Am I Enough – Will you Judge God?

Greetings Dear Reader,

As God reaches the end of his explanation of his power he reminds Job that he asked Job to instruct him if he could.  He then asks a further question.  He asks Job if he can judge God.

I feel the passage makes it so clear that what God is asking is can Job save himself.  Can Job end his own captivity?  Can he end his own suffering?  Can he redeem his own soul?  Can he sit in judgment on God?

God assures Job that he can crush the wicked if he wishes.  He reminds Job that if Job can do all that God asks then Job is worthy of praise from God.  Remember that all of this happens whilst God is speaking out of a storm.

I wonder how often I judge God without even thinking about it.  All that Job has asked God is why.  Job is wise enough not to pursue it any further but I know that I do not always do the same.  It never wrong to ask God questions.  It is always necessary to do out of a place of faith and respect. 

God does not need to prove himself to anyone.  He simply is.  He wants to be enough for me.  He wants me to accept by faith that he is good, loving, and kind.  He wants me to be the same way with others so that he can show his love to them through me.  He wants me to see that he is enough. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 40:1-24 

The LORD responded to Job, 

(2)  "Will the person who finds fault with the Almighty correct him? Will the person who argues with God answer him?" 

(3)  Job answered the LORD, (4) "I'm so insignificant. How can I answer you? I will put my hand over my mouth.  (5) I spoke once, but I can't answer- twice, but not again." 

(6)  Then the LORD responded to Job out of a storm, (7) "Brace yourself like a man! I will ask you, and you will teach me.  (8)  "Would you undo my justice? Would you condemn me so that you can be righteous?  (9)  Do you have power like God's? Can you thunder with a voice like his?  (10)  Then dress yourself in majesty and dignity. Clothe yourself in splendor and glory.  (11)  Unleash your outbursts of anger. Look at all who are arrogant, and put them down.  (12)  Look at all who are arrogant, and humble them. Crush wicked people wherever they are.  (13)  Hide them completely in the dust, and cover their faces in the hidden place.  (14)  Then even I will praise you because your right hand can save you. 

(15)  "Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. It eats grass as cattle do.  (16)  Look at the strength in its back muscles, the power in its stomach muscles.  (17)  It makes its tail stiff like a cedar. The ligaments of its thighs are intertwined.  (18)  Its bones are bronze tubes. They are like iron bars.  (19)  Behemoth is the first of God's conquests. Its maker approaches it with his sword.  (20)  The hills bring it food, and all the wild animals play there.  (21)  It lies down under the lotus plants in a hiding place among reeds and swamps.  (22)  Lotus plants provide it with cover. Poplars by the stream surround it.  (23)  Though the river flows powerfully against it, it's not alarmed. It's confident even when the Jordan rushes against its mouth.  (24)  Can anyone blind its eyes or pierce its nose with snares?

Am I Enough – The Animal Kingdom

Greetings Dear Reader,

As God continues to speak it is clear that he wishes for Job and by extension us to learn through the power and beauty of his creation.  He illustrates his point by discussing several animals.  Jesus will later allude to this when he speaks of the Father’s care of the sparrow. 

God is being very clear here that there is nothing in the cosmos that is not under his control.  No minor thing escapes his attention or care.  Everything that lives does so because of his power.  Every habit of every animal is programmed by God.

There has already been allusion to God’s physical presence with Job.  We know that he visited Abraham physically.  Job has been clear that he expects to see God at the resurrection.  There is a moment here that catches my attention. 

Thousands of years before the birth of Christ God asks Job a question; “Will the ox spend the night by your manger?”  In the midst of speaking to Job out of the storm God asks this question which to me seems to be non-sequential to this man in this time.  Down through time that moment will come when one of them, God will be in a manger.

The subtlety of this moment speaks so much of the power of God to me.  In the midst of knowing the courses of everything in the universe he plants a moment of foreshadowing that reaches me thousands of years after Job is dust.    

This kind of power is what draws me down the path.  I do not know what significance the comment had for Job.  For me, however, this powerful subtlety is a prime exemplar of the detail in which God has responded to and planned for all things.  It is this that feeds my faith in the creator who promises to redeem all of creation to himself. 

The God who speaks out of the storm cares for every sparrow.  The one who sets the course of every star will become human and spend the night in a manger.  He will do it to right all things. He will do it to call me back into his light.  He will keep moving every bit of the universe to bring us out of sorrow and pain on an eternal scale.  He will show us that he is enough.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 39:1-30 

"Do you know the time when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch the does when they are in labor?  (2)  Can you count the months they are pregnant or know the time when they'll give birth?  (3)  They kneel down to give birth and deliver their young. Then the pain of giving birth is over.  (4)  Their young are healthy and grow up in the wild. They leave and don't come back. 

(5)  "Who lets the wild donkey go free? Who unties the ropes of the wild donkey?  (6)  I gave it the desert to live in and the salt flats as its dwelling place.  (7)  It laughs at the noise of the city and doesn't even listen to the shouting of its master.  (8)  It explores the mountains for its pasture and looks for anything green. 

(9)  "Will the wild ox agree to serve you, or will it stay at night beside your feeding trough?  (10)  Can you guide a wild ox in a furrow, or will it plow the valleys behind you?  (11)  Can you trust it just because it's so strong or leave your labor to it?  (12)  Can you rely on it to bring your grain back and take it to your threshing floor? 

(13)  "Does the ostrich flap its wings in joy, or do its wings lack feathers?  (14)  It lays its eggs on the ground and warms them in the dust.  (15)  It forgets that a foot may crush them or a wild animal may trample them.  (16)  It acts harshly toward its young as if they weren't its own. It is not afraid that its work is for nothing (17) because God has deprived it of wisdom and did not give it any understanding.  (18)  It laughs at the horse and its rider when it gets up to flee. 

(19)  "Can you give strength to a horse or dress its neck with a flowing mane?  (20)  Can you make it leap like a locust, when its snorting causes terror?  (21)  It paws in strength and finds joy in its power. It charges into battle.  (22)  It laughs at fear, is afraid of nothing, and doesn't back away from swords.  (23)  A quiver of arrows rattles on it along with the flashing spear and javelin.  (24)  Anxious and excited, the horse eats up the ground and doesn't trust the sound of the ram's horn.  (25)  As often as the horn sounds, the horse says, 'Aha!' and it smells the battle far away- the thundering orders of the captains and the battle cries. 

(26)  "Does your understanding make a bird of prey fly and spread its wings toward the south?  (27)  Is it by your order that the eagle flies high and makes its nest on the heights?  (28)  It perches for the night on a cliff. Its fortress 

Am I Enough – God Speaks

Greetings Dear Reader,

Those two words should be enough.  He spoke the cosmos into existence.  He maintains us by his word.  Jesus is his final Word.  By his word all things are.  This must be our understanding as we move through the next couple of chapters.  We need to bear in mind that God has decided to enter the conversation with Job.  What he says next is to show his place in all of this and ask Job; “AM I enough?”

A Whisper in the Thunder

God is about to teach something of who he is.  He begins with a question; “Who is this questions me without any knowledge of me?”  I think that alone causes me to feel uncertain of any position I hold.  Then he commands, “Stand up like a man and teach me.”  It is then that I see just how foolish all my wisdom is.

As the Creator speaks he asks about the things in creation beyond our reach.  He begins to establish a little bit about who he is by this recitation of his power.  He includes the cosmos and creatures to show that he is in control.  He includes the natural world to remind us that every natural law was drafted and ratified by his power.  Everything lives and moves within the bounds of his power and will. 

It amazes me that we think we have come so far since Job.  In a few thousand years we have made amazing scientific advances.  We have more knowledge of the world and the universe than imagined even a century ago.  I value and honor the discoveries of science and technology.  I respect those who labor to make the world stronger, safer, better, and more endurable.  The advances of science have furthered and enriched life for humans.

Where my admiration ends is when they presume that because they know so much that they know God.  Those who deny his existence think that they have proven it.  God never bothers to prove his existence.  He simply speaks. He reaches out to Job from the storm to answer Job’s plea.

He is asking the question that he asks us all.  We either decide yes or no.  We either accept him or reject him.  As God unfolds the question he shows us all what he has done and then asks us all when he ask Job, “Am I enough”? 

My life is committed to moment by moment saying “Yes.”

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 38:1-41 

Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. 

(2)  "Who is this that belittles my advice with words that do not show any knowledge about it?  (3)  Brace yourself like a man! I will ask you, and you will teach me. 

(4)  "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me if you have such insight.  (5)  Who determined its dimensions? Certainly, you know! Who stretched a measuring line over it?  (6)  On what were its footings sunk? Who laid its cornerstone (7) when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 

(8)  "Who shut the sea behind gates when it burst through and came out of the womb,  (9)  when I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it up in dark clouds,  (10)  when I set a limit for it and put up bars and gates,  (11)  when I said, 'You may come this far but no farther. Here your proud waves will stop'? 

(12)  "Have you ever given orders to the morning or assigned a place for the dawn  (13)  so that it could grab the earth by its edges and shake wicked people out of it?  (14)  The earth changes like clay stamped by a seal, and parts of it stand out like folds in clothing.  (15)  Wicked people are deprived of their light, and an arm raised in victory is broken.  (16)  Have you gone to the springs in the sea or walked through the valleys of the ocean depths?  (17)  Have the gateways to death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gateways to total darkness?  (18)  Have you even considered how wide the earth is? Tell me, if you know all of this! 

(19)  "What is the way to the place where light lives? Where is the home of darkness (20) so that you may lead it to its territory, so that you may know the path to its home?  (21)  You must know because you were born then and have lived such a long time!  (22)  Have you been to the warehouses where snow is stored or seen the warehouses for hail (23) that I have stored up for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?  (24)  Which is the way to the place where light is scattered and the east wind is spread across the earth? 

(25)  "Who made a channel for the flooding rains and a path for the thunderstorms (26) to bring rain on a land where no one lives, on a desert where there are no humans, (27) to saturate the desolate wasteland in order to make it sprout with grass?  (28)  Does the rain have a father? Who gave birth to the dewdrops?  (29)  From whose womb came the ice, and who has given birth to the frost in the air?  (30)  The water hardens like a stone, and the surface of the ocean freezes over. 

(31)  "Can you connect the chains of the constellation Pleiades or untie the ropes of Orion?  (32)  Can you bring out the constellations at the right time or guide Ursa Major with its cubs?  (33)  Do you know the laws of the sky or make them rule the earth?  (34)  Can you call to the clouds and have a flood of water cover you?  (35)  Can you send lightning flashes so that they may go and say to you, 'Here we are'?  (36)  Who put wisdom in the heart or gave understanding to the mind?  (37)  Who is wise enough to count the clouds or pour out the water jars of heaven (38) when the dirt hardens into clumps and the soil clings together? 

(39)  "Can you hunt prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of her cubs  (40)  as they crouch in their dens and lie ready to ambush from their lairs? 

(41)  "Who provides food for the crow when its young ones cry to God and wander around in need of food?

Am I Enough – So Many Clumsy Words

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I write this new pain has made its way into my family.  If anyone were to speak to the one in pain the way Job’s friends have spoken to him I do not think that I could be as kind and Job has been.

What Elihu says about the power of God is both true and amazing.  I have often found my heart full of worship at the onset of a storm.  I love the variants of weather and the challenges they bring.   I see God in the storm and it brings me joy.

I do not see Elihu applying these great truths properly.  He uses truth to equate God’s power to Job’s guilt.  He threatens Job with retribution from God.  He pushes Job to confess to sin he has not committed. 

I must assure that I do not use God as hammer.  There are times when he is one but that is his call not mine.  I must assure that I communicate all things about the power and majesty of God in a loving and kind way.  It is the purview of God to use his power to get our attention.

My responsibility is to show that his power is intended to draw us to him.  I am to be an example of his love.  All of Job’s friends are to be my counter-example of how to treat those in crisis.  Anything else is to abuse the power of God in the lives of men.

The words I choose matter so much as I seek to reflect God’s perfect Word, Jesus.

The Final Word – Michael Card

You and me, we use so very many clumsy words

The noise of what we often say, is not worth being heard

When the Father's wisdom wanted to communicate His love

He spoke it in one final perfect word

He spoke the incarnation and then so was born the Son

His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one

Spoke flesh and blood, so He could bleed and make a way divine

And so was born the baby, who would die to make it mine

And so the Father's fondest thought, took on flesh and bone

He spoke the living luminous word, at once His will was done

And so the transformation, that in man had been unheard

Took place in God the Father as he spoke that final word

And so the light became alive and manna became man

Eternity stepped into time, so we could understand

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 37:1-24

"My heart pounds because of this and jumps out of its place.  (2)  Listen! Listen to the roar of God's voice, to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.  (3)  He flashes his lightning everywhere under heaven. His light flashes to the ends of the earth.  (4)  It is followed by the roar of his voice. He thunders with his majestic voice. He doesn't hold the lightning back when his thunder is heard.  (5)  God's voice thunders in miraculous ways. It does great things that we cannot understand. 

(6)  "He says to the snow, 'Fall to the ground,' and to the pouring rain, 'Rain harder!'  (7)  He makes it impossible to do anything so that people will recognize his work.  (8)  Animals go into their dens and stay in their lairs.  (9)  A storm comes out of its chamber. It is cold because of the strong winds.  (10)  God's breath produces ice, and the seas freeze over.  (11)  Yes, he loads the thick clouds with moisture and scatters his lightning from the clouds.  (12)  He guides the clouds as they churn round and round over the face of the inhabited earth to do everything he orders them.  (13)  Whether for discipline, or for the good of his earth, or out of mercy, he makes the storm appear. 

(14)  "Open your ears to this, Job. Stop and consider God's miracles.  (15)  Do you know how God controls them and makes the lightning flash from his clouds?  (16)  Do you know how the clouds drift (these are the miracles of the one who knows everything), (17) you whose clothes are hot and sweaty, when the earth is calm under a south wind?  (18)  Can you stretch out the skies with him and make them as firm as a mirror made of metal?  (19)  Teach us what we should say to him. We are unable to prepare a case because of darkness.  (20)  Should he be told that I want to speak? Can a person speak when he is confused?  (21)  People can't look at the sun when it's bright among the clouds or after the wind has blown and cleared those clouds away.  (22)  A golden light comes from the north. A terrifying majesty is around God.  (23)  The Almighty, whom we can't reach, is great in power and judgment, has more than enough righteousness, and does not oppress.  (24) That is why people should fear him. He does not respect those who think they're wise."

Am I Enough – Fairness, Prosperity, and Wrath

Greetings Dear Reader,

I must admit reading through Elihu’s words this week has been difficult.  I must endure him one more day.  I am, however, learning from him.  I do wish that he understood the character of God.  He brings up some issues that are still haunting us today.  They demonstrate his lack of understanding.

Fairness – He believes that God is fair.  Fairness is unfair.  This is never described as an attribute of God.  God is just but not fair.  This assumption of God and this way of thinking is very dangerous.  The world is not fair.  The wicked do prosper.  The righteous do suffer.  That is what happens in a fallen world.  Fairness thinking in a culture always leads to injustice.

Prosperity – The righteous are not always rich in a material sense.  This thinking leads to abuse and evil.  You are not guaranteed riches in material things if you are righteous.  You are going to automatically live in poverty if you are evil I have often heard Elihu quoted by prosperity preachers.  Please understand that Elihu is wrong.   The primary problem with Job’s friends is that they do not understand God.

Anger – Elihu rails against the anger that the unrighteous have angrily.  Here he is hypocritical.  From the beginning his anger and disrespect betray the error in his reasoning.  Everything about his approach to anger shows his lack of wisdom and understanding.

So what does this mean for me today?  First I need to remember that Elihu needs love too.  I need to be reminded that God is not a hammer yearning to crush those who do not understand him.  Rather, he is a Father who loves his creation and wants to draw us to his arms. 

God sent Jesus to teach me how much he loves me.  He wants me to follow the Son with all my heart.  He wants me to love all of those who are wrong about God.  He wants me to see his love and how it quenches his anger.  He wants me to love those who abuse him through teaching wrong things about him.  He wants me to follow Job’s example. He wants me to wait for him to make all things right.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 36:1-33

Elihu continued to speak to Job, 

(2)  "Be patient with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said in God's defense.  (3)  I will get my knowledge from far away and prove that my Creator is fair.  (4)  Certainly, my words are not lies. The one who knows everything is speaking with you. 

(5)  "Certainly, God is mighty. He doesn't despise anyone. He is mighty and brave.  (6)  He doesn't allow the wicked person to live. He grants justice to those who are oppressed.  (7)  He doesn't take his eyes off righteous people. He seats them on thrones with kings to honor them forever.  (8)  However, if righteous people are bound in chains and tangled in ropes of misery, (9) he tells them what they've done wrong and that they've behaved arrogantly.  (10)  He makes them listen to his warning and orders them to turn away from wrong. 

(11)  "If righteous people listen and serve him, they will live out their days in prosperity and their years in comfort.  (12)  But if they don't listen, they will cross the River of Death and die like those who have no knowledge.  (13)  But those who have godless hearts remain angry. They don't even call for help when he chains them up.  (14)  They die while they're young, or they live on as male prostitutes in the temples of idols.  (15)  He rescues suffering people through their suffering, and he opens their ears through distress. 

(16)  "Yes, he lured you away from the jaws of trouble into an open area where you were not restrained, and your table was covered with rich foods.  (17)  But you are given the judgment evil people deserve. A fair judgment will be upheld.  (18)  Be careful that you are not led astray with riches. Don't let a large bribe turn you to evil ways.  (19)  Will your riches save you from having to suffer? Will all your mighty strength help you?  (20)  Don't look forward to the night, when people disappear from their places.  (21)  Be careful! Don't turn to evil, because you have chosen evil instead of suffering. 

(22)  "God does great things by his power. Is there any teacher like him?  (23)  Who can tell him which way he should go? Who can say to him, 'You did wrong'?  (24)  Remember that you should praise his work. People have sung about it.  (25)  Every person has seen it. Mortals have looked at it from a distance. 

(26)  "Certainly, God is so great that he is beyond our understanding. The number of his years cannot be counted.  (27)  He collects drops of water. He distills rain from his mist, (28) which then drips from the clouds. It pours down on many people.  (29)  Can anyone really understand how clouds spread out or how he thunders from his dwelling place?  (30)  Look, he scatters his flashes of lightning around him and covers the depths of the sea.  (31)  This is how he uses the rains to provide for people and to give them more than enough food.  (32)  He fills his hands with lightning and orders it to hit the target.  (33)  The thunder announces his coming. The storm announces his angry wrath.

Am I Enough – Shooting the Wounded

Greetings Dear Reader,

As Elihu continues his tirade against Job he adds further insult.  He questions Job’s knowledge and wisdom.  He moves from any reasonable argument to pejorative insult.  He accuses Job of oppressing others. 

Be vewy kwiet, I'm hunting kwistians

His insults attack every aspect of the goodness that has already been identified in Job.  Everything about who Job is falls under question by Elihu.  It does not matter that there is no evidence of sin on Job’s part.  It does not matter that the man has years of life where he lived a good and righteous example. 

I always find that I am so angry at Elihu when I read this passage.  I always find my compassion for Job growing deeper.  I must guard my anger against a man five thousand years dead.  I must be careful to remember that even though he is wrong he is just as worthy of love as Job is.

It is so easy for those who follow Christ to shoot their own wounded.  The command from God is to restore the fallen in love.  The path is to love, respect, and encourage others.  I cannot fail to love Elihu even in the depth of his fault and believe that I am in any way righteous.  I dare not fail to love those overtaken in sin.

No matter what I think of another’s current state of righteousness or lack thereof I am obligated to love them.  I am required to show them compassion and kindness.  I do not have to accept or justify their sin.  I cannot, however, forget the grace and mercy necessary to forgive my sin.  I cannot for a moment move away from the fact that the price to cover my transgression was God’s blood.

In light of the guilt and penalty I carry for my sin, I dare not try to follow Christ whilst condemning anyone else.  We are all under the same conviction.  We all need the same forgiveness.  I must love them where they are and motivate them to righteous by example.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 35:1-16 

Elihu continued to speak to Job and his friends, 

(2)  "Do you think this is right when you say, 'My case is more just than God's,' (3) when you ask, 'What benefit is it to you?' and, 'What would I gain by sinning?'  (4)  I will answer you and your friends.

(5)  "Look at the heavens and see. Observe the clouds high above you.  (6)  If you've sinned, what effect can you have on God? If you've done many wrongs, what can you do to him?  (7)  If you're righteous, what can you give him or what can he get from you?  (8)  Your wickedness affects only someone like yourself. Your righteousness affects only the descendants of Adam.  (9)  The weight of oppression makes them cry out. The power of mighty people makes them call for help.  (10)  But no one asks, 'Where is God, my Creator, who inspires songs in the night, (11) who teaches us more than he teaches the animals of the earth, who makes us wiser than the birds in the sky?'  (12)  Then they cry out, but he doesn't answer them because of the arrogance of those evil people. 

(13)  "Surely, God doesn't listen to idle complaints. The Almighty doesn't even pay attention to them.  (14)  Although you say that you pay attention to him, your case is in front of him, but you'll have to wait for him.  (15)  And now you say that his anger doesn't punish anyone and he isn't too concerned about evil.  (16) Job opens his mouth for no good reason and talks a lot without having any knowledge."

Am I Enough – Getting What we Deserve

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the most damaging things about Elihu’s comments is that he has just enough truth to be dangerous.  He uses his sliver of truth to launch erroneous accusations against Job.  One of his accurate statements is worth a moment of pause as we travel together.

I think that one of the reasons that we fail to see the depth of our need for grace and mercy from God is that we think we deserve something from God.  We cannot understand because of our fallen nature that we do not merit anything from God.  Everything God gives is an act of love and mercy.

It is our actions and attitudes that separate us from God.  We rejected and continue to reject him.  His response to our constant rejection is to love us, die for us, and forgive us.  We always need his mercy.  We only exist because of God’s good will.  Elihu is right; if not for the constant sustenance of God we would cease to exist.

Elihu does not see that in this truth lies the problem with his condemnation of Job.  His angry judgment rejects the very mercy that is necessary for him to live.  He should be respectfully uplifting the man he thinks has fallen.  He should be modeling the grace and mercy that he thinks is necessary to restore others.

I must always travel this journey back to God with the understanding that every step I successfully take is one allowed by grace and mercy.  I must see others as needing that same grace and mercy.  There is no one who is not capable of being brought back to God through the power of his love and grace.

The moment I condemn a person I am wrong.  I can say someone’s actions are wrong without judging the person or rejecting them as worthy of God’s love.  They are all worthy because he says they are.  It is grace and mercy that allow me to take a single step toward him.  It is that same grace, mercy, and love that I must constantly extend to others.       

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 34:1-37

Elihu continued to speak to Job and his friends, 

(2)  "Listen to my words, you wise men. Open your ears to me, you intelligent men.  (3)  The ear tests words like the tongue tastes food.  (4)  Let's decide for ourselves what is right and agree among ourselves as to what is good, (5) because Job has said, 'I'm righteous, but God has taken away my rights.  (6)  I'm considered a liar in spite of my rights. I've been wounded by a deadly arrow, though I haven't been disobedient.'  (7)  What person is like Job, who drinks scorn like water, (8) who travels with troublemakers and associates with evil people?  (9)  He says, 'It doesn't do any good to try to please God.' 

(10)  "You people, who have understanding, listen to me. It is unthinkable that God would ever do evil or that the Almighty would ever do wicked things.  (11)  God will repay humanity for what it has done and will give each person what he deserves.  (12)  Certainly, God will never do anything evil, and the Almighty will never pervert justice.  (13)  Who put him in charge of the earth? Who appointed him to be over the whole world?  (14)  If he thought only of himself and withdrew his Spirit and his breath, (15) all living beings would die together, and humanity would return to dust. 

(16)  "If you understand, listen to this. Open your ears to my words!  (17)  Should anyone who hates justice be allowed to govern? Will you condemn the one who is righteous and mighty?  (18)  Should anyone even say to a king, 'You good-for-nothing scoundrel!' or to nobles, 'You wicked people!'  (19)  The one who is righteous and mighty does not grant special favors to princes or prefer important people over poor people because his hands made them all.  (20)  They die suddenly in the middle of the night. People have seizures and pass away. Mighty people are taken away but not by human hands.  (21)  God's eyes are on a person's ways. He sees all his steps.  (22)  There's no darkness or deep shadow where troublemakers can hide.  (23)  He doesn't have to set a time for a person in order to bring him to divine judgment.  (24)  He breaks mighty people into pieces without examining them and puts others in their places.  (25)  He knows what they do, so he overthrows them at night, and they're crushed.  (26)  In return for their evil, he strikes them in public, (27) because they turned away from following him and didn't consider any of his ways.  (28)  They forced the poor to cry out to him, and he hears the cry of those who suffer.  (29)  If he keeps quiet, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him whether it is a nation or a single person?  (30)  He does this so that godless people cannot rule and so that they cannot trap people. 

(31)  "But suppose such a person says to God, 'I am guilty, I will stop my immoral behavior.  (32)  Teach me what I cannot see. If I've done wrong, I won't do it again.'  (33)  Should God reward you on your own terms since you have rejected his? You must choose, not I. Tell me what you know. Speak! 

(34)  "People of understanding, the wise people who listen to me, will say, (35) 'Job speaks without knowledge. His words show no insight.' 

(36)  "My Father, let Job be thoroughly tested for giving answers like wicked people do.  (37)  He adds disobedience to his sin. He claps his hands to insult us. He multiplies his words against God."

Am I Enough – Knowing how God Works

Greetings Dear Reader,

Elihu seems to think that he knows exactly how God does things.  He assumes that God works the same way with everyone.  In light of this assumption he continues to push Job to confess to sin that is not his.

He has judged Job without evidence.  He now angrily demands that he be allowed to teach Job wisdom.  His arrogance and disrespect can be felt in his words.  The lack of love and compassion override any genuine concern for Job’s soul.  Any truth in Elihu’s message is blocked from sight by his attitude and harshness.

I want to be clear that I am both conservative and singular in my theology.  My beliefs are very black and white.  I believe the Bible is true and accurate.  The reason I stress this is because I also find that the actions of attitudes of those who believe as I do are very judgmental and unloving.

It is judgment, condemnation, and lack of love that erodes the message we have to present to others.  We do not earn the right to be heard.  We demand that others listen to our words when we have not shown them the love they need.  Just like Job is in need of compassion from his friends, those outside the faith need to see our compassion for them.

If I do not show love for the needs of others then my words are useless.  If I pass judgment on others then I forget the depth of my own sin.  If I try to coheres or manipulate others to do as I wish then I am the one in the wrong.  I must have confidence in the love and faithfulness of God.  I must believe that God will work things out as he wishes.

What I must do is follow in faith and love.  I must see others as the needs they have and beauty that God has placed in them.  I am to love them where they are with compassion born of my same need for grace and mercy.  I must hold fast to what I believe and live it out as God commands even if those around me never agree.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 33:1-33

"Please, Job, listen to my words and consider everything I say.  (2)  I've opened my mouth. The words are on the tip of my tongue.  (3)  My words are straight from the heart, and I sincerely speak the knowledge that is on my lips. 

(4)  "God's Spirit has made me. The breath of the Almighty gives me life.  (5)  Answer me if you can. Present your case to me, and take your stand.  (6)  Indeed, I stand in front of God as you do. I, too, was formed from a piece of clay.  (7)  You certainly don't need to be terrified of me. I won't put too much pressure on you. 

(8)  "But you spoke directly to me, and I listened to your words.  (9)  You said, 'I'm pure-without any rebellious acts against God. I'm clean; I have no sin.  (10)  God is only looking for an excuse to attack me. He considers me his enemy.  (11) He puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.'  (12)  You aren't right about this! I've got an answer for you: God is greater than any mortal.  (13)  Why do you quarrel with him since he doesn't answer any questions? 

(14)  "God speaks in one way, even in two ways without people noticing it:  (15)  In a dream, a prophetic vision at night, when people fall into a deep sleep, when they sleep on their beds,  (16)  he opens people's ears and terrifies them with warnings.  (17)  He warns them to turn away from doing wrong and to stop being arrogant.  (18)  He keeps their souls from the pit and their lives from crossing the River of Death.  (19)  In pain on their sickbeds, they are disciplined with endless aching in their bones (20) so that their whole being hates food and they lose their appetite for a delicious meal.  (21)  Their flesh becomes so thin that it can't be seen. Their bones, not seen before, will be exposed.  (22)  Their souls approach the pit. Their lives come close to those already dead. 

(23)  "If they have a messenger for them, a spokesman, one in a thousand, to tell people what is right for them,  (24)  then he will have pity on them and say, 'Free them from going into the pit. I have found a ransom.'  (25)  Then their flesh will become softer than a child's. They will go back to the days of their youth.  (26)  They will pray to God, who will be pleased with them. They will see God's face and shout for joy as he restores their righteousness.  (27)  Each one sings in front of other people and says, 'I sinned and did wrong instead of what was right, and it did me no good.  (28) The messenger has freed my soul from going into the pit, and my life will see the light.'  (29)  Truly, God does all this two or three times with people (30) to turn their souls away from the pit and to enlighten them with the light of life. 

(31)  "Pay attention, Job! Listen to me! Keep quiet, and let me speak.  (32)  If you have a response, answer me. Speak, because I'd be happy if you were right.  (33)  If not, you listen to me. Keep quiet, and I'll teach you wisdom."

Second Thoughts – Harbingers of Autumn

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

As we celebrate the long weekend that marks the unofficial end of summer for so many I find myself pondering the onset of fall.  I feel some nostalgia for teaching.  At the first place where I served in this capacity we would be thigh deep in the new school year with all of its obligatory ceremony. 

I see the signs around that promise an early onset to winter this year.  The maple trees have already begun the metamorphosis of their leaves.  The verdant sounds now present in the breeze will soon be that of rustling fire speeding its way crunchy brown.  My Farmer’s Almanac promises “More Shivery, More Shovelry.”

I rarely talk about football lest I descend into scathing sanctimony regarding the uselessness of a non-leaner game of violence.  However the signs of the armies of autumn launching their tiring timed conflicts are unavoidable.  My beloved Braves are having a rough go of it as we enter the last full month of baseball.  This does not bode well for their playoff hopes.

Yesterday, the last day of August, 2014 dawned fall foggy but promised assaulting humidity later in the day.  As Christmas and I floated through the fog in the new Jetta we discussed breakfast and limited visibility.  Almost exactly as we crossed the line into Madison the fog was gone and the bright sun flooded the cockpit of the VW.  We both remarked on this and completed the journey to breakfast where we discussed early onset Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from both Starbucks and Caribou Coffee.  Christmas of course has one the first day they were available.

It was this sudden transition that brought to mind the impending change of the season.  There are changes outside of my control that I must weather.  There are things that are thrust upon us like football and pumpkin spice lattes without as much as a “by your leave please sir.”  I must weather them, find the beauty that is there to be found, and seek Christ in every moment of them. 

Today marks the run up the Christmas in my heart.  I will be full on Captain Christmas this year for the sake of my Children and Grand Children.  Those of you thinking it is too early can just go watch some football and leave me be. 

I will spend my solitary Labor Day preparing for the real matters that matter.  For me you see the harbingers of Autumn are also the first Hallmarks of Christmas.  In that alone I find great joy and beauty.   

Season Suite – John Denver

Silently the morning mist is lying on the water, captive moonlight waiting for the dawn.

Softly like a baby's breath, a breeze begins to whisper.

The sun is coming quick you must be dawn.

Smiling like a superstar the morning comes in singing, the promise of another sunny day.

And all the flowers open up to gather in the sunshine, I do believe that summer's here to stay.

And do you care what's happening around you,

Do your senses know the changes when they come?

Can you see yourself reflecting in the seasons, can you understand the need to carry on?

Riding on the tapestry of all there is to see, so many ways and oh, so many things.

Rejoicing in the differences, there's no one just like me.

Yet as different as we are, we're still the same.

And oh, I love the life within me; I feel a part of everything I see.

And oh, I love the life around me; a part of everything is here in me.

A part of everything is here in me, a part of everything is here in me.

[Fall]

Reflections on the water, like shadows in my mind,

Speak to me of passing days and nights and passing time.

The falling leaves are whispering, winter's on its way.

I close my eyes remembering the warmth of yesterday.

It seems a shame to see September swallowed by the wind.

And more than that, it's oh, so sad to see the summer end.

And though the changing colors are a lovely thing to see,

If it were mine to make the change I think I'd let it be.

But I don't remember hearing anybody asking me.

[Winter]

It's cold and it's getting colder. It's gray and white and winter all around.

And oh, I must be getting older; all this snow is trying to get me down.

There's a fire in the corner slowly dying, sometimes I just don't feel like going on anymore.

And yet I know it's more than worth the waiting for another chance to see the summer sun, come on, shine on me.

There's a fire in the corner slowly dying, sometimes I just don't feel like going on anymore.

And yet I know it's more than worth the waiting for another chance to see the summer sun, come on, shine on me.

[Spring]

Open up your eyes and see the brand new day, the clear blue sky and brightly shining sun.

Open up your ears and hear the breezes say, "Everything that's cold and gray is gone."

Open up your hands and feel the rain come down,

taste the wind and smell the flowers' sweet perfume.

Open up your mind and let the light come in, the earth has been reborn and life goes on.

Do you care what's happening around you? Do your senses know the changes when they come?

Can you see yourself reflected in the seasons? Can you understand the need to carry on?

Riding on the tapestry of all there is to see, so many ways and oh, so many things.

Rejoicing in the differences, there's no one just like me.

Yet as different as we are, we're still the same.

And oh, I love the life within me; I feel a part of everything I see.

And oh, I love the life around me; a part of everything is here in me.

A part of everything is here in me, a part of everything is here in me.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Am I Enough – Things Can Always Get Worse

Greetings Dear Reader,

We do not realize until this moment that there is a fourth man.  For us he has been in the shadows but for Job a younger man, Elihu has been sitting there listening to both sides of the argument.  He has listened but not heard.

The fact that his first interjection is an attempt to justify his anger and disrespect seems to hinder his validity.  This entire first part of his statement is intended to support his forthcoming judgment of Job.

I think we should consider some of the reasoning that Elihu puts forth before we examine his words.  Taken in the context I think we will discover some very interesting things about Elihu, Job, and God.

First I must wonder why someone so convinced that he is right becomes so angry.  As we have seen there is no evidence that Job has done wrong.  There is no sign that points toward a hidden sin.  Elihu like Job’s other friends has assumed that because of the circumstances that Job is guilty of wrong doing.  His anger is unjustified in light of the lack of evidence.

Elihu also seems to be justifying his disrespect by saying that he cannot contain himself because he knows he is right.  Once again the man proceeds from a false assumption.  He believes he is right and that Job is wrong.  He uses this as an excuse for judgment, anger, and disrespect.  All of this is contrary to the path of the righteous.

We need to consider all of this as we venture into Elihu’s discourse.  I need to consider the lessons learned from his opening.  I need to be sure that I do not judge without evidence.  I need to make certain that even if I feel anger that I do not express it inappropriately.  I need to always show respect to others no matter how wrong I feel they may be in the position held.

If I do not live out the love and kindness of Christ to those I feel are in error how can I ever hope to be heard?  I need to check my own judgments.  I need to examine my own heart and mind before I accuse anyone.  Even if I am certain that another has done wrong I need to speak to him or her with love and respect.  After all I am trying to restore a soul not win a war.    

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 32:1-22 

These three men stopped answering Job because Job thought he was righteous. 

(2)  Then Elihu, son of Barachel, a descendant of Buz from the family of Ram, became very angry with Job because Job thought he was more righteous than God.  (3)  Elihu was also very angry with Job's three friends because they had found no answer. They made it look as if God were wrong.  (4)  Elihu waited as they spoke to Job because they were older than he was.  (5)  When Elihu saw that the three men had no further responses, he became very angry. 

(6)  So Elihu, son of Barachel, the descendant of Buz, replied to Job, "I am young, and you are old. That's why I refrained from speaking and was afraid to tell you what I know.  (7)  I thought, 'Age should speak, and experience should teach wisdom.'  (8)  However, there is in humans a Spirit, the breath of the Almighty that gives them understanding.  (9)  People do not become wise merely because they live long. They don't understand what justice is merely because they're old.  (10)  "That is why I say, 'Listen to me! Let me tell you what I know.'  (11)  I waited for you to speak. I listened for you to share your understanding until you could find the right words.  (12)  I've paid close attention to you, but none of you refuted Job. None of you has an answer to what he says.  (13)  So don't say, 'We've found wisdom. Let God, not humans, defeat him.'  (14)  Job did not choose his words to refute me, so I won't answer him with your speeches. 

(15)  "Job's friends have been overwhelmed and don't have any more answers. They don't have another word to say.  (16)  Should I wait because they don't speak, because they stand there and don't have any more answers? 

(17)  "I'll give my answer. I'll tell you what I know.  (18)  I'm full of words. The Spirit within me forces me to speak.  (19)  My belly is like a bottle of wine that has not been opened, like new wineskins that are ready to burst.  (20)  I must speak to get relief. I must open my mouth and answer.  (21)  I won't be partial toward anyone or flatter anyone.  (22)  I don't know how to flatter. If I did, my maker would soon carry me away.