Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode Summary — September 3 (Job 37–38; Psalm 60; Luke 24)

Date: September 3, 2025
Host: Crossway
Readings: Job 37–38, Psalm 60, Luke 24

Overview

This episode immerses listeners in a journey through three powerful sections of Scripture: the awe-inspiring proclamation of God’s majesty in nature (Job 37–38), David’s Psalm amid turmoil (Psalm 60), and the climactic resurrection narrative in Luke 24. The readings meditate on God's unmatched power, the reality of adversity, and the hope and fulfillment found in the resurrected Christ.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Majesty and Mystery of God in Creation (Job 37–38)

• God’s Unsearchable Power:
  The opening reading from Job marvels at God's sovereignty demonstrated in natural phenomena—thunder, lightning, snow, storms, and the ordering of all creation.

  • "He does great things that we cannot comprehend." (00:26, Reader)
  • The passage describes the limits of human understanding compared to God's control over creation.

• God Addresses Job Directly:
  God’s rhetorical questions to Job underscore human limitations and the greatness of God’s creative and sustaining power.

  • “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (01:59, Reader)
  • Listeners are reminded of their place before God—humble, finite, and dependent.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loose the cords of Orion?” (04:22, Reader)
    This highlights both wonder and reverence for the divine order in the cosmos.

2. Honest Lament and Hope for Deliverance (Psalm 60)

• A Nation in Crisis:
  The Psalm opens with confession of national crisis—God’s apparent rejection, the quaking land, and suffering.

  • “O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses. You have been angry. Oh, restore us.” (05:24, Respondent)

• Seeking God’s Salvation:
  Despite hardship, there is an appeal for divine intervention and a reminder that only through God’s power can victory be found.

  • “O, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man. With God we shall do valiantly. It is he who will tread down our foes.” (06:12, Respondent)
  • This segment delivers a sobering yet hopeful message—adversity is not the final word.

3. The Resurrection and Fulfillment of Prophecy (Luke 24)

• Discovery at the Tomb:
  The women find the empty tomb, met by angels with a memorable proclamation:

  • “‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.’” (06:53, Respondent)
  • The women report this news to the apostles, who initially doubt.

• The Road to Emmaus:
  Jesus, unrecognized, joins two disciples, interpreting how all Scriptures point to himself.

  • “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?... And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” (08:35, Respondent)
  • Recognition comes as Jesus breaks bread with them, and the disciples reflect:
    • “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (09:38, Respondent)

• Jesus Appears to the Disciples:
  Jesus stands among his followers, inviting them to touch him, eats in their presence, and opens their understanding:

  • “‘See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’” (10:19, Jesus via Respondent/Reader)

• Commission and Ascension:
  Jesus commissions the disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness, then departs, blessing them.

  • “‘You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.’” (10:44, Jesus via Respondent)
  • They worship joyfully, “continually in the temple, blessing God.” (11:05, Reader)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He does great things that we cannot comprehend.” (00:26, Reader)
• “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? ... Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (01:58–01:59, Reader — God addressing Job)
• “‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.’” (06:53, Respondent — Angels at the tomb)
• “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (08:33, Jesus via Respondent)
• “‘See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’” (10:19, Jesus via Respondent/Reader)
• “With God we shall do valiantly. It is he who will tread down our foes.” (06:12, Respondent — Psalm 60)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Job 37–38 (The Majesty and Mystery of God): 00:01–05:23
• Psalm 60 (Lament and Appeal for Salvation): 05:24–06:30
• Luke 24 (Resurrection and Commissioning): 06:33–11:07

Final Reflections

This episode vividly presents the majesty of God in nature, the reality of struggle and dependence in the Psalm, and the transformative hope and fulfillment offered in Christ’s resurrection. Each reading invites contemplation—on our limitations, our need for God, and our calling as witnesses. The thread of the episode ties together awe, honesty, and hope, encouraging listeners to trust in the God who creates, delivers, and raises the dead.