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Morning Bible Reading - Job 35

  1 Elihu spake moreover, and said,  2 Thinkest thou this to be right, [that] thou saidst, My righteousness [is] more than God’s?  3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? [and], What profit shall I have, [if I be cleansed] from my sin?  4 I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.  5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds [which] are higher than thou.  6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or [if] thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?  7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?  8 Thy wickedness [may hurt] a man as thou [art]; and thy righteousness [may profit] the son of man.  9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make [the oppressed] to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.  10 But none saith, Where [is] God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;  11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?  12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.  13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.  14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, [yet] judgment [is] before him; therefore trust thou in him.  15 But now, because [it is] not [so], he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth [it] not in great extremity:  16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline Elihu speaks of man|s conduct. (1-8) Why those who cry out under afflictions are not regarded. (9-13) Elihu reproves Job|s impatience. (14-16)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-8 Elihu reproves Job for justifying himself more than God, and called his attention to the heavens. They are far above us, and God is far above them; how much then is he out of the reach, either of our sins or of our services! We have no reason to complain if we have not what we expect, but should be thankful that we have better than we deserve.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   9-13 Job complained that God did not regard the cries of the oppressed against their oppressors. This he knew not how to reconcile the justice of God and his government. Elihu solves the difficulty. Men do not notice the mercies they enjoy in and under their afflictions, nor are thankful for them, therefore they cannot expect that God should deliver them out of affliction. He gives songs in the night; when our condition is dark and melancholy, there is that in God|s providence and promise, which is sufficient to support us, and to enable us even to rejoice in tribulation. When we only pore upon our afflictions, and neglect the consolations of God which are treasured up for us, it is just in God to reject our prayers. Even the things that will kill the body, cannot hurt the soul. If we cry to God for the removal of an affliction, and it is not removed, the reason is, not because the Lord|s hand is shortened, or his ear heavy; but because we are not sufficiently humbled.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   14-16 As in prosperity we are ready to think our mountain will never be brought low; so when in adversity, we are ready to think our valley will never be filled up. But to conclude that to-morrow must be as this day, is as absurd as to think that the weather, when either fair or foul, will be always so. When Job looked up to God, he had no reason to speak despairingly. There is a day of judgment, when all that seems amiss will be found to be right, and all that seems dark and difficult will be cleared up and set straight. And if there is Divine wrath in our troubles, it is because we quarrel with God, are fretful, and distrust Divine Providence. This was Job|s case. Elihu was directed by God to humble Job, for as to some things he had both opened his mouth in vain, and had multiplied words without knowledge. Let us be admonished, in our afflictions, not so much to set forth the greatness of our suffering, as the greatness of the mercy of God.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 35:1-999 

Morning Bible Reading - Job 36

  1 Elihu also proceeded, and said,  2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that [I have] yet to speak on God’s behalf.  3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.  4 For truly my words [shall] not [be] false: he that is perfect in knowledge [is] with thee.  5 Behold, God [is] mighty, and despiseth not [any: he is] mighty in strength [and] wisdom.  6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.  7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings [are they] on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.  8 And if [they be] bound in fetters, [and] be holden in cords of affliction;  9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.  10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.  11 If they obey and serve [him], they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.  12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.  13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.  14 They die in youth, and their life [is] among the unclean.  15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.  16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait [into] a broad place, where [there is] no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table [should be] full of fatness.  17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold [on thee].  18 Because [there is] wrath, [beware] lest he take thee away with [his] stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.  19 Will he esteem thy riches? [no], not gold, nor all the forces of strength.  20 Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.  21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.  22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?  23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?  24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.  25 Every man may see it; man may behold [it] afar off.  26 Behold, God [is] great, and we know [him] not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.  27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:  28 Which the clouds do drop [and] distil upon man abundantly.  29 Also can [any] understand the spreadings of the clouds, [or] the noise of his tabernacle?  30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.  31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.  32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it [not to shine] by [the cloud] that cometh betwixt.  33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline Elihu desires Job|s attention. (1-4) The methods in which God deals with men. (5-14) Elihu counsels Job. (15-23) The wonders in the works of creation. (24-33)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-4 Elihu only maintained that the affliction was sent for his trial; and lengthened because Job was not yet thoroughly humbled under it. He sought to ascribe righteousness to his Maker; to clear this truth, that God is righteous in all his ways. Such knowledge must be learned from the word and Spirit of God, for naturally we are estranged from it. The fitness of Elihu|s discourse to the dispute between Job and his friends is plain. It pointed out to Job the true reason of those trials with which he had been pointed out to Job the true reason of those trials with which he had been visited. It taught that God had acted in mercy towards him, and the spiritual benefit he was to derive from them. It corrected the mistake of his friends, and showed that Job|s calamities were for good.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   5-14 Elihu here shows that God acts as righteous Governor. He is always ready to defend those that are injured. If our eye is ever toward God in duty, his eye will be ever upon us in mercy, and, when we are at the lowest, will not overlook us. God intends, when he afflicts us, to discover past sins to us, and to bring them to our remembrance. Also, to dispose our hearts to be taught: affliction makes people willing to learn, through the grace of God working with and by it. And further, to deter us from sinning for the future. It is a command, to have no more to do with sin. If we faithfully serve God, we have the promise of the life that now is, and the comforts of it, as far as is for God|s glory and our good: and who would desire them any further? We have the possession of inward pleasures, the great peace which those have that love God|s law. If the affliction fail in its work, let men expect the furnace to be heated till they are consumed. Those that die without knowledge, die without grace, and are undone for ever. See the nature of hypocrisy; it lies in the heart: that is for the world and the flesh, while perhaps the outside seems to be for God and religion. Whether sinners die in youth, or live long to heap up wrath, their case is dreadful. The souls of the wicked live after death, but it is in everlasting misery.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   15-23 Elihu shows that Job caused the continuance of his own trouble. He cautions him not to persist in frowardness. Even good men need to be kept to their duty by the fear of God|s wrath; the wisest and best have enough in them to deserve his stroke. Let not Job continue his unjust quarrel with God and his providence. And let us never dare to think favourably of sin, never indulge it, nor allow ourselves in it. Elihu thinks Job needed this caution, he having chosen rather to gratify his pride and humour by contending with God, than to mortify them by submitting, and accepting the punishment. It is absurd for us to think to teach Him who is himself the Fountain of light, truth, knowledge, and instruction. He teaches by the Bible, and that is the best book; teaches by his Son, and he is the best Master. He is just in all proceedings.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   24-33 Elihu endeavours to fill Job with high thought of God, and so to persuade him into cheerful submission to his providence. Man may see God|s works, and is capable of discerning his hand in them, which the beasts are not, therefore they ought to give him the glory. But while the worker of iniquity ought to tremble, the true believer should rejoice. Children should hear with pleasure their Father|s voice, even when he speaks in terror to his enemies. There is no light but there may be a cloud to intercept it. The light of the favour of God, the light of his countenance, the most blessed light of all, even that light has many a cloud. The clouds of our sins cause the Lord to his face, and hinder the light of his loving-kindness from shining on our souls.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 36:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 36:4-999 

Morning Bible Reading - Job 37

  1 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.  2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound [that] goeth out of his mouth.  3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.  4 After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.  5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.  6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou [on] the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.  7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.  8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.  9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.  10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.  11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:  12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.  13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.  14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.  15 Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?  16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?  17 How thy garments [are] warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south [wind]?  18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky, [which is] strong, [and] as a molten looking glass?  19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; [for] we cannot order [our speech] by reason of darkness.  20 Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.  21 And now [men] see not the bright light which [is] in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.  22 Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God [is] terrible majesty.  23 [Touching] the Almighty, we cannot find him out: [he is] excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.  24 Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any [that are] wise of heart.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline Elihu observes the power of God. (1-13) Job required to explain the works of nature. (14-20) God is great, and is to be feared. (21-24)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-13 The changes of the weather are the subject of a great deal of our thoughts and common talk; but how seldom do we think and speak of these things, as Elihu, with a regard to God, the director of them! We must notice the glory of God, not only in the thunder and lightning, but in the more common and less awful changes of the weather; as the snow and rain. Nature directs all creatures to shelter themselves from a storm; and shall man only be unprovided with a refuge? Oh that men would listen to the voice of God, who in many ways warns them to flee from the wrath to come; and invites them to accept his salvation, and to be happy. The ill opinion which men entertain of the Divine direction, peculiarly appears in their murmurs about the weather, though the whole result of the year proves the folly of their complaints. Believers should avoid this; no days are bad as God makes them, though we make many bad by our sins. (Job 37:14-20)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   14-20 Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. As God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so he has a thawing, composing south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because he both convinces and comforts, So 4:16. The best of men are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing, in comparison with what is to be known, and of what will be known, when that which is perfect is come.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   21-24 Elihu concludes his discourse with some great sayings concerning the glory of God. Light always is, but is not always to be seen. When clouds come between, the sun is darkened in the clear day. The light of God|s favour shines ever towards his faithful servants, though it be not always seen. Sins are clouds, and often hinder us from seeing that bright light which is in the face of God. Also, as to those thick clouds of sorrow which often darken our minds, the Lord hath a wind which passes and clears them away. What is that wind? It is his Holy Spirit. As the wind dispels and sweeps away the clouds which are gathered in the air, so the Spirit of God clears our souls from the clouds and fogs of ignorance and unbelief, of sin and lust. From all these clouds the Holy Spirit of God frees us in the work of regeneration. And from all the clouds which trouble our consciences, the Holy Spirit sets us free in the work of consolation. Now that God is about to speak, Elihu delivers a few words, as the sum of all his discourse. With God is terrible majesty. Sooner or later all men shall fear him.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 37:1-999 

Evening Bible Reading - Acts 14

  1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.  2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.  3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.  4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.  5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them,  6 They were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:  7 And there they preached the gospel.  8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:  9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,  10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.  11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.  12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.  13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.  14 [Which] when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard [of], they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,  15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:  16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.  17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.  18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.  19 And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.  20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.  21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,  22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.  23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.  24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.  25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:  26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.  27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.  28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline Paul and Barnabas at Iconium. (1-7) A cripple healed at Lystra, The people would have sacrificed to Paul and Barnabas. (8-18) Paul stoned at Lystra, The churches visited again. (19-28)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-7 The apostles spake so plainly, with such evidence and proof of the Spirit, and with such power; so warmly, and with such concern for the souls of men; that those who heard them could not but say, God was with them of a truth. Yet the success was not to be reckoned to the manner of their preaching, but to the Spirit of God who used that means. Perseverance in doing good, amidst dangers and hardships, is a blessed evidence of grace. Wherever God|s servants are driven, they should seek to declare the truth. When they went on in Christ|s name and strength, he failed not to give testimony to the word of his grace. He has assured us it is the word of God, and that we may venture our souls upon it. The Gentiles and Jews were at enmity with one another, yet united against Christians. If the church|s enemies join to destroy it, shall not its friends unite for its preservation? God has a shelter for his people in a storm; he is, and will be their Hiding-place. In times of persecution, believers may see cause to quit a spot, though they do not quit their Master|s work.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   8-18 All things are possible to those that believe. When we have faith, that most precious gift of God, we shall be delivered from the spiritual helplessness in which we were born, and from the dominion of sinful habits since formed; we shall be made able to stand upright and walk cheerfully in the ways of the Lord. When Christ, the Son of God, appeared in the likeness of men, and did many miracles, men were so far from doing sacrifice to him, that they made him a sacrifice to their pride and malice; but Paul and Barnabas, upon their working one miracle, were treated as gods. The same power of the god of this world, which closes the carnal mind against truth, makes errors and mistakes find easy admission. We do not learn that they rent their clothes when the people spake of stoning them; but when they spake of worshipping them; they could not bear it, being more concerned for God|s honour than their own. God|s truth needs not the services of man|s falsehood. The servants of God might easily obtain undue honours if they would wink at men|s errors and vices; but they must dread and detest such respect more than any reproach. When the apostles preached to the Jews, who hated idolatry, they had only to preach the grace of God in Christ; but when they had to do with the Gentiles, they must set right their mistakes in natural religion. Compare their conduct and declaration with the false opinions of those who think the worship of a God, under any name, or in any manner, is equally acceptable to the Lord Almighty. The most powerful arguments, the most earnest and affectionate addresses, even with miracles, are scarcely enough to keep men from absurdities and abominations; much less can they, without special grace, turn the hearts of sinners to God and to holiness.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   19-28 See how restless the rage of the Jews was against the gospel of Christ. The people stoned Paul, in a popular tumult. So strong is the bent of the corrupt and carnal heart, that as it is with great difficulty that men are kept back from evil on one side, so it is with great ease they are persuaded to evil on the other side. If Paul would have been Mercury, he might have been worshipped; but if he will be a faithful minister of Christ, he shall be stoned, and thrown out of the city. Thus men who easily submit to strong delusions, hate to receive the truth in the love of it. All who are converted need to be confirmed in the faith; all who are planted need to be rooted. Ministers| work is to establish saints as well as to awaken sinners. The grace of God, and nothing less, effectually establishes the souls of the disciples. It is true, we must count upon much tribulation, but it is encouragement that we shall not be lost and perish in it. The Person to whose power and grace the converts and the newly-established churches are commended, clearly was the Lord Jesus, "on whom they had believed." It was an act of worship. The praise of all the little good we do at any time, must be ascribed to God; for it is He who not only worketh in us both to will and to do, but also worketh with us to make what we do successful. All who love the Lord Jesus, will rejoice to hear that he has opened the door of faith wide, to those who were strangers to him and to his salvation. And let us, like the apostles, abide with those who know and love the Lord.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Acts 14:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Acts 14:8-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Acts 14:13-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Acts 14:20-999