The Family Bible Journey Podcast

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.

Bildad the Blowhard, Job 8, OT S1:E282

Bildad suggests that Job's children perished for their sin, and that if Job were righteous, he would not suffer as he did. Here we are challenged with half-truths about God and earthly justice. On this side of eternity there is much sin and suffering. Not until we are in the Lord's presence will justice have her day.

Speaking With Boldness, Acts 4, NT S1:E145

The religious authorities were keen to treat the disciples as they had Jesus, by killing them. But the crowd was in awe of the men who had healed a man they all knew to be crippled since birth. The authorities threatened to mistreat them, but the disciples were undeterred. They couldn't withhold the good news of God's redeeming power in Jesus.

Fleeting Relief, Job 6-7, OT S1:E281

Job suffers by day and experiences nightmares during broken sleep. We reflect on the difficulty of sleepless nights and nightmares, experienced by many when they are depressed, anxious, or under stress. Where do you turn when you can't run from your distress?

The Farse of Earthly Justice, Job 4-5, OT S1:E280

Eliphaz is the first of Job's friends to speak, and in his opening rant, indicts Job for his suffering. The basic message of chapter four is that God protects the innocent. Chapter five suggests that evil purposes are thwarted by God. While both would be nice, neither is true in this life, so we hear in the words of Eliphaz, earthly wishes mixed with godly wisdom.

Restored and Refreshed in Christ, Acts 3, NT S1:E144

An undeniable miracle, the healing of a man who had been begging forty years at the Beautiful Gate, gave Peter and John platform to preach even to the religious authorities. They spoke words of restoration and refreshment in Christ, available even to those who had sent Jesus to His death.

When Hopes Are Dashed and Terrors Real, Job 3, OT S1:E279

Job's suffering is so great that he wishes he hadn't been born. Despite his wealth and righteousness, he lost everything. Given his terrible lot, we do well to set our hopes and minds on things above, where moth and rust do not destroy.