sinful behavior – Be Still…

Job 34:1-37 – Rebuked Again

Read Job 34:1-37

If Job responded to Elihu, as he was invited in our last reading, Job’s words are not recorded here. Rather, Elihu continues to share his observations and accusations. It seems Elihu’s audience is larger than just Job and a handful of friends.

Job may think he’s sinless, but even we know that all people are sinful. Thanks to Adam and Eve, we are all afflicted with sin now. That’s why they got thrown out of Eden. God’s presence could not allow sinfulness. Elihu confirms, “Everyone knows that God doesn’t sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.” Elihu makes quite a generalization there assuming “everyone knows.” Continue reading “Job 34:1-37 – Rebuked Again”

Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless

Read Ezekiel 23:36-49

This reading concludes the section speaking of the sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, and their detestable sins. The LORD wants Ezekiel to call them out and not be afraid to speak against Samaria and Jerusalem. Their judgment is set. The LORD decreed, “Bring an army against them and hand them over to be terrorized and plundered.”

When personification is used like this, it’s easier to assign human emotion or responses to these lewd acts. It was a nation, not an individual, who engaged in the shameful behaviors. From all the accounts we’ve read, these nations didn’t seem to care. These people were clearly more focused on their own agenda without regard for the consequences. Continue reading “Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless”

Ezekiel 18:1-32 – The Justice of God

Read Ezekiel 18:1-32

What a powerful message for God. Even though it was originally intended for the wayward Israelites God sought after, isn’t he still searching after us as well. Some of us are easier to find because we’re drawing closer to him, yet we always seem to fall short.

Here in these verses we see the kind of behavior that is pleasing to God. We also see how God rewards and disciplines when our behaviors fit or flee from God’s high standard. Some would be troubled by such expectations. Others continually seek to be better at achieving such a lifestyle. Continue reading “Ezekiel 18:1-32 – The Justice of God”

1 Chronicles 28:1-21 – David’s Instructions

Read 1 Chronicles 28:1-21

David was certainly displaying transparent leadership at this moment. He made sure everyone was there for his big speech. The “LORD’s assembly” it was called. Much of what David said was for Solomon’s benefit. As the next king, Solomon was charged by God with building the temple David had only dreamed of. By being transparent with Solomon and the rest of the leaders, David was also setting up accountability for Solomon’s reign. By having the kingdom’s leaders present, they would be informed and ready for what would happen next. Brilliant!

Why is being transparent a good idea for those in leadership? Such actions alleviate any question about what is going to happen and who does what. This transparency is a great example of “direct leadership” when clear instructions are given. People respond when being led in a direct manner.

Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 – Final Thoughts

Read Ecclesiastes 12:8-14

What an image describing how wise words inspire us! Neither a cattle prod nor a nail-studded stick sound like a pleasant way to direct our path. Yet sometimes that’s just what we need – like a “kick in the pants!” Understanding right from wrong can often be an eye-opening experience.

Encountering the Teacher’s reflections throughout the book of Ecclesiastes has been helpful. I appreciate his conclusions and parting thoughts in this final passage. “Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty.” If more people in this world knew what their “duty” was, families, neighborhoods, and even churches would be much happier. Don’t you agree?