This week, we are reading Job 38-42 and Genesis 11-12, 15-17. We will see God give and begin to fulfill the covenant promises to His people that will drive much of the story of the Old Testament and the New Testament. God’s attributes of sovereignty and faithfulness are on full display in these chapters and show us the initiating and sustaining love of God.
Key Themes
Job is considered “wisdom” literature because of its emphasis on understanding and applying right views of God in this life. The themes of God’s sovereignty as the eternal and infinite God are on display in these chapters of the book of Job which serve to also highlight the finite and limited views that we as humans have of creation, suffering, and God himself. Since we didn’t read all of Job, check out this summary video for context.
How does God address Job’s accusations? What is His primary message and response to Job’s questions about His pain? God doesn’t explain Job’s suffering, but rather invites Job to trust Him. Why is this meditation on suffering in the Bible? What does it show us about God?
This week, we will see the covenant that God made with Abraham. The concept of covenant is central to our understanding of God and our salvation. Check out this resource from the Bible Project about Covenants and this overview of Genesis 12-50 that introduces the narrative arc we will follow the next few weeks. This covenant is important to the story of the Bible. Consider making a list of the covenant promises that God makes. Throughout the Bible we will see how God fulfills these promises (ultimately in Jesus).
What is a covenant? What are the roles of God and of Abraham (and the people) in this relationship? Genesis 15:6 is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. What does it show us about faith and salvation?
Resources
Below are additional resources to help you engage with reading Genesis and Job, considering some of these important doctrines (which we will come back to throughout our readings):
Read: The Scars that Have Shaped Me
Read: If I Only Knew Why
Watch: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
Watch: God’s Covenant with Abraham
Read: 10 Things You Should Know about Biblical Covenants
Questions for Application
How does the reality of God’s infinite knowledge and eternal purposes impact our daily life? What does it look like practically to “know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted”?
How can we have confidence in God’s faithfulness to His promises based on what we have read this week? How does this encourage us to trust His Word?
How have you known God to be your shield? Your great reward? (Genesis 15:1)