In his book The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, Derek Kidner describes the conclusion of the book of Job with these carefully crafted words: “After nearly 40 chapters of tempestuous poetry, the return to the simplicity of prose and the idyllic setting in which the book had opened rounds off this masterpiece, one may feel, to perfection.” The book of Job is indeed a divinely inspired masterpiece and the conclusion is perfection. In this concluding section there is no…
You are probably familiar with the story in Mark’s Gospel where Jesus calms the life-threatening storm the disciples unexpectedly encounter as they make their way across the Sea of Galilee. But you might not be as familiar with the story in Mark 6 where the disciples were back at it, rowing away on yet another trip, but “they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.” Where might you be feeling a strong headwind in your life today…
We all have them. Each and every one of us has at least one “why” question we desperately desire God to explain. Yours is probably whatever you are thinking about as you read this post. We all have them. So why doesn’t God answer them? We discover an answer to this question in an unexpected place: Job, chapter 28. In his excellent commentary on Job, Christopher Ash writes: “In chapter 28 we stand back from the pain and debates to…
Ever wonder why the book is Job is long? Ever wonder whether the arguments between Job and his friends that comprise the majority of the book (chapters 3-37) are really necessary? Ever read them? If not you might be surprised at the grace and wisdom revealed in these chapters that will serve your soul big time, particularly if you are presently suffering. The length of the arguments and speeches of Job and his friends and the length of the book…
“A true Christian believer may be taken by God through times of deep and dark despair…This is a very important truth.” Christopher Ash “This is a very important truth.” Couldn’t agree more. Let’s read this very important truth again just to make sure it’s made a very important impression upon us. “A true Christian believer may be taken by God through times of deep and dark despair.” A true Christian believer. Someone who is genuine, someone who is sincere and…