June 20 ▪ Day 171

Scripture Readings

Psalms 33:20
Job 37–38
Hebrews 12–13
Proverbs 21

Verse Focus (Psalms 33:20)

We wait in hope for the LORD;
     he is our help and our shield.

Meditation

Psalms 33:20 says, “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.” It is a comforting and encouraging verse — but also extremely similar to the one we looked at two days ago. At first glance, I wondered what I might be able to get out of this verse that I didn’t already consider a couple of days ago. God is our help; He is our shield. Waiting, hoping. Hmmmm.

But then I realized that this verse is plural. I have been thinking about waiting on God as a solitary activity. And it is something that I must learn to do for myself. But this verse teaches us that waiting and hoping in God is also something that we do as a community.

So how do we wait on God as a community? How does our hope in God become stronger because we are together? A couple of thoughts come to mind. First, I think about how, in community, we can help one another to have the hope and patience we need. If you are struggling to trust the LORD, a friend might be able to encourage you by reminding you of times of past faithfulness. As a community, we can help those who are faltering. Those who are strong help the weak. And together we have faith. Maybe next time round, someone else will be the strong one, and one who was formerly strong will be the one who is struggling. But that’s part of the point of community — to help one another on the journey.

The other thing that occurs to me is that we need to have a united purpose in order for us to hope together. Praying for revival is good. Praying for revival in community is far better. What defines us as a community of believers? Is it not the hope we have in God?

This verse challenges me to wait and hope not just as an individual follower as Christ, but as part of my church community. Indeed, the verse reminds me that — despite our American culture of individualism — faith in Jesus is all about our community and our relationships. We are adopted into a family. It’s about the many, not the one.

Father God, thank you for reminding me that my faith is connected to a larger community. May we become one in purpose; may we seek you and wait on you together. Thank you that you have redeemed us to be part of your family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Job chapter 37, Elihu wraps up his comments by focusing on God’s majesty. That Job had forgotten God’s majesty was one of the points Elihu had made earlier. Job lacked humility; he had failed to recognize his sins. Elihu reminded the men that God uses affliction to instruct people. Indeed, Elihu cautioned Job against turning to evil in the desire to avoid pain.

Today, Elihu speaks of how God controls the earth and the weather. He “thunders with his majestic voice (v. 4).” He sends lightning, snow, and torrential rain. He creates a windstorm, or He sends cold and ice. He directs the clouds for any of several purposes — to punish people, or to satisfy the land’s needs, or even as a demonstration of his faithful love (v. 13).

Elihu exhorts Job in verse 14, “Stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Does Job know how God controls the clouds and the lightning? What about the brutal heat? How can Job wish to speak to the One who controls such wonders? Elihu asks in verse 20, “Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up?” God’s majesty is brighter than the sun; He is exalted in power.

Finally, in chapter 38, the LORD Himself speaks to Job “out of the whirlwind (v. 1).” The LORD’s first question is, “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge (v. 2)?” This is part of what Elihu had said to Job — that he was multiplying words without knowledge. But the LORD’s question also indicates that Job has been “darkening counsel” — or, as other translations put it — obscuring God’s plans by means of his speech.

The LORD tells Job to “brace” himself like a man; God will now question Job (v. 3). And the LORD speaks, asking question after question. Each question reveals the wonder of creation and how small mankind is in the scheme of the universe. The LORD asks about the foundation of the earth, the measurements and boundaries. Was Job there when “the morning stars sang together” and all the angels “sang for joy” (v. 7)?

Did Job set the boundaries for the seas? Has he ever commanded the morning? Has he gone down to the deep, or seen the gates of death? “Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?” God asks Job in verse 18.

Does Job know where light dwells? Or where to find darkness? Has he seen the storehouses of snow and hail? Does he understand how rain waters the earth? Has Job cared for the desolate places where no human dwells?

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion?” God asks in verse 31. Does Job rule over the stars? Does Job command the clouds? Who is the one who gives wisdom and understanding? Does Job satisfy the appetite of wild animals, or care for young birds when they cry to God for help?

The questions are humbling. We all have questions for God. There are so many mysteries in life. But how would we fare if God were to question us?

Hebrews 12 begins with “Therefore.” We have just read the Hall of Fame of faith. The writer has mentioned numerous people who were commended for their faith, but these people did not receive what was promised because God is waiting for us to join them. “Therefore,” verse 1 says, “since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Jesus is the “pioneer and perfecter” of our faith; he endured the cross because of the “joy set before him” (v. 2). In verse 3, the writer exhorts us to consider Jesus, “who endured such opposition,” so that we will not “grow weary and lose heart.” Each of these verses is a gem. Highlight; memorize; treasure these words.

Verse 7 says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” Indeed, God disciplines us so that we “may share in his holiness (v. 10).” Verse 11 is — for me — the brightest jewel in the chapter. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” The writer encourages us to persevere. We are inheriting “a kingdom that cannot be shaken (v. 28).”

The chapter ends with a quote from Deuteronomy 4:24, “Our God is a consuming fire.” It is a reminder of how God will remove everything that can be shaken. He disciplines us and removes our impurities so that one day we will be able to stand with Jesus in the presence of His holiness.

The final chapter of Hebrews contains a number of exhortations for daily living. We are to love one another, practice hospitality, remember those in prison, and live in purity. Verse 5 admonishes us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ ”

Verse 8 is another gem: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I also love verses 15 and 16, and the benediction in verses 20 and 21.

Verse 22 is both shocking and amusing as the writer says that he has written only “briefly.” For a brief communication, there sure was an awful lot to consider in the book of Hebrews! We learned how Jesus is the most effective high priest. We have better promises than those given to the Israelites; the Promised Land is as nothing compared to the Sabbath Rest that now awaits the believers. We have access to the throne of grace through the blood of Jesus. Our sins are completely and fully forgiven through his one sacrifice on the cross.

The writer of Hebrews delivered some sobering warnings not to turn away from the salvation offered through Jesus. But with faith we will stand firm. We are reminded that there is a cloud of witnesses, and a host of saints waiting for our redemption — for heaven will not be complete without us. Indeed, our Advocate is in heaven right now, praying and interceding for us. We have nothing to fear for God Himself is the one who will equip us “with everything good for doing his will (v. 21).”

Proverbs 21 contains more advice on righteous living. Verse 3 tells us, “Doing what is righteous and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” Another favorite proverb from this chapter is verse 31. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.”

Today as I read this chapter, it was verse 20 that spoke to me. It says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” I suppose it was that word “devours” that got to me. Wisdom saves; folly consumes. The wise person knows that treasure and stores might be needed in the future; the fool only considers present enjoyment. I can think of times when I have not been as careful of my stores as I should have been (I get tired of my own cooking and occasionally I will splurge). I pray that this proverb will come to mind the next time I’m tempted to order out for food!

Father God, we pray that you will make your word living and active in our hearts and minds. Help us to remember your wisdom. May your Holy Spirit work within us what is well pleasing to you. Thank you for the wisdom that is in Proverbs, in Job, and in the book of Hebrews. Help us to learn and grow through your Scripture. In Jesus’ name, Amen.