This Shall Turn out for My Deliverance: An Exercise in Intertextuality

Greetings, Siestas!

I am cold.

How are you?

I will have you know that Houstonians have been notified that we have a 70% chance of snow flurries over the next twenty four hours. We are all nestled at home by the fire, awaiting the likes of the Chicago blizzard. The doors of schools and workplaces have been locked and abandoned. Food stuffs have long since been purchased. Shelves are practically empty. In short, we are all certifiably insane.

In other news, on Tuesday night at Bible Study my Mom read out of Philippians 1.19:

For I know that this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (NASB)

Every time I hear this verse, a bell starts ringing in my head and it drives me crazy because I can never identify it. But, at last, the other night I finally discovered that the echo is coming from Job 13.16. We can see that the phrase “this shall turn out for my deliverance” in Philippians 1.19 (τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν) finds a word for word correspondence in the Greek version of Job 13.16:

Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him! (NIV)

For those interested, you can see the correspondence in the Greek below:

Philippians 1.19 οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν δεήσεως καὶ ἐπιχορηγίας τοῦ πνεύματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Job 13.16 καὶ τοῦτό μοι ἀποβήσεται εἰς σωτηρίαν οὐ γὰρ ἐναντίον αὐτοῦ δόλος εἰσελεύσεται.

The Greek versions of the Hebrew Bible are known collectively as the Septuagint (commonly abbreviated LXX). The LXX is overwhelmingly the Bible that Paul uses in his letters. What is fascinating about this instance in Philippians 1.19 is that Paul does not use any introductory formula (for example, something like, “the Scripture says”) to introduce his allusion or echo of Job 13.16.  This discussion is a conversation in intertextuality.  Intertextuality, in simplest terms, is the relationship between texts. So what I am getting at with this particular discussion is, how is Paul using Job 13.16 in Philippians 1.19? If that question does not make sense, think of it this way: what is the relationship between Philippians 1.19 and Job 13.16?

There are several explanations as to what may be going on but here are just a couple of general options:

1) In spite of the verbatim verbal correspondence, Paul has not consciously invoked Job 13.16. It is sheer coincidence and no implications should be drawn about the relationship between these two texts.

2) Paul has uttered the words “this will turn out for my deliverance” in passing, without too much thought. It is noteworthy that we do this all the time, not because we are trying to invoke entire contexts of biblical passages, but because of our familiarization with a certain verse. For example, when we have a friend who has suffered a loss, we might say, “All things work for the good of those who love him” without even realizing we just quoted half of Romans 8.28. Our intention was not to point our friend to the entirety of Romans 8 but simply to quickly apply a very familiar verse to a new and relevant situation.

3) In Philippians 1.19, Paul has intentionally echoed the language and context of Job 13.16 because he is identifying himself and his circumstances with Job, the paradigmatic righteous sufferer who, in his suffering and affliction, hoped in God for ultimate vindication and redemption.

Discussions of intertextuality, like this one, can be quite fascinating and complex since the line between option two and option three is often difficult to discern. If you wish to do so, take a look at the pertinent verses and let me know what you think. First, look at Philippians 1.19 and its surrounding context. Second, check out Job 13.16 (read all of Job 13 if you really want to make the most of the discussion). Finally, go back to Philippians 1.19 and try to discern the nature of the relationship between the two texts.

As a side note, today I forgot my Bible, so I am using one of my Mom’s old ones and it is dated to approximately 1990. The marginal notes are full of stars, exclamation marks, and observations in curly little cursive handwriting and it is making me so happy.

Have a great evening, dear ladies.  Whatever you do, do not make your way to Houston; Chicago, Antarctica, the North Pole, anywhere would be safer than Houston.

Love,

Melis



Share

286 Responses to “This Shall Turn out for My Deliverance: An Exercise in Intertextuality”

If you'd like your own pic by your comment, go to Gravatar.com. Click the first button "Get your gravatar today ->", and it will walk you through a simple process to select a picture.

Comments:

  1. 51
    kimberly mason says:

    wow melissa! you are so smart! wow! i’m going to reflect a little later today and then comment again! wish you were closer to tuscaloossa (actually you were not too long ago – ha) and could teach a class on elementary greek/hebrew! right now there is no one around here who does! i’ll get back to you! love, kimberly

    • 51.1
      kimberly says:

      okay, here goes — i don’t know! lol! 🙂 what i love about the two is that they both knew to put their hope in the Lord regardless their circumstances. So many times we exalt circumstances above Christ. the point is we must keep in mind that NOTHING compares to God, NOTHING!! and that can be really hard to remember. i read in a book today written by andrew wommack that cancer is no harder for God to heal than a common cold. this is so true, but do we really think of it that way. probably not because we don’t allow fear to take over with a common cold – we expect our bodies to heal themselves and we don’t “need” to trust in God for healing. kwim? the book was really insightful because it talks about putting God back in his proper position. how do we do this? – by praising Him regardless of the situation (of course easier said than done). satan just loves to get us focused on little things that are irritating us to get our focus on that little thing that we have made into a big thing so that we forget to exalt and praise God. I’ve heard your mom say it before. if the result of something (a little nagging pain or a past sin or whatever) results in praise then satan will back off. I don’t know about ya’ll but i am going to get to praising the Most High! melissa – post again soon! love to you and your sweet family as well as all the siestas! oh and one last thing – siestas please befriend or follow or whatever me on twitter (kimberlygmason)! i joined to follow toben and i have just 4 followers – it is just so sad!!! blessings to you all!

  2. 52
    glenwood says:

    Job was telling his friends to be quiet. He was going to argue his case before God even if He killed him. God would not allow godless men before him to testify and that would be Job’s deliverance.
    Paul was saying he did not care who preached the gospel or why. The important thing was the gospel was being spread and that was his deliverance as a defender of the gospel.
    God did not listen to godless men in Job but in the New Testament the unsaved who heard the gospel could have often been godless or idol worshipers.

    • 52.1
      glenwood says:

      Oops!Left # out. Number 2 Paul used the verse in passing. He may have wanted to remind his readers that Job had been delivered and he would be also if it was God’s will.
      If it was number 3 Job was telling the others with him to be quiet and implying that they were ungodly. That God would not listen to them. Paul would not do that. If God did not listen to unbelievers then none of them(us) would be saved.

  3. 53
    Carolyn Stutz says:

    ROFLOL — having finally mastered texting on my phone I was hoping maybe “intertextuality” had to do with texting between people and it would turn out for my deliverance! then I realized the blog entry was from Melissa – who is WAY too smart for this woman to keep up with! LOL! Glad you’re back home, Melissa 🙂

  4. 54
    Chesney says:

    Your heart encourages me to keep discovering Him through the study of His Word.

  5. 55
    Pattygarv says:

    Thanks for getting my brain working this morning!!
    I think it is probably something between #1 and #2. I think Paul is alot like you, Melissa. You’ve both studied the Scriptures so much these phrases just roll around in your heads. Maybe you use them sub-counsciously, or maybe they have meaning for you. But I don’t think either one of you would ever allude to a phrase and expect us to “get it” without explanation!! (Thank the Lord for that!!)
    By the way, if you get too cold in Houston, come down to Lakeport, FL. We are on our third day of above 81 degrees! Just leave the cold and snow behind when you come!

  6. 56
    Kelly says:

    Methinks that Paul probably never ever did anything without some intense intention behind it. In fact, I think he probably radiated intention and intensity. I’m surprised the air did crackle around him with the sheer power of his personality.

    Whether Paul was intentional in his reference to Job, we can be for sure that the Holy Spirit was. What will be forever fascinating to me is how the threads of the Bible weave through and around each other to make one great big living Word tapestry. You could spend a whole lifetime following threads and never see all of the interconnectedness of every single theme, anthem, thought and word within the Word.

    • 56.1
      Sandy says:

      Kelly, that is pretty much what my Biblicaly knowledgeable 17 year old son said. I was thinking it was #2, but then he said what you said!

    • 56.2
      shelley says:

      I totally agree Kelly. Thanks for putting my thoughts into such a beautiful description.

      And thank you Melissa for bringing this to our attention. I love glimpses of the brilliance and beauty of our God through His Word.

    • 56.3
      Charlotte says:

      Amen Kelly, Whether it was intentional or not in Paul’s case, it was very intentional for the Holy Spirit. I believe not one word of the Scriptures is by accident or chance, and every word is there by divine design.

      Oh Melissa, I have just started taking Biblical Greek classes at a local extension campus for Tyndale Theological Seminary and it’s killin’ me!!! Wish you were here in Ohio to be my personal tutor. Will you pray for me instead?

      Those of us in Ohio have had a ‘very’ cold, snowy, icy winter. Only one redeeming factor – all the shivering and trying to stay warm burns calories!!!

      Be blessed,
      Charlotte

  7. 57
    Allison C. Lee says:

    My brain is hurting…I am always telling my 4 daughters pretty girls are smart too. I think I’ll prove it to them and make them read this blog entry. Stay warm:)

  8. 58
    Phyllis Taylor says:

    Thank you Melissa, for the mini-Bible study this early in the morning. We in Canada are always ready for the cold and snow/ice, this is how winter is here, but for all the lower states and even Mexico this cold and snow/ice is very dangerous. Please keep bundled up and warm. Sincerely Phyllis.

  9. 59

    Wow you people live where it is COLD! We had temps at 10 degrees and thought for sure we’d freeze where we stood. We had 6 inches of snow and schools closed for one week (yes, a week).
    Melissa, I love that you can see these ‘intertextualities’ in scripture and share them for the rest of us to enjoy!
    Stay warm ladies 🙂

  10. 60
    Rebecca says:

    Hey Melissa! So good to hear from you on the blog!! 🙂 You have been sorely missed that’s for sure!

    Onto Paul’s use of the scripture found in Job–I think it could be just the fact that Paul had scripture in his heart and used it in his everyday speech and in his writings. It’s kind of the same thing Jonah did with the Psalms while in the belly of the big fish. He prayed out to God using Psalms that he had stored in his heart. I pray that we all keep scripture in our hearts so that we can pour them out as we travel this journey.

    Prayers and blessings,
    Rebecca

  11. 61
    Tanya says:

    Melissa,

    Thank you for you very thought provoking challenges. Please understand I am NOT trying to say I’m a Job or a Paul, but the last 18 months have been an extremely trying season of life through which I’m praying to see God’s glory revealed “immeasureably more than we could think or imagine.” That being said, sometimes I write a dear prayer warrior friend and I’m hard-pressed to say how much is to her and how much is to remind me of God’s faithfulness. Should I think of Paul as such a “super-Christian” so as to think he never needed, especially through the book of Philippians, to remind himself of God’s faithfulness to Job? It seems possible to me that not only was he deliberately using a reference to Job, he may have been doing it for himself as much as his readers…a reminder that all things really do work together for the glory of the Lord. All things. Even the greatest heartbreak can be the method God uses for deliverance.

    My love and appreciation to you.

    • 61.1
      Meghan Dawson says:

      I love your post Tanya! Sometimes I think we get caught up in Pauls spirituality to the point that we forget his humanity. He could very well been saying it for himself knowing the power of God’s word would pour over onto all who read his letter. May God pour our a special blessing on Tanya today!
      Thank you Melissa for your post. I love digging into scriptures but usually need a jumping off point to get me going. I often stare at the bible with a desire, but don’t know where to start. Your obvious love of scripture is a blessing to this blog!

    • 61.2
      Jo Ann says:

      This is an interesting idea!

  12. 62
    Shelly Story says:

    Wow, Melissa! Your adoring Mom has boasted about what an intelligent, sharp, and deep thinker you are, and now I see where she is coming from. I love it that young and beautiful women like you are devouring the scriptures as you are, so that older and kid-laden women like myself (still beautiful, of course! 🙂 )can learn from you.

    If you had asked me why Paul used the exact phrase that Job used, I would have answered something like…Paul was such a student of the old testament that, such as we strive for today, the truth was engrained in him. He did not have to say, “the scriptures say…”. He merely took the truth that was part of his being and grasped onto it for comfort and assurance during his own trial. He knew that the God of Job was the same God who had sent His Son to die, and that no matter the circumstance, this WOULD turn out for his deliverance. Even when we see no way out with our human eyes, and even if God chooses to remain unseen or unheard in our circumstance, we WILL be delivered. Perhaps not in this lifetime, but we will be delivered. I think Paul knew that truth even more deeply in the context of the cross. He was not hoping, he KNEW.

    Thanks for putting the theological framework on this scriptural parallel. You are a blessing!
    Shelly
    (in cold Nebraska!)

  13. 63
    Heather says:

    This is great–thank you so much for getting into this with us. The first thing that came to mind as I was reading this, was how I’ve often wondered about Paul’s quoting of the Old Testament without ever giving up a reference–the way preachers do today. This may be a little off track with what you’re teaching us about ‘intertextuality,’ but part of me just thinks that Paul wasn’t all proud and puffed up about what he knew.

    To me, there is nothing more grating than someone quoting scripture mechanically and then slapping on the reference at the end–to punctuate their high falootin’ familiarity with all things pharisaical. Did I spell that right?

    No, I think references and familiarity with the incomparable riches of the treasure of God’s Word should be for personal accountability, or for situations where it would be necessary to pass the information on. But most of the time we can pass on God’s timeless truths sandwiched between a slice of humility and reality, and slathered with a divine dollop of pertinence–whereby it might ‘give grace to those who hear…’

    Which is, in a round-about way, how I feel about the three examples given; that, as #3 suggests, Paul did, indeed echo the text of Job 13. But that’s my initial reaction.

    I don’t have any more time to look at it, but I do plan on getting right back into it when I can. Thank you so much. 🙂

  14. 64
    Ruth says:

    When I read Phillipians 1, I see confusion and pain. These people don’t understand what God is doing? Why is Paul bound? Why is this minister of the Truth beaten and hurt?

    How those questions are so relevant today! Who among has not suffered and looked to God with the whispered utterance of “God, I don’t understand.” If you haven’t done that open your eyes and look around. Pain abounds.

    I think Paul was giving them the only thing he could–hope. Just as Job and even Joseph did. What was tailored to destroy us God will use for our good. What we suffer will be redeemed by God. It will used for our deliverance. For me it doesn’t matter if Paul was meaning to quote Job verbatim or not. What matters is what is said. By Job and by Paul. Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him. Though I am in prison, beaten and bound, I will hope in him. Though I sit in the dark, in pain and despair I will hope in the only one that can rescue.

    What I would be interested in understanding is HOW to hold on to that promise in the dark. Or how to help those hurting around me to hold on. When you are in the ashes how to you successfully hang on until the beauty arrives?

    • 64.1
      Tanya says:

      Ruth,

      My sister, as I read your post, my eyes filled with tears. I, too, want to know HOW. Clinging to the cross, knowing without a doubt that He KNOWS the big picture and He WILL BE glorified…while still asking Him to take me home because there is so much pain here. Reading books on prayer, praying, praying, PRAYING, praying for the strongholds surrounding my loved ones to be demolished, for their eyes to be unblinded, the chains broken from their wrists, for GOD to be glorified as only HE can do these MARVELOUS, TOO HARD for us WONDERS. My sister, I don’t know you, but I lifted you up this morning. To the One Who loves you, Who has trusted you to pray and keep turning to Him. In the dark. Knowing that faith FIGHTS and joy COMETH, and my sister, LOVE NEVER FAILS. with love, Tanya

      • Megs says:

        Ruth & Tanya,

        I would encourage you both to read through the rest of Philippians with this question in mind: how do we hold onto the promise in the dark? I think that’s a key question that Paul’s going to answer! Here’s a teaser from 3:13–

        But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ.

        But don’t skip chapter 1 and read on to 4! What wonderful guidance there is here!

        Megan

        • Barb says:

          Thanks, Megan, for inspiring me to read Philippians. I’ve been wandering a little…wondering where to really dive into the scriptures. You have prompted me to start here. It seems so many are struggling with deliverance issues, whether it be facing illnesses, dealing with fractured relationships, or wayward children. But the wonderful thing that is happening is that God is bringing new meaning to deliverance for me. Is it deliverance from my circumstances or deliverance of my will and how I perceive things? I am learning to be set free and rest in Him…regardless of how my circumstances turn out. Not an easy journey and sometimes He ends up prying things out of my grasp, but each and every time, although there is that pain of something being uprooted, there is such deliverance and freedom. He is an awesome, awesome God!

      • Ruth says:

        Thank you Tanya for your prayers and your sweet words. I, without a doubt need them. I agree with you about praying, praying, praying–even if it is only “I believe Lord, help my unbelief!!” sitting in the dark is a painful place to be. I desire so much to have the confidence that Paul had–this will be for my deliverance! But sometimes the pain just overwhelms you. That is when your sisters step in to pray the words for you. So thankyou. I will be praying for you too! Only for a night is the weeping–you are so right, Joy COMETH!!–Love Ruth

  15. 65
    Diane Bailey says:

    Here in Montgomery, it’s 39 degrees and raining hard. I’m on my way to see grandchildren. And yes, they are GRAND!

    Love that the root of Deliverance, according to my notes, can also be, Salvation. It points to Christ. I love anything that points to Christ.

    What would it look like if we put Jesus’ name in place of deliverance?

    “I know that this will turn out for my Jesus, though you prayers and thourgh the provision of the Spirit of Jesus.”

    Indeed, this will turn out for my Jesus, for no godless man would dare come before him.

    We Know Christ’s desire is for all to come to Him. He is our deliverance and our hope, our salvation and our provider. To Him goes all the glory! He is the all in all!

    Have fun hunkered down. When you rarely see snow at all, even a few snow flurries can seem like a snow storm-

  16. 66
    Victoria says:

    Oh you have no clue how excited I am right now. I’m sitting at work in Arkansas, awaiting the supposed snow that we are going to get 🙂 And now, I want it to snow so bad so I can go home early and be safe and warm at home with my kiddos! AND
    So I can study Philippians 1 and Job 13 further.
    This kind of studying and searching gets my blood to pumping! Needless to say, I am just so thankful that you shared this! I know that I will glean something from it!
    Praying for all of the places that received major snow and that all stay safe and warm.
    Be blessed!!!!!

  17. 67
    Darlene says:

    ‘Intertextuality, in simplest terms, is the relationship between texts.’ I am glad to know this. I thought it had something to do with texting. I was getting worried! Smile!

    Darlene West
    Savannah, GA.

  18. 68
    Nancy D says:

    It just makes me think that what’s in your heart comes out of your mouth. Paul likely memorized the scripture from Job and took it to heart so much so that it just showed up in his speech. Oh, to be more like that. Gotta get busy on my scripture memorization.

  19. 69
    carla says:

    I lived most of my life in the south so I know the hysteria surrounding a little snow. I now live in Iowa, real hysteria over the snow, lol.

  20. 70
    Anita says:

    Melissa,

    When I first read your post I was like, “say what”? lol

    But you caused the wheels to start turning and now I am looking forward to digging into this….THANK YOU for challenging me to think. For giving me the opportunity to dig deep. I am not sure if I will be able to sort it all out on my own but I am asking the Holy Spirit to teach me.

    The phrase, “this will turn out for my deliverance” is meaningful to me and I just read the 13th chapter of Job a few days ago so I do not want to miss what He is leading me to learn…..

    Thanks girl…..

  21. 71
    Kathy B says:

    Melis, (that’s so adorable.)
    I’m afraid I’m not up for semantic paring today, though I generally love few things more. I’m a wordy little soul by most accounts. I just wanted to thank you for making my weary heart grin with your use of the word: “paradigmatic.” Only you could slip that one in and compliment the rest of us by assuming we knew what in the world you were talking about.

    I’m reminded of the time I heard someone on the news use the word “paradigm”. I turned to my husband and said, “Is that how you pronounce “pair-a-diggem”? He spared my dignity by only grinning at me. That sounds like something Tigger would say, doesn’t it?

    Many thanks to those who lifted up my Sweetie in prayer. His 51yr old heart remains in trouble. Praise the Lord for internet access in CCU. And you know what? I believe this will turn out for our deliverance through y’all’s prayers and the power of the Spirit of Christ.
    TTFN

    • 71.1
      Sandy says:

      awww, Kathy, I am praying for your husband and you!

    • 71.2
      Warm in Alaska says:

      How did I miss this? So sorry about your Honey – I will pray for him today.

      Whenever I hear paradigm I think of two dimes sitting next to each other. (I know: weird).

      And TTFN backatcha!

    • 71.3
      Kathy B says:

      Thank you dear gals. And if I were really were any good at semantics, you’d think I’d know the difference between sparing and paring. Mush brain today.

    • 71.4
      Barb says:

      Praying for you and your husband right now. Praying for peace and His deliverance.

  22. 72
    Roseanna Dubinski says:

    We are finally thawing out in the midwest, Bloomington, Indiana had some horrible ICE, though it was very pretty. There sure are lots of ironies in life. As far as these verses, I have a simple faith, though I do wrestle with God on many occasion. But, once rightly put in my place, with whatever God uses, I see His faithful hand at work. Like in these passages, our loving Father relentlessly pursues us to offer us deliverance!! I love Him for that!!!

  23. 73
    Monica says:

    Melissa;

    I am attending seminary at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Thank you for your teaching. I believe it is important for us to have a biblical foundation along with the “feel good” message of God’s Word.

    I encourage you to continue your teaching as this will give readers a broader perspective of God and His Word.

    Be blessed,
    Monica

  24. 74
    Diane, Houston, TX says:

    I LOVE doing this myself! Just didn’t even know it had a name! Thanks, Melissa~
    di

  25. 75
    Barb says:

    Thank you Melissa for being a woman of God and sharing your beautiful knowledge with us. I, too, thought the blog might be about Twitter or texting. LOL. Here in MN we are going to have 2 days in the 30s, so hopefully some of our 5 feet of snow will start to melt. Then, it is back to the teens. Stay warm and safe.

  26. 76
    Barb Schwarz says:

    Melissa, I always love reading (and studying) your posts. I would love to be able to do that heavy duty studying and have thought about trying to learn Hebrew (first) and then Greek, but not sure my ‘older’ brain could handle it. I do have my Dad’s copy of the Septuagint, from his days at Moody, but it’s all greek to me!! 😉 Please continue to challenge us – I’m always in awe when I see how God has fit each word of His Word on the page – who could deny its inspiration!
    And stay warm!! Madison Wisconsin has fared pretty well so far – we’ve seen worse!

    • 76.1
      Melissa says:

      Your ‘older’ brain could totally handle it! Several years ago there was a man in his 80’s in my Hebrew class and he made the best grades in the class. It might have taken him thirty minutes longer than the rest of us to memorize various words but he did it and surpassed us all. Amazing.

      • Karene says:

        That is so encouraging. I’m in my second semester of seminary at Talbot, and definitely one of the oldest ones there. I’m 53, but I believe God called me and will use this education for His glory. I am loving it!

  27. 77
    Leila Hollingsworth says:

    Ain’t it grand to know that some bright day we can actually ASK Paul about his inspiration for writing that phrase just that way in his letter!

    This brings to mind the young man my church’s search committee interviewed for our vacant Youth Minister position. We were so encouraged to hear him speak God’s word as his own. He wasn’t quoting scripture, per se, it just flowed from his mouth as we talked with him. I imagine Paul is the same way, so intimately immersed in God’s word that it just bubbles up out of his heart without his even having to think about it.
    Isn’t the way God weaves His word together just the most gorgeous thing to behold!!

    BTW, that young man will be visiting in our fellowship this weekend in light of a call to serve with us. Please pray for us that we will all be 100% sure that we understand God’s will as we make this important decision. Thanks, siestas!

  28. 78
    Jo Ann says:

    Reading both references (NASB), it looked to me like Job trusts God for a just outcome in any case, whether life or death (Job 13:15) and Paul trusts God for victory in any case, whether life or death (Philippians 1:20).

    Job said “I would speak to the Almighty, And I desire to argue with God.” (Job 13:3) Then he said in verse 16 his “salvation” (or why this won’t destroy him) is his relationship with God; a godless man couldn’t come before God and Job is a righteous man (Job 1:1). He had faith in that.

    Paul says that his “deliverance” is that Christ will be exalted in him, whether he lives or dies; that he would not be put to shame in anything (vs. 20). He said for him “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (vs. 22)

    For me, I mostly think “this” will turn out for my deliverance, and I am really hoping so, but when I read this post today, I was encouraged to KNOW that this will turn out for my deliverance! I can trust God for safety, security, in any case.

  29. 79
    Kathy says:

    Melissa, this verse is a “word” for me this morning due to a dire personal situation. I also like the lesson you taught us and I “got it”. Thanks for thinking of us. We are stuck in Austin also, but the sun is coming out and maybe we’ll be out and about soon.

    Blessings dear one, An Aunt Siesta

  30. 80
    Marie says:

    Just have to post another comment:

    I like what someone wrote earlier about the Holy Spirit being intentional, whether Paul was or not. The message of hope and grace, of God’s salvation and deliverance, is a constant throughout Scripture – and I, for one, LOVE THAT!

  31. 81
    kathypinkbicyclearkansas says:

    It’s cold everywhere! We are at 28 which is warmer than they predicted. We are expepcting more snow. WE have been in the single digits this week, so this might actually seem like a heat wave.

    Stay warm everyone

  32. 82
    Kelli says:

    Okay – Noise makers have scooted off to school (much to their dismay since we got an additional 6 inches of snow overnight) LOL!!

    I want you to know that this has been a challenge for me since I am not to good at tying bible passages together and making since of it in my studies. After much reading, thinking, praying and research – this is what I think about the coalition of the two verses.

    Paul would have known that there were Jewish converts in the Philippian church family so his making reference to perseverance and steadfast love of Christ may lead them to remembering Job and all the trials and tribulations he endured because he was devoted to God.

    The gist of Job is that man simply does not have enough knowledge to explain why things happen the way they do. Job recognizes that we do not always need answers to life’s problems but that we always need God Himself. It is possible to rise above our limitations by faith in God because God does know why everything happens and will work good for those who love him. Ultimately the message is when we have nothing left but God, God is enough.

    The focus of Paul’s writings is Jesus, through whom God has given redemption for everyone. Paul evangelized about Jesus even though it put him at risk. He was persecuted for his zeal – threatened, beaten, flogged, stoned and imprisoned on many occasions, but never gave up his preaching of Christ as Savior.

    The parellels between Paul’s persecution and the persecution of Job would not be lost on the Philippians and would encourage them since Job was given great rewards after he had been tested and Paul is going to get great rewards after being tested. Job stood with God as his rock and now Paul is showing the new Christians that Christ is an extension of that rock. Lean on Christ and you will have a solid foundation for your life – no matter what comes your way. Satan is all around us and will never give up trying to get us to disengage from the word of our Lord.

    Blessings,
    Kelli in Colorado

    • 82.1
      Warm in Alaska says:

      Kelli – I loved your, “we don’t always need answers but we always need God.” So true. I needed to hear this today ~

  33. 83

    Melissa,

    Not sure you’d want to be in Minnesota right now. 🙂 It’s been sub-zero the last few days. It was 0 degrees at 5:00 this morning. Not holding out hope for much better temperatures. Hope you survive! I know that’s really cold for your area.

  34. 84
    Becky says:

    I have lived in New England all of my life, Rhode Island to be exact….I find it funny how I “should” be used to the cold and snow especially this year as you all have probably seen and are sick and tired of hearing about. all the HUGE snowstorms that we have had this winter have made me weary and I have definately caught a case of Spring fever. I don’t think cold is something we ever will “get used to” I long for the warmth from the Lord my God, the warmth of being under His wings like the hen with the chicks…Thank God in eternity we will be forever warm from the rays of light coming from our Father!!! I will NEVER get used to the cold, so I feel your pain melissa. Thank you for your insight on scripture, it’s definately nice to dive into scripture and learn about our Lord who is never ending!

  35. 85
    Danielle A says:

    I can’t imagine Texas getting snow…that is just weird. As for Chicago, Yikes. They get snow, but that one was a doozy. I saw pictures of my friend’s car practically buried! I do live in Minnesota, but so glad the blizzard missed us. ^_^

    As for the intertextuality between Philippians, and Job is so neat! I love learning the extraordinary details of the Bible! God’s word is just simply awes me.

  36. 86
    Sparki2003 says:

    Hi Melissa,

    Wow ! Your knowledge is a bit overwhelming for me at times, yet it is truly fascinating, too. I would guess that maybe Paul was doing #2 and #3. He was supposed to have been a Bible scholar, so I imagine that he would simply quote Scripture by accident at times; but I think that maybe he was in pain, and was identifying with Job, too.

    As for Houston’s weather forecast, I can understand “Y’all’s temporary insanity”, because I lived there for 8.5 years prior to June 2004. However, I feel that I was truly called back [by the Lord] to my hometown in southern Wisconsin to be with my family when I returned here. And, I do recall feeling “quite cold” when I was about 100 miles due south of here [on I-39], but my friends told me that it was “only 70 degrees” . . . Then, of course, I had to explain to them that the last time I felt 70 degrees was in January ! 🙂

    However, I must say that our “little blizzard of 2011” this week was truly “crazy”. No one really knows how many inches of snow we actually received in this area because the wind was “howling like the big, bad wolf” on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights; which caused the snow to blow around a great deal. And this caused the powder-like snow to blow into large drifts; so we have “mini-snow-mountains” all over the place. The meteorologists claim that my area received between 12-20 inches of fresh snow Tues. through Wednesday.

    However, then the temperatures began to plummet, and it may be 8 degrees above zero right now, [Friday, 10 am Central time] but the wind-chill is – 8 [yes, below zero !]. And, from your years at Moody, I am sure that you recall what that feels like.

    BRRRRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    And, although many schools closed early on Tuesday, and were closed on Wednesday, most of them opened back up on Thursday. However, I very much doubt that any elementary school students will be having their recess time outside !

    In Christ’s Love,

    Jennifer Olmstead

    Janesville, Wisconsin

  37. 87
    Kathy says:

    1966- A Bible I won in a memory course of about 500 Scripture verses when I was a teenager, is the Bible I am presently using. It is the lightest-weight Bible I could find as I am not allowed to lift after major surgery 2weeks ago. I too am so lovin seeing the notes I wrote in the margin as a teenager and sometimes recognize the Pastor or recall a bit of the sermon pertaining to it. Soooo fun and thankful to see that I loved and studied the Word so even back then… that is why I can say with Jude “He has kept me..”from much harm.

    p.s. I live in a snowbelt in Canada- so thankful I have to stay in recouperating for at least 2 to 3 months…I have been in Georgia in March when a snowstorm hit – they really have no idea what to do with the white stuff!! literally!!!

  38. 88

    A tidbit of information far removed from intertextuality..
    My husband said to me last evening. It’s colder in ElPaso, than it is in Alaska… he also was giving me the temperatures in Brownsville. So I imagine you all are freezing. We are in Maryland it is cold here also.
    Keep Warm, Blessings..

  39. 89

    I hope you all are safe and sound still. It’s amusing how some areas of our country freak out at the mere mention of snow. I live in such an area. It’s crazy but I honestly love the rare snow days, playing, laughing, snuggling in. We haven’t had any this year, yet.

    Good food for thought today. Something to go chew on…

    Blessings,
    Mel
    Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God

  40. 90
    oops, late again says:

    Welcome back Melissa,
    I’ve missed you sweetie. :0)

  41. 91
    Sharon says:

    I cannot wait to read your first book! The gift God has given your mom is expanded in unique and beautiful ways in you and Amanda…both talented writers with your own voices. So many people have remarked on your intellect. And they are right on the mark. I praise God the Creator who has given special gifts to us all. Whenever I see someone sold out and willing to be a used vessel I want to throw my arms out and rejoice over His creativity. I want to speak and capture hearts as your mother does. I want to create music and express God’s might as Travis does. I want to understand the WORD and use my mind as you do.
    Thank you for expressing what God is teaching me about the necessity of spending equal time in both of the Testaments. Each one completes the other. Amazing!
    now go make a snow angel.

  42. 92
    Kelly Minter says:

    Melissa – The best part about your use of the word ‘intertextuality’ is that when I saw it in the title I thought it had something to do with text messaging. Um… Someone needs to fire me from what I do, and quickly.

    In the meantime, excellent post. And I am inclined to choose option #3 🙂

  43. 93
    Judy says:

    I love this kind of “digging in” I could never do this on my own, so am thankful for those of you who do know how and love doing it for the rest of us.

    Oh, and since I am from Iowa I know about the shopping and bare shelves and I especially enjoyed your remark about “this is insane” I’m still laughing.

  44. 94
    marita says:

    HI Melissa:
    So glad to see you posting. Love your challenge.
    In reading Phil 1:19 and Job 13:16 and the surrounding text of each, it appears the significance is the prayers of the godly promote deliverance that leads to glory to God. Differeing scenarios but the same ultimate result.

    I believe the phrasing would have fallen between options #2 and #3. I lean towards number 2 since there is not reference from Paul to the scriptures in that context.

    Thanks again for the challenge! Love learning.
    Blessings,
    Marita

  45. 95
    Warm in Alaska says:

    It seems to me the context Paul makes these remarks in – his “what has happened to me….(will turn out for my deliverance)” – is that he’s “in chains for Christ” (v 13) ~ whereas Job’s “chains” (if you will) – or “what has happened” in Job’s life, Job views as more something God has initiated (ie. “though He slay me yet will I trust Him”).

    Right? Aren’t both these men coming at the same conclusion – a deep assurance that “this” (and we all have our own ‘this’) will (faith) turn out (it won’t go on forever) for my deliverance” — but that Paul’s “this” – his chains – came about by men – even though he knew God allowed him to be put in chains; whereas Job’s “this” – all his suffering – seemed to be initiated by God – not by men, and thus it was doubly confusing.

    I’m just rattling off the top of my head here – but what I love – whether it’s option 1,2,3 or some variation thereof – is that assurance – in the small “this” places and the big “this” places – the ones we can wrap our minds around and the one’s where we can’t — that regardless of place, time, circumstance — both Paul and Job know enough about God to know He will turn their “this” into deliverance. I suppose the prayer for us is to ask that in all of our “this” – the gospel would advance (Phil 1:12) and Christ would be exalted (1:20)

    (But actually – my fave vs in reading thru Job 13 was vs 13 — “…and let me speak…”)

    Thanks, Melissa, for sharing. Sorry about the cold. If you were up here I’d gladly lend you any number of coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, you-get-the-idea…

    ~ Warm in Alaska and Sorry You’re Freezing in Texas

  46. 96
    Jane says:

    Well girls this is day 4 for us in oklahoma. I have not left my house since Monday @ 4:30 pm. I can’t even dig my car out of the drifts yet. It is still snowing here and 2 more storms coming later in the week. We have been declared a state in disaster yesterday for federal funding. We are hoping to get above freezing tomorrow for the first time in a week. I am so ready to see no snow!!
    I love the lesson Mellissa. and I have been keeping up with Joanne and praising God for her advancement in her healing processes! Stay safe and warm sisters!!!

  47. 97
    Katie says:

    Now that is some crucial distinctions. Good to remember. My family in Houston is freezing right along with you.

  48. 98
    Katie says:

    W.O.W. you really are your mother’s daughter….! :))) Great to hear from you. Hope you thaw soon. Central New Yorks are just getting our groove on with all the snow! 🙂

  49. 99
    Shelly E says:

    Melissa,

    I so enjoyed this bit of Biblical education from you! I will read the chapter in Job and compare it to the verses in Philippians.

    But I also was cracking up at your humor about the cold weather and everybody in a panic. We, in the Pacific Northwest, are very much the same way. In fact, school was closed for a day a few weeks ago but the snow never materialized! My biggest laugh comes from how over-the-top animated the news stations get about it…”we are interrupting your regularly scheduled program to bring you the latest on the Arctic Blast 2011…”! Hilarious!

    Blessings!

    Shelly
    Portland, OR

  50. 100
    Melissa Thacker says:

    Love this post! And really love your reference to using your moms Bible. I have my grandfather’s and thoroughly enjoy reading it from time to time. Hearing your persective encourages me to continue marking my Bible up as the Spirit teaches me. Afterall…I have three little ones that someday will treasure its markings too!

Leave a Reply

To receive a daily digest of comments on this post, enter your email address below: