Sharper Iron — There Is a Redeemer – Job 12:1-25: Even the Beasts Know God’s Sovereignty
In response to Zophar, Job begins his longest speech so far. He sarcastically replies that his friends must be the only wise men around while Job remains a laughingstock. Yet Job counters that even the animals can see through the folly of his friends. Of course, God is responsible for all things, including Job’s current situation. God alone has wisdom and might and counsel and understanding. His hand cannot be forced by anything that man does. For Job in his suffering, this is a terror. Only through Christ’s suffering and death can God’s sovereignty become a comfort.
Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinty Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Job 12:1-25.
“There Is a Redeemer” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the book of Job. The suffering of Job raises important questions. Does man fear God for no reason? Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? Who can be an arbiter for man? As this book of wisdom literature wrestles with such questions, God reveals to us that He is our Living Redeemer whom we are right to fear, love, and trust above all things.
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.
Job 12:1-25
Job Replies: The LORD Has Done This
[1] Then Job answered and said:
[2] “No doubt you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you.
[3] But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know such things as these?
[4] I am a laughingstock to my friends;
I, who called to God and he answered me,
a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
[5] In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune;
it is ready for those whose feet slip.
[6] The tents of robbers are at peace,
and those who provoke God are secure,
who bring their god in their hand.
[7] “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;
the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
[8] or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;
and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
[9] Who among all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
[10] In his hand is the life of every living thing
and the breath of all mankind.
[11] Does not the ear test words
as the palate tastes food?
[12] Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days.
[13] “With God are wisdom and might;
he has counsel and understanding.
[14] If he tears down, none can rebuild;
if he shuts a man in, none can open.
[15] If he withholds the waters, they dry up;
if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
[16] With him are strength and sound wisdom;
the deceived and the deceiver are his.
[17] He leads counselors away stripped,
and judges he makes fools.
[18] He looses the bonds of kings
and binds a waistcloth on their hips.
[19] He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows the mighty.
[20] He deprives of speech those who are trusted
and takes away the discernment of the elders.
[21] He pours contempt on princes
and loosens the belt of the strong.
[22] He uncovers the deeps out of darkness
and brings deep darkness to light.
[23] He makes nations great, and he destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
[24] He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth
Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).
