READINGS FOR APRIL 10, 2024: JOB 37, 1 CORINTHIANS 4, PSALM 29
JOB 37
This chapter wraps up the speech by Elihu. The first thirteen verses are a continuation of the thoughts that begin at 36:27. The rest of the chapter calls on Job to ponder God’s power and wonder of God.
In the beginning of the chapter, Elihu reminds the hearer of God’s majesty that is on display in nature. It talks of God’s power in the thunderstorm, snowstorms, and other weather-related events. When God’s power is on display, we seek shelter and protection from the elements.
Elihu then questions Job about what makes him think that he has the right to ask God for an answer about his suffering. Elihu asks If God is so powerful and has dominion over the elements, then what makes us think that we can question his ways.
And yet, the ability to question God is a part of our having a relationship with God. It is when we have questions about our faith; when we wonder about how God interacts with his creation; when we search for answers that we grow in our faith. When we wrestle with what it means to have faith in Jesus, it is then that we can learn to trust in God more.
The final verses of Elihu’s speech prepare for God’s appearance in the next chapter. From Elihu’s words, it is possible that there is a storm on the horizon that is approaching the group of friends. Even as God approaches, Elihu realizes that God is beyond our grasp and is worthy of our praise.
1 CORINTHIANS 4
This chapter begins by talking about the trials of being a follower of Jesus Christ. In addition, those who are called to leadership (apostles) are in for more tough days. In the early church, the followers of Christ were subject to persecution. They faced with being outcasts in their society and even death. The call to follow Jesus can be a rough ride.
We are fortunate to live in a country where we do not face persecution. There are places in the world where being a Christian is illegal. Other places where every time a church gathers for worship, they face the potential of persecution (being beaten or killed for following Jesus).
Paul is warning the people of Corinth about having the right mindset in following Christ. He is calling them to turn away from being arrogant. Calling them to faithful adherence to following Jesus Christ.
The chapter ends by Paul issuing a warning:
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? (1 Corinthians 4:21, NIV)
Paul wants to spend time with the people of Corinth. He hopes and prays that they will listen to his words in this letter and strengthen their faith. Paul is sending his “son,” Timothy to instruct the people of Corinth in Paul’s absence. If they had not improved the fruits of their faith, Paul’s teaching in their presence would have been much stronger.
PSALM 29
Psalm 29 may be one of the oldest psalms in the Bible due to the way it is constructed in the original Hebrew. This hymn is a song of praise to the God of creation. Yahweh, the name of God, is used eighteen times. It is used to emphasize the exclusive claims being made. It is a call to worship the Creator of the universe and to give God praise.
The psalm begins by asking the hearer to assign or give credit to God for the attributes of glory, strength, and might. It is a call to worship and praise God for who he is and not necessarily what he has done.
The middle seven verses are a theophany. This is a visible appearance by God to humankind. This appearance by God in a thunderstorm is used to underscore the call to worship God. The theophany emphasizes the attributes of glory and strength. We are told of a storm brewing over the Mediterranean Sea. It moves east through the region of Lebanon, over Mt. Heron, and onward. Each verse in this section begins with God speaking (or thundering). It is an image of the power that God, our Creator, is capable of harnessing.
This psalm ties into the imagery of the passage of Job. Both use the imagery of the storm to talk about the power and majesty of God.
The psalm ends by reminding the reader that God is the King of all. God is enthroned over all of Creation. God provides strength and power to those who trust in him.
