Controversial Topics

I suppose the OT reading, NT reading, and the Psalm for today contain some of the most controversial topics known to Christianity.

Starting with Job, I could not help but reflect upon my post from yesterday regarding the story of Esther and Xerxes' original decree of death for the Jews that was superseded by a following decree that they could preemptively protect themselves. Was Job ignorant of what protection he had? Indeed God's blessing was upon Job, but possibly Job made a revealing statement in chapter 3, verse 25: What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come true. This does not sound like confidence in anything - and certainly not God!

Also in Job, the ownership of responsibility for events is difficult to ascertain. For example, in Job 1.20, 21 Job declares that God took his stuff. In verse 22 the writer says Job did not blame God (and therefore sin). Huh? This sounds like double talk!

Then in I Corinthians, Paul reasons with his readers that, although speaking in tongues is highly recommended, he encourages understandable communication among believers. Now, it is important that we today recognize that Paul was not "passing away" the phenomenal gift of tongues, but rather giving instruction for its controlled use. And, while that all sounds well and good, there is still the supernatural weirdness of tongues to be dealt with. I think it has become easier for the church (by and large) to avoid the topic altogether. How sad, because Paul says that even though it does not benefit others, this incomprehensible gift gives thanks to God very well (I Corinthians 14.17). How important is giving thanks?

Finally, the Psalm today is rather outlandish. I say this because we today are so far from the kind of blessing discussed here that it seems almost "fariytale-ish". This is another sad fact.

Father, I am grateful for Your Word. You have increasingly nourished me and even increased my appetite for the mysterious Living Word found in the Bible's words and sentences - not the ink on the page, but Your Spirit bringing understanding of Your unspeakable love for (and interaction with) mankind.