Three & One

Eliphaz has to invent accusations against Job to support his theory that Job's suffering has to do with Job's sin. Job still wants to have an audience with God to argue all of this out. And, Paul the Apostle reluctantly gives us his resume.

Job spouts off for the sixth time, in response to Eliphaz. Zophar responds to Job, saying "The wicked will be judged Job." And Job says, "Not from what I can see. It's me that I'm worried about." And, Paul speaks of spiritual warfare and authority.

For the fifth time Job asks his friends to just be QUIET, defending his innocence. But, Bildad just had to say something, again. And, the Apostle Paul talks to the Corinthians about the collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem.

Job really wants to argue his case with God. But, his friends won't be quiet long enough to do so. Job gets a brief word in to God, but Eliphaz interrupts. And, the Apostle Paul talks to the Corinthian church about the grace of giving.

Job pleads with God for a little relief. Zophar pleads with Job to repent, convinced as well that Job's suffering has something to do with his sin. And, Paul pleads with the Corinthians to reciprocate some of the love that he has shown them.

Job ends his lament with men and turns his attention to God. Bildad responds to Job. So, Job responds to Bildad. And one more groove is worn in this round-about of futile friendship. And, Paul continues to clarify his ministry to the Corinthians.

Eliphaz offers up his own worldly wisdom, saying that all this is happening because of Job's sin and that is why God is disciplining him. Job takes it as long as he can but then answers Eliphaz. And, Paul pleads with all to be reconciled to God.

"Have you considered my servant, Job?", God said to Satan, as Satan proceeded to attack Job's character. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away and the name of the Lord is praised. And, Paul talks about God's glory in jars of clay.

Two irreversible decrees, given by the same king, one unexpected outcome. God's people are protected. Mordecai is promoted, as he spoke peace and sought the good of his people. And, Paul speaks of glorifying God with unveiled faces. Today on Three and One, as we consider Esther 9-10 and 2 Corinthians 3.

What the enemy intended for evil, God allowed for good. Haman is hanged on his own gallows. The king issues another irreversible decree. And, the Apostle Paul speaks of forgiveness for the broken and repentant sinner.

Esther agrees with her uncle Mordecai that she has been brought to the kingdom as Queen for such a time as this, to save God's people. Haman hatches a plot but it backfires big time. And, Paul pens another corrective letter to the Corinthians.

A plot to kill God's people. A woman caught in the crosshairs, as the Queen. Born, brought to this point, for such a time as this. And, the Apostle Paul gives his concluding remarks to the Corinthians.

Great joy, great singing, great rejoicing, in Jerusalem, for the wall had been rebuilt. Nehemiah cleans house, literally, restoring the Levites rightful operation, restricting commerce on the Sabbath. And, Paul talks about life after resurrection.

A covenant to care, to care for the commandments of God, including giving to God, not neglecting the house of God. Some of the returning remnant live in Jerusalem. And, Paul teaches us that gifts are given to give away.

The names and the numbers of the second remnant that returned. Ezra read the Word of the Lord. The Levites helped the people understand and apply, which led them to worship. And, the Apostle Paul teaches us that love is a tone.

The Wall is defended against enemies. Nehemiah deals with oppression within and opposition from without, as a generous governor. Much to the chagrin of his enemies the wall is finished. And, the Apostle Paul speaks of spiritual gifts.

Nehemiah prays for his people. Nehemiah is sent to Judah with a vision. Before he shares the vision, he views the destruction, for three days. Then, he rallies the remnant to rise and work. And, Paul corrects conduct in the church.

Ezra prays. Ezra weeps. The people gather. Their hearts are broken as well, in repentance, making tough choices, really tough choices, as holiness takes priority over preference. And, the Apostle Paul teaches us about Old Testament examples.

Ezra is allowed to return, allowed to lead another remnant to return to Israel. God's hand is on him, providing and protecting, until he arrived, only to see infidelity in the first wave. And, Paul speaks of disciplined, sacrificial evangelism.

The remnant receives resistance, including open letters to the authorities. Discouragement sets in and they sit down, until a couple of prophets come along speaking encouragement, exhortation and comfort. And, we learn that knowledge puffs up but love edifies.

A remnant returns to rebuild the Temple and to restore the true worship of God in the Temple. Their names are listed their faith is acknowledged their joy is heard as well as the sorrow of some. And, Paul talks about affection within the confines of the covenant of marriage.

Josiah reigns in Jerusalem. Josiah restores the true worship of God in the Temple, including an amazing Passover celebration. It was the best of days with the worst of days to come. And, Paul talks about glorifying God in all that we do.  

Hezekiah reforms. Sennacherib boasts, is defeated and dies. Hezekiah humbles himself is tested and dies. Manasseh reigns. And, Paul teaches us HOW to judge within the church.  

Ahaz is all sorts of messed up, just straight up wicked, and under his reign Judah pays the price. But then, as all men do Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah ruled, righteously and swiftly. And, Paul continues to correct the Corinthians.

Amaziah as king has a quandary with hired help and with pride. Uzziah as king was amazing until he became strong. Jotham as king was obedient, partially. And, Paul talks of watering, working, warning and worldly wisdom.