Recently several people have asked me to recommend a good study bible.

I'm happy to do that, but always with the reminder that I think study bibles are a mixed blessing. There is always the dangerous tendency to confuse what's above the line (God's infallible Word) with what's below the line (man's fallible theological reflections on God's Word). One also has to remember that some books and passages have thorny exegetical problems and various interpretive possibilities, so if the pastor disagrees with the notes on a certain point you shouldn't look at him like he's a theological maverick or he's "disagreeing with what's in my Bible" (again, remember the nature of what is below the line).

So, with that in mind, I think that the new ESV study Bible looks very promising. It comes out in October and you can get more information about it here:

http://www.esvstudybible.org/

If you look at the list of contributing theologians, you will probably see several names that look familiar (some are my former professors and one is Taylor's dad).

If you want to see a sample, here is the book of Jonah from my OT professor Mark Futato:

http://www.esvstudybible.org/images/excerpt-jonah.pdf

"The saint who is under the influence of devout affections, may happen to see some of his brethren enjoying a larger share of the gifts of Providence, occupying a more honourable place in the house of God, or labouring with greater zeal for the advancement of Divine glory. In such a case he will not be moved with envy. It will give him pleasure that the name of God is hallowed, either by himself or by others. Conscious that he cannot adequately or properly give glory to God, he will rejoice that others are ready 'to supply his lack of service,' and to contribute far beyond his own ability to the accomplishment of this great work. Whatever can celebrate, in any way, the praises of God, will receive his warm invitation and concurrence."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his little book Life Together, speaks of "the ministry of listening" as the first service we owe to someone. He says,

"Christians, especially ministers, so often think that they must always contribute something when they are in the company of others, that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for an ear that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because Christians are talking where they should be listening. But [the one] who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God, too. This is the beginning of the death of the spiritual life, and in the end there is nothing left but spiritual chatter and clerical condescension arrayed in pious words. One who cannot listen long and patiently will presently be talking beside the point and be never really speaking to others, albeit he be not conscious of it."

I can think of many times that the failure Bonhoeffer describes has been true of me. Pray that God will make me a pastor who is a sympathetic listener.