Day 184 – Thursday, 7/3/2025: Job 28-30 and Matthew 5-6
Old Testament Reading: Job 28-30
New Testament Reading: Matthew 5-6
Daily Psalm/Proverb: Psalm 3
Reflection: Wisdom from Above and the Kingdom of God
In Job 28-30, Job reflects on the mystery of wisdom and the human search for understanding. Job 28 is a beautiful poem about the value and elusive nature of wisdom. Job points out that while human beings can mine precious metals from the earth and discover hidden treasures, wisdom remains beyond their grasp. The poem ends with the profound truth that "the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom" (Job 28:28). This final verse reminds us that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance in all things.
In Job 29-30, Job continues to lament his current suffering, contrasting it with the former days when he was respected and prosperous. He recalls his former life of integrity and the honor he once had, expressing sorrow over how far he has fallen. Job’s reflections emphasize the fleeting nature of earthly success and the stability found only in trusting God, even in the face of hardship.
Matthew 5-6 introduces us to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus provides foundational teaching on the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 5, we encounter the Beatitudes—statements of blessing for the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. These blessings turn the world’s values upside down, highlighting the virtues of humility, mercy, and purity. Jesus also teaches about the role of His followers as the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world," calling us to live lives that reflect God’s character.
In Matthew 6, Jesus instructs His followers on how to live righteously, focusing on actions like prayer, fasting, and giving that come from a pure heart. He teaches us the Lord’s Prayer as a model for communicating with God, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and trusting God for our daily needs.
These chapters in Matthew remind us that wisdom and righteousness are found in living according to God’s Kingdom values—values that often contradict the world’s standards but lead to true fulfillment. As we live out the Beatitudes and the teachings of Jesus, we are called to be instruments of God’s peace and light in the world.
Key Hebrew Words in Job 28-30:
Job 28:28 – “Wisdom” (חָכְמָה, chokmah): Chokmah refers to practical and moral wisdom, often linked with divine insight. Job’s declaration that wisdom begins with fearing the Lord invites us to seek God’s perspective in all aspects of life.
Job 29:2 – “Blessed” (בָּרוּךְ, baruch): Baruch means blessed or honored. Job reflects on the blessings of his former life, which were a result of his faithful relationship with God.
Prayer for Day 184:
"Lord, thank You for the wisdom You offer, which begins with reverence for You. Help us to seek Your wisdom in all things, recognizing that true understanding comes from knowing and fearing You. We thank You for the teachings of Jesus, who showed us the values of the Kingdom of God. May we live out these teachings, reflecting Your love, humility, and righteousness in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen."