The Family Bible Journey Podcast

Stupid Friends, Job 18, OT S1:E289

Bildad insults Job for not submitting to his friends' insistence that he must've done something to deserve God's wrath. Like every good lie, there is some truth in what they say. But Job is left now with nothing but sadness, loss, and accusations that all is his fault.

Miserable Comforters, Job 16-17, OT S1:E288

Job loathes his "friends." Instead of consoling him, his "comforters" blame him for his misfortune, amplifying his grief and shame.

Rejected Redeemers, Acts 7, NT S1:E148

Stephen is stoned for laying blame at the feet of the religious authorities for the death of their own Redeemer. Before accusing them of treachery towards God, he recounts the long history of Israel's rejection of her redeemers from Joseph, to Moses, and throughout their history. As Stephen is stoned, we meet a young man named Saul, who approves of this martyr's death.

A Threat to Faith? Job 15, OT S1:E287

Eliphaz suggests that Job's insistence that he has done nothing in particular to deserve his suffering is a threat to faith. A basic misconception is laid bare here. Eliphaz believes if you do good, you will receive good. Bad, receive bad. But Job contends saying that the good and evil suffer alike. This gives us occasion to consider the relationship between our works and what happens to us in this life.

A Life of Troubles, Job 14 OT S1:286

Job compares the weariness of this life to waters that erode even the mountains over the course of time. When we suffer like Job, we lament our loss. But as people of faith, it is OK for us to mourn because it brings healing. Even when mourning, we recognize the blessings that God has given us, thanking and praising God for the people and the things we love and cherish, even when they are taken away from us.

Faithful Stephen, Acts 6, NT S1:E147

Stephen is a leader in the early church. Excellent in his faith and devotion, he is made a deacon, and trusted with the care of widows. As he goes about his work, he is identified as a threat to the religious leadership of Jerusalem, and is put on trial for his faith.

Which Wisdom Do You Prefer? Job 12-13, OT S1:E285

Job defend himself against the insults of his friends by insisting he had the same intelligence as they. He then affirmed the wisdom of creation, which recognizes the wisdom of God even when men do not. As we continue to reflect on the conversation between Job and his friends, we are given opportunity to examine ourselves and consider where our hopes lie.

Ancient Prosperity Preaching, Job 11, OT S1:E284

Zophar preaches the wisdom of this world when Job is suffering. He blames Job for what he is going through instead of lifting his friend up in a spirit of mercy. In this chapter we get to challenge the "wisdom" of the prosperity gospel that millions are seduced by even today.

Ananias, Saphira, and Gamaliel, Acts 5, NT S1:E146

These three characters warn us to be true to God in all things. Ananias and Saphira lost their lives for misrepresenting the extent of their generosity. Gamaliel was a priest who warned the Council about the dangers of opposing God and His purposes. Both stories give us pause to make sure we are honest with ourselves and God about our motivations for the choices we make.

Contending With God, Job 9-10, OT S1:E283

Job defend his righteous cause by reflecting on the immutable and unfathomable wisdom of God, as it is displayed in creation. He appeals to God, pleading for an intercessor, a mediator, a savior who could plead his case before the Almighty. Job longed for the Savior we know. In Jesus, we know that we have the advocate that Job so desperately wanted.