Podcast Summary

Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: August 29 (Job 27–28; Psalm 55; Luke 19)
Release Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Crossway
Format: Scripture reading (No commentary)

Overview

This episode presents the daily readings from three sections of the Bible:

• Old Testament: Job 27–28
• Psalms: Psalm 55
• New Testament: Luke 19

The unifying theme is the search for true wisdom, the struggle with injustice, and the gracious seeking and saving of the lost through Christ. Each passage highlights profound questions about human suffering, integrity, betrayal, and the redemptive work of God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Job 27–28: The Righteousness and Wisdom of God

(Starts at 00:01)

• Job’s Integrity and Protest
  Job, still amid suffering, reaffirms his innocence and refuses to confess sins he has not committed. He proclaims,

  "As long as my breath is in me ... my lips will not speak falsehood and my tongue will not utter deceit." (00:05)
  He contrasts the fate of the wicked—no lasting hope or legacy—with his confidence in his righteousness.

• The Futility of Earthly Gain Job observes that even if the wicked gather vast wealth, “the righteous will wear it, and the innocent will divide the silver.” Wealth and power are fleeting.

• The Limits of Human Wisdom In poetry, Job describes mankind’s efforts to mine precious metals, but then asks,

  "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" (00:44)
  No earthly resource, not even gold or jewels, can buy true wisdom.

• The Source of True Wisdom Ultimately, Job declares:

  "God understands the way to it, and he knows its place... Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding." (01:25)

2. Psalm 55: David’s Lament and Trust

(Starts at 01:36)

• David’s Distress and Betrayal David cries out for mercy, overwhelmed by oppression and fear:

  "My heart is in anguish within me ... horror overwhelms me." (01:43)
  He expresses a desire to escape trouble completely:
  "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest." (01:48)

• Personal Betrayal The anguish is heightened because the betrayal comes from a close companion:

  "But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together." (01:57)

• A Plea for Justice and Trust in God David calls on God for salvation and justice, maintaining faith despite adversity:

  "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved." (02:14)
  The psalm concludes with:
  "But I will trust in you." (02:23)

3. Luke 19: Jesus Seeks and Saves the Lost

(Starts at 02:24)

• The Story of Zacchaeus Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, goes to great lengths to see Jesus and experiences acceptance and transformation:

  "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." (02:30)
  Zacchaeus’s response is radical generosity and restitution. Jesus declares:
  "Today salvation has come to this house ... For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (02:37)

• The Parable of the Minas Jesus shares a parable about stewardship, emphasizing faithfulness and accountability:

  • Good servants are rewarded with greater responsibility (“you shall have authority over ten cities.” – 02:47)
  • The one who kept the money hidden is rebuked for his lack of action.
  • The parable concludes with a warning for those who reject the king’s rule.

• The Triumphal Entry As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the people rejoice:

  "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (03:13)
  Jesus, recognizing the city’s coming judgment, weeps over Jerusalem:
  "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!" (03:22)

• Cleansing the Temple Jesus drives out those who are corrupting the temple:

  "My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers." (03:33)
  He continues teaching, even as religious leaders plot against him,
  "...all the people were hanging on his words." (03:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Job:

  "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding." (01:28)

• Psalm 55 (David):

  "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you." (02:14)
  "But I will trust in you." (02:23)

• Jesus (Luke 19):

  "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (02:37)
  "If these were silent, the very stones would cry out." (03:17)
  "My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers." (03:33)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Job 27–28: 00:01 – 01:36
• Psalm 55: 01:36 – 02:24
• Luke 19:1–48: 02:24 – 03:40

Conclusion

This episode offers a meditative journey through expressions of integrity, anguish, hope, repentance, and the redemptive purpose of Christ. The readings highlight the ultimate value of wisdom rooted in reverence for God, the pain and healing found in prayer during betrayal, and the fulfillment of divine mission through Jesus’s compassion and authority.

All readings are delivered in a clear, reverent tone designed to let Scripture speak for itself—inviting reflection on God’s wisdom, justice, and saving grace.