january 21 bible reading

Today’s Old Testament chronological reading is in Job 29 and 30.

The Psalms/ Proverbs reading is in Psalm 21.

The New Testament reading is in Matthew 15.

One thing that struck me about today’s reading, is that Job and David were essentially talking about the same thing: the blessings on the head of the righteous and the judgments on the head of the wicked. However, Job was in lament and David in exultation! Is there a difference between them?

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. Job 29:14

Be exalted, O YHVH, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power. Psa 21:13

It seems to me there is a matter of perspective. Job was in expectation of blessing because of his own righteousness; while David received blessing without being in expectation of it, because of the goodness of God.

We must remember the testimony of Scripture: the three most righteous men in history were Noah, Job, and Daniel (Eze 14:14). David does not make the list! But I think the bitterness of Job’s soul can be explained because of his temporary misplaced focus: on himself and his works, and off of the greatness of God. David did not have the perfect works of Job, but he always kept his focus on God.

And then in Matthew 15, when Yeshua ministered life and health, all received of His blessing, even the unrighteous and sinner. You cannot tell me that everyone who was in the crowd of 5000 or the crowd of 4000 walked righteously without slipping. Even the Canaanite woman received the blessing she sought! But unlike the Pharisees, who were laser-focused on the works of men, the multitudes, including the unrighteous and sinner, were laser-focused on the living Word of God, and opened their ears and their hearts to hear Him.