January 2 - Chapters 1-3      Download Lesson 1 of 5

Are there any Lutherans here?

In Luther's view, Satan is not nearly as powerful as one might think. Instead, Satan's power is limited by God's will and therefore Satan is only able to work in the world in very specific ways. He is only able to work where and when God allows. These passages in the Book of Job support this view. Martin Luther famously claimed, “Sogar der Teufel ist Gottes Teufel,” which is to say, “Even the devil is God’s devil.”

Well, what was the point of all that Junior High and High School German if I can’t use it?

January 16 - Chapters 15-26    Download Lesson 3 of 5

Job has faith in a personal Redeemer ― One who will walk the earth at some far distant time. The Hebrew word is basically “a next of kin.” He will be the one Moses and the Prophets will repeatedly point forward to ― and of which the Apostles will offer their powerful eyewitnesses testimony.

And that Redeemer is no ordinary man. Centuries in the future He would make his appearance here on Earth ― but Job speaks of Him in the present tense ― my Redeemer lives ― Job believes Him to be alive in his own day.

January 23 - Chapters 27-37    Download Lesson 4 of 5

Much of the error of Job’s friends we’ve read about these past two weeks, is what I call The Sound of Music heresy.  “So, somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good.”

God rewards our faith in Him with the righteousness of His perfect Son ― the righteousness necessary for our salvation ― perfection we could never achieve on our own.

Jesus’ parable of the Talents teaches us that our faithful service, our good works done in His name, are rewarded when He returns, not before.

And for those who hope their meager good works will tip some imaginary balance in their favor ― like Fräulein Maria and Captain Von Trap here ― their hope is absolutely misplaced. 

January 30 - Chapters 38-42    Download Lesson 5 of 5

Audio recording of Lesson 5 as presented.

What are my main take-aways from this quick study through the Book of Job?
 
God is not unjust when He uses hardships of many kinds to discipline and often humble His chosen saints. The same trials that may break a faithless person, certainly may awaken a believer to repentance and obedience ― and may, in fact, double their capacity for service. God called the hero of this story, “My servant Job.”
It will forever be the supreme accolade for the children of God, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt 25:21)
   
It is no sin to pour out your troubles to God.  He invites those who reciprocate His love to cast all their cares on Him.  Maybe the Apostle Peter was imagining Job when he wrote, 1 Peter 5:6-7
⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

In light of Job’s account, I suggest I humble myself ― and save God the trouble.

And finally, what we heard today ― God is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives and those of every other creature of His invention.

He is never aloof. He cares and shepherds us far more than we imagine.  And with the example of Job, if we take it to heart, God may not need to test our faith with the same severity.

January 9 - Chapters 4-14    Download Lesson 2 of 5

But at the end of chapter five, Eliphaz over-sells God’s promises of protection and blessing in this life ― for those who repent ― just as some modern-day preachers promise health, wealth, and happiness in the here and now to their congregations. If God always rescues His most ardent saints in this life ― why do we have martyrs?

God is not going to answer Job’s questions. But, in time, He will respond powerfully to Job’s circumstances. In the end, Job will understand all he needs to know. But for the time being, he’s like Noah, tossing on an endless sea, or Jonah still trapped inside a big fish, or Daniel surrounded by lions and waiting for the morning to come. 

A Good or Bad Addiction?

For many years I consumed lots of Diet Coke at work.  The business school kept a steady supply.  I drank it instead of the free coffee others drank.  When I learned that Potassium was a contributor to Chronic Kidney Disease, I switched last year to a new drink which most days recently I have consumed more than water.  Alas, I see on its list of ingredients that Potassium appears in three different places.  Online information suggests limiting diet soda to one drink per day specifically due to increased risk to the kidneys.

My former Endocrinologist and my current physician, Dr. Robert Kelley, see no harm in diet soda.  But still, I wonder.

At $1.25 per two-liter bottle, I seem to buy it in bulk at the local QFC.

EmeriTimes Newsletter #33 Gets Out on Time (Barely)

I finished the draft of the January 2025 edition of the EmeriTimes newsletter on the 24th.  My goal has always been to get it out around the 10th.  After the approval of the other emeriti officers, it went out on the 28th.  The five lessons on the Book of Job came first.

I was disappointed that only three Emeriti sent in personal updates.  Two others sent in more extended accounts of their activities in 2024.

We were also sad to learn the emeriti faculty had lost the benefit of staying at Camp Casey midweek.  Late last year, SPU sold Camp Casey to the YMCA of Snohomish County.  My former coworker in the business school, Jake Carlson, is the Executive Director of the camp and now works for the YMCA instead of SPU.

Here is the January 2025 edition.

Joyce Erickson, former Dean of the SPU College of Arts and Sciences wrote, "Thank you, Dick, for this professional publication.  It is a pleasure to read the carefully selected features."

Tom Trzyna, Professor Emeritus of English, wrote, "Thanks to you, Dick, for a fine newsletter."

Ruby Englund, Emeriti Faculty President wrote, "Thank you for another informative and professional newsletter!"

Deana Porterfield, SPU President, "What a wonderful job on the EmeriTimes newsletter. Thank you for the time you put into the communication. The clarity and hopefulness are a wonderful balance."  (Of course she assumed our Emeriti President Ruby Englund was the editor.)