate Zechariah for giving us a detailed account of what he saw and what the angel explained to him. We don’t have to guess!

If you’ve ever been bullied, then you know the feeling of relief when your perpetrator has been exposed and punished. The Israelite nation had been abused by “bullying” nations for years. This part of the vision was meant to give them the peace of mind that their “bullies” would be taken care of. Whatever residual fears they had could be cleansed away.

Joshua 7:16-26 – Achan’s Claim to Fame

Read Joshua 7:16-26

The treasure is buried. What good does it do there? That much “loot” must have brought attention to itself. You don’t just bury something under your tent without being noticed. That is probably why Achan’s family members were also sent away for punishment. I’m sure this is not the kind of remembrance Achan was hoping for when he gravely sinned. In fact, he was hoping to be “forgotten.”

As noted in our last reading, God sees it all. God knew who would be singled out that fateful morning. Achan did, too. From the time of the announcement until that moment, Achan had been thinking and overthinking what he had done. He could have denied it. He could have lied about where it was. But that at least he handled honorably. He told the truth when Joshua asked, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, by telling the truth. Make your confession and tell me what you have done. Don’t hide it from me.”