Commuter Bible

The book of Job is a messy book because it deals with messy realities and messy relationships. In one sense, Job’s friends are right in that God is just and that sinful people do not flourish in the long run. They are wrong, however, to say that the reverse is necessarily true, for disheartening circumstances aren’t always caused by sin; sometimes they are simply the designs of God, for He is our sovereign Maker and Sustainer, and He may do as He pleases. Job is an emotional wreck, and says some things he probably wouldn’t say if were at peace, but he still holds onto what he knows about the Lord and clings to that truth as he navigates hardship.

Job has lost everything but his wife, his life, and a handful of friends who have gathered around. After sitting together in silence for seven days, Job opens up about the sorrow and agony he feels. His friends, however, greet him calls to repent, suggesting that God would not punish someone like this if he were indeed righteous. Bildad rebukes Job, pointing to God’s justice and argues that God does not reject a person of integrity. Job, in turn, considers God’s power and sovereignty and declares that is futile to try to bring any case against God Almighty.

The book of Job is thought to be one of the earliest writings of Scripture, given that is likely that wrote down the books of Genesis-Deuteronomy. Set in the period of the patriarchs perhaps even before the time of Abraham, this book gives us the account of a rich man who loses it all. While his suffering was not brought about by sin, Job’s friends try to convince that such desolation only comes upon those who are sinful. Job also gives us a rare glimpse into the spiritual realm, describing scenes before the throne of God Almighty, who reigns so supremely that even His enemies must be granted permission to act.

In this letter to Timothy, Paul encourages the young man whom he calls a son in the faith to preach the gospel boldly, clearly, unabashedly, and without fear. Paul encourages Timothy to know the Scriptures well so that he can preach the Scriptues well. The apostle has entrusted the work of gospel ministry to Timothy and he wants to make sure that Timothy is capable of training other men to do the same. To do the work faithfully, followers of Christ must expect to endure suffering. Paul warns that hard times will come in the last days, for there will be many who claim the faith with their mouths yet deny it with their actions, “holding to the form of godliness but denying its power.”

Haman’s wrath against Mordecai and the Jewish people has returned on his own head. Though he sought to hang Mordecai from the gallows he had constructed, he was, instead, forced to honor Mordecai publicly. Then, when his plans to execute Mordecai were discovered, Haman was hanged on his own gallows. On today’s episode, Esther continues to represent her people before the king, turning a day of mourning into a day of rejoicing. Today’s reading from Esther is rather short so we’ll be spending a little more time in Psalm 119.

Haman, the royal official who hates Mordecai for being disrespectful and insubordinate, has tricked King Ahaseurus into giving him even more power and authority. With the king’s signet ring in hand, he devises a scheme to wipe out the Jewish people, whom he hates because of his hatred for Mordecai. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall,” and that proverb is on full display here in the life of Haman. A God orchestrates divine justice over Persia without speaking a word, while Esther and her people are blessed in their humility before a holy and sovereign God who provides for those who fear Him.

The account of Esther, the Jewish orphan who becomes the queen of Persia, is neither a Cinderella story, nor a how-to guide for righteousness. It does, however, give us a picture of the God who graciously uses broken people to achieve His glorious and fulfill His covenant promises. The names that the two Jewish characters operate under, Esther and Mordecai, are names that give honor to Persian gods. The book reflects how they operate under this saturation of Persian culture by mentioning the Persian king 190 times while God is never mentioned. On today’s episode we meet Esther, Mordecai, King and Ahaseurus, and the self-righteous enemy of God’s people: Haman.

Today we’re going to read the entire letter of 1 Timothy together, and as we do I think you see some themes emerge. First, Paul writes to Timothy from a place of humility in order to encourage humility within Timothy and within the church. From that humility comes order within the church, including rightly viewed structures of authority and submission. Paul wants Timothy to be bold in faith and in the work of ministry, but humble in spirit, relying on the Lord in all circumstances. Self-righteous gain, however, results in quarreling, craving for controversy, and a love of money.

The temple is finished. The wall is finished. The people have rededicated themselves to the Lord’s house, and on today’s episode, the remnant of Israel rejoices. With the work completed, Nehemiah returns to Persia to serve under King Artaxerxes once again, just as he promised. All is right with the world, and God’s people serve Him faithfully from then on, right? Wrong! In fact, not long after Nehemiah leaves, the work of the temple is all but abandoned and Eliashib, who is in charge of the temple storehouses, clears out a room for Tobiah the Ammonite official, who happens to be a relative. Nehemiah returns once more to set things straight.

Now that the work of rebuilding the temple and rebuilding the walls surrounding Jerusalem is complete, the exiles from Israel gather together to hear Ezra read from the book of the Law. The Levites explain the law to the people as it is being read, and when the congregation understands the extent to which they have broken the Law, they mourn over their actions. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encourage them to rejoice, for the people have not only returned to their land, but they have returned to their God. The Levites recite a confession they had written based on Israel’s rebellious history, after which, God’s people make a vow to the Lord.