We can never give God anything that is not already his

Who has first given to me, that I should repay him?         Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine. —Job 41:11 ESV  Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? —Romans 11:35 Answer: Nobody. In other words, you can’t give to God anything that is not already his. If … More We can never give God anything that is not already his

Think your own right hand can save you?

Dr. Kim Riddlebarger comments on Job 40: Throughout the opening verses of chapter 40, the focus is on God’s sovereign work in redemption, often depicted throughout the Old Testament as YHWH’s outstretched hand. Job has no reason whatsoever to complain about how God does things. Yet in an eery way Job’s increasingly self-centered demand to be vindicated amounts … More Think your own right hand can save you?

Control the Hawk?

God to Job: “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?” In Job 39, we see a list of animals that Job can’t in any sense govern or rule. Adam was given … More Control the Hawk?

Purposes in suffering

John Piper, in a sermon on Job 38-42 What we have seen so far, then, is that Job’s suffering has a twofold explanation: its purpose at the outset was to demonstrate God’s value and glory, and its ongoing purpose was to refine Job’s righteousness. His suffering is not punishment. It is not a sign of … More Purposes in suffering

The greatness of God is beyond our understanding

Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, with some comments to help us as we read Job 37 today: Having considered the greatness of God’s purposes, throughout the balance of chapters 36 and 37, Elihu is moved to praise God for all his goodness, seen throughout the glories of creation. “God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher … More The greatness of God is beyond our understanding