Day Thirty-Six -- From corporate certainty to personal chaos
Nehemiah 13:15-30, Esther, and Job 1:1--7:21
We begin our reading this day in a place of strong corporate identity of the people who have returned from exile to rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. As the Book of Nehemiah ends they seem firmly united in their identity as the LORD's people, even to the point of clearly drawing the line between themselves and others. The Book of Esther actually takes us back to a time during the exile and tells a story of heroic proportions. A most unlikely person, Esther, helps to save her people from annihilation. And who are 'her people?' The Jews. This is the first time in the Bible that the people are referred to in this way, signaling a new identity and understanding of who they are. They are survivors, people who can flourish and coexist peacefully even when in foreign lands. This is not a victory that is military in nature, but one of faith and willingness to sacrifice oneself. The Book of Esther brings to a close what is commonly referred to as the Historical Writings of the Old Testament.
With the Book of Job we begin a transition into writings that are referred to as poetic or Wisdom literature. It is unlike anything we have read so far as it starts with what others have described as a folktale. God and Satan entering into a bit of wagering to see under what conditions a man such as Job, who has many blessings in life, will remain faithful to God. Does the story of Job unsettle you? You're not alone, as many have questioned why God would do such a thing. It's best to remember that Job is not portraying historical events or furthering the commandments of God. This is a fanciful and imaginative work which should challenge us to examine our own standing with God. As we read on, be attentive to your own emotions and ask yourself who you most identify with: Job, or his friends.
We begin our reading this day in a place of strong corporate identity of the people who have returned from exile to rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. As the Book of Nehemiah ends they seem firmly united in their identity as the LORD's people, even to the point of clearly drawing the line between themselves and others. The Book of Esther actually takes us back to a time during the exile and tells a story of heroic proportions. A most unlikely person, Esther, helps to save her people from annihilation. And who are 'her people?' The Jews. This is the first time in the Bible that the people are referred to in this way, signaling a new identity and understanding of who they are. They are survivors, people who can flourish and coexist peacefully even when in foreign lands. This is not a victory that is military in nature, but one of faith and willingness to sacrifice oneself. The Book of Esther brings to a close what is commonly referred to as the Historical Writings of the Old Testament.
With the Book of Job we begin a transition into writings that are referred to as poetic or Wisdom literature. It is unlike anything we have read so far as it starts with what others have described as a folktale. God and Satan entering into a bit of wagering to see under what conditions a man such as Job, who has many blessings in life, will remain faithful to God. Does the story of Job unsettle you? You're not alone, as many have questioned why God would do such a thing. It's best to remember that Job is not portraying historical events or furthering the commandments of God. This is a fanciful and imaginative work which should challenge us to examine our own standing with God. As we read on, be attentive to your own emotions and ask yourself who you most identify with: Job, or his friends.
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