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October 14, 2021

The Limits of Human Power

Diana L. Hynson   |   Read Job 38:34-41

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Lectionary Week
October 11–17, 2021
Scripture Overview

At this point in Job’s story, God has heard questions from Job and long-winded moralizing by three of Job’s friends, who have pronounced that his misfortunes are divine judgment. Now God has heard enough and declares that God’s perspective is superior to theirs. God has been there from the beginning, as the psalmist reiterates, so no one should claim to know God’s mind or speak on God’s behalf. Even Jesus, the divine Son of God, yields to his heavenly Father. Hebrews tells us that Jesus made appeals to God as the ultimate high priest and thereby became the source of salvation for those who obey him. In the Gospel reading, Jesus specifies that his approaching act of submission and service will allow him to become a ransom for us.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Job 38:1-7, 34-41. How do you continue to hold on to belief in God’s goodness when you are in a period of anguish?
Read Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c. How do you share in the creativity of God?
Read Hebrews 5:1-10. In what ways does the understanding of Jesus’ willing vulnerability while serving as high priest affect the way you interact with others?
Read Mark 10:35-45. Where do you see genuine examples of servant leadership in your community?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Job 38:34-41

34 Can you issue an order to the clouds so their abundant waters cover you? 35 Can you send lightning so that it goes and then says to you, “I’m here”? 36 Who put wisdom in remote places, or who gave understanding to a rooster? 37 Who is wise enough to count the clouds, and who can tilt heaven’s water containers 38 so that dust becomes mud and clods of dirt adhere? 39 Can you hunt prey for the lion or fill the cravings of lion cubs? 40 They lie in their den, lie in ambush in their lair. 41 Who provides food for the raven when its young cry to God, move about without food?

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

In yesterday’s reading, God spoke to Job from the whirlwind with a pointed question about the limits of Job’s wisdom, as compared to the vastness of God’s character and limitless knowledge. Today’s passage is a continuation of that exchange between Job and God, this time shifting slightly to ask yet...

Loving God, help me to understand the paradox that in surrendering I find wisdom and power in you. Amen.


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