“He leads priests away stripped…” Job 12:19a

In describing more of God’s character traits, Job addressed how lawyers, judges and rulers are accountable to Heaven’s standard of righteousness (read vv. 17 & 18). Then he moved to those who seemed immune to scandal… and accountability: the priests of a state-run religion. Job didn’t stop there. Under divine inspiration,
Job asserted his righteous zeal against those who conspire to cloak evil deeds: the power-brokers of the establishment, their kiss-up advisors, and the elders of the land who turned their heads away from wrong to escape the call of duty for exposing it (read vv. 19b – 20).

Since biblical times of long ago, rulers have surrounded themselves with advisors, provincial governors and priests of a state-run religion. Along with a strong military presence, these key influencers helped to keep the citizens cooperative to the ruling authorities for maintaining order and commerce. Both good and evil rulers used similar strategies. The main difference between the two ruling types, both in Job’s day and throughout history, is found in the priests and elders during the reign of evil rulers: the priests are complicit in calling wrong right, while the elders of the land turn their heads to corruption and wrong doing.

Even in our own day, we have seen how evil has gone unchecked for decades within university sports departments, scouting and church organizations. Victims who have suffered the wrong done to them know all too well the silence of those who should have spoken up, and who should have been present to act as a shield to unsuspecting persons – most of whom were children. ‘Elders’ within each organization were
more concerned with preserving their jobs and incomes than the welfare of those under their charge.

God’s character always elevates righteousness, exposes wrong and rescues those hurt by bad actors. He leads priests away stripped of their influence and prestige. Does the name Jim Baker sound familiar to you? Many baby-boomers remember the humiliation he suffered from the Jessica Hahn scandal of the 1980’s. There are many others in communities across our nation, including our own national capital who could be used as examples of bad actors in a seemingly good profession. God breathed into Job His ability to uncover what man has sought to cover-up with these words:

“He pours contempt on nobles and disarms the mighty. He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations and disperses them. He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason; He sends them wandering
through a trackless waste. They grope in darkness with no light; He makes them stagger like drunkards.” (vv. 21 – 25)

While God reveals deep things, in this setting, God exposes the deep things of darkness… bringing them into His light. Job’s words may have been prophetic, if written before the time of Israel’s captivity. Nebuchadnezzar was the ruler of Babylon who invaded and successfully captured Israel and many other nations of the region. Just as Daniel predicted, Nebuchadnezzar experienced a period of madness – becoming incoherent, losing all sense of reason (read 2 Kings 24; Daniel 4:29-37). In recent times, we have seen scandals brought to light from Penn State University to the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team; government and inter-national church cover-ups; and an almost endless discovery of continued offenses against humanity.

Did you notice how Job was inspired to describe what God uncovers? God reveals the “deep things of darkness”. Sin imprisons ambassadors of evil in dark pits of mental insanity, spiritual depravity, and sensual decadence. It takes strong prayer and many eyes to bring these prisoners of darkness into an awareness of
accountability.

This passage should be a wake-up call to all pastors, coaches, teachers, and leaders of children to turn away from sin’s enticements and seek first God’s Kingdom. Job’s inspired words should empower elders and program managers to stand against the abuse of others or any other illicit action that injures one’s
esteem or disrupts the quality of a community’s life. May His Word change our hearts and actions toward others and in our lives.

Have a blessed day…

"He takes off the shackles..." Job 12:18

“He takes off the shackles put on by kings and ties a loin cloth around their waist.” Job 12:18

While sin seeks to imprison the minds and hearts of those who fall to temptation, God’s love for sinners motivates Him to set the prisoner free (read Psalm 102:20; Isaiah 42:7, 61:1). Not only does God set the sinner free, He also clothes them in His righteousness so they are seen by Him as whole and holy (read Genesis 3:21: Deuteronomy 10:18; Ezekiel 16:10; Matthew 6:30; Luke 12:28). Job was specifically addressing the problem of rulers who rule through evil means: imprisoning opponents to their rule and humiliating them by stripping them of all dignity by taking their clothes.

God, on the other hand, is the very present help in time of trouble (read Psalm 46:1). He is ready to come to the defense of the defenseless, and to comfort the uncomforted. The character trait Job is describing is compassion and zeal for what is right. Faith walkers are conduits of God’s power and grace to come to the aid of those imprisoned and humiliated (read Matthew 25:40-45).

Be Christ to your part of the world in 2020!

“He leads counselors away stripped..." Job 12:17a

Job continued describing God’s character traits in verse sixteen stating: “To Him belong strength and victory; both deceived and deceiver are His. He leads counselors away stripped and makes fools of judges.” (vv.16-17) In other words, God never looses or fails in anything He plans or executes, and His righteous precepts will one day rule a new earth.

Those who devise evil are never out of God’s sight – He is never deceived and is ready to intervene on behalf of those who fall in the hands of greedy people who practice deception as their craft to rob others. In fact, Job called out the corrupt officials of the court who prey on the misfortune of others in legal trouble; he declared how God would strip those counselors and judges (if not in this world – certainly in the next). Evil people will not escape God’s judgment.

God’s righteous precepts makes fools of evil judges. Those who have been blessed by God with a clear understanding of the law and who stand for God’s ways are empowered by God to intervene on behalf of those who are being taken advantage of by evil counselors and corrupt judges. They have taken assignments around the globe to be light and hope to communities long darkened by terrorism, despotism, and corruption. They often work ‘pro-bono’; they are found in non-profits specializing in advocating for the poor and unfortunate; they are passionate in their quest to let the right prevail. Many have given their lives in their pursuit to expose and interrupt the plans of evil power-brokers.

Pray that corruption and deception be exposed by God’s special servants who stand opposed to such evil. Pray for Christ to be exalted throughout the earth.

Have a blessed day…

“…He will save His people…” Matthew 1:21b

This was written yesterday, but then I got interrupted and that’s why I am sharing it with you today:

The events surrounding Jesus’ birth are recorded for us to consider the many aspects of His deity and delivery. Matthew’s account is heavily bent to a Jewish perspective – namely that Jesus came to save the Jews. Of course, we know God’s plan for Israel was to bless all nations with a savior who would save all mankind.

Matthew described Joseph as being a righteous man (v.19a) who took the high road after his betrothed informed him she was pregnant. That was a real problem, for they had never consummated their relationship. Joseph planned to quietly end the relationship, not wanting to cause Mary any public disgrace (v.19b&c). The
night before Joseph was going to break the news to Mary, an angel appeared to him in a dream and explained to him that the baby inside Mary’s body was conceived immaculately – through the Holy Spirit! The angel then instructed Joseph to take Mary as his wife, and once the baby was delivered, to name the
baby Jesus, which literally translated means, life-saver, for He would save His people (vv. 20 – 21).

So, what was this Heavenly life-guard to save people from? Matthew specified exactly what Jesus would save people from: THEIR SINS! (v.21; caps for emphasis) All through God’s Word the issue of sin is presented, only to be pushed out of sight by those seeking God. Sin is denied, hidden and rationalized by the saints of old, as well as faith walkers of today. People don’t like to be told they are sinners, and people certainly don’t like to expose their sin. Yet, God’s Word tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (read Romans 3:23).

Christians celebrate Christmas with a profound sense of gratitude, having been born again from above – adopted into the family of God, grafted into the Hebrew line through the blood of Christ upon the cross. Because He now resides in the hearts of every born-again Believer, His blood runs through our veins just as
surely as a Jew is a Jew. We rejoice knowing that Christ came to earth for the express purpose of saving His people from their sins… and He included us in that mission! Glory to God!

I will be taking a Christmas vacation for the next nine days. I will return, Lord willing, on Monday, December 30, as I continue in our study of Job.

Have a blessed day… and a very Merry Christmas!

"…counsel and understanding are His.” Job 12:13b

Once again, God breathed into flesh to record timeless qualities of His character. Job had attributed the disruption of peace throughout the earth to the hand of the Lord by His judgment of man’s sin. Then, Job asked three questions to prepare his audience of nay-sayers for, yet, another description of God’s
eternal attributes:

1. “Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?” (v.11)

2. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? (v.12a)

3. “Does not long life bring understanding? (v.12b)

These questions are posed as a pre-Socraterian teaching tool in wisdom literature to entice the mind for learning. Comparisons were utilized in Job’s day to provide clarity and ease of learning. The elderly were highly honored, with wisdom and understanding being a natural by-product to those who have lived a long life. However, such may not be the case, as many have lived lives plagued by repeated acts of evil or selfishness.

Job began describing God by attributing all wisdom, power, counsel and understanding to Him (v.13). With wisdom comes power to provide counsel to others, while possessing an understanding heart to the needs and problems of others. There is strength in wisdom; a strength which is shown in knowing when to provide answers and when to withhold answers.

In God’s unmatched wisdom are the interventions He may impose upon humanity… usually to address the sin and rebellion of humanity:

• “What He tears down cannot be rebuilt…” (v.14a)

• “…the man He imprisons cannot be released.” (v.14b)

• “If He holds back the waters, there is drought…” (v.15a)

• “…if He lets them loose, they devastate the land.” (v.15b)

In these few verses, the Bible student may recall the Great Flood; Joseph being wrongfully imprisoned; the drought Elijah prayed for, as well as the rains he prayed for to end the drought. Each of these are significant points in the history of Israel which Job may have unknowingly prophesied through these words.

When you come to a point in life when nothing makes sense, go to The Lord, for counsel and understanding are His, and He will make a way for you which will be as obvious as a highway in the desert.

Have a blessed day…

“…the hand of the Lord…” Job 12:9b

Job’s rebuttal to Zophar’s indictment against him began by stating the obvious: Zophar’s descriptions of God’s character were commonly known, not taking a sophisticated scholar to discern them (see 11:7-19; 12:3c). The second tier of Job’s rebuttal is in reference to creation: the fallen world and all its creatures knew the same truth Job knew – life isn’t fair – bad things are going to happen. Job’s
description went like this:

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (vv. 7 – 10)

The animal kingdom found on land and in the sea is ferocious: the strong prey upon the weak, with the food chain being the driving force behind most of it, while territorial dominance and reproduction are secondary instincts of animals. Mother earth is no less fair to mankind – she plays no favorites when it comes to natural disasters, weather related catastrophes or freakish calamities – such as falling tree limbs or sink holes. They are all the result of a fallen world, the product of man’s rebellion in The Garden of Eden.

The Bible teaches us that God is keenly aware of the smallest events, even when a sparrow falls to the ground (read Matthew 10:29). Job recognized God’s sovereignty in it all. While Job groaned to be restored, so the earth and all in it groans, looking to the day Christ will return and make all things new (read Romans 8:19-23).

Just as the hand of the Lord was in banishing Adam and Eve from The Garden, so His hand will be just as strong in rebuilding His creation. Job also speaks to us through centuries past, encouraging us to see God’s hand at work in our lives. Though Job wanted an audience with God, his motivation was based on a personal
relationship with Him – knowing God as a benevolent and kind Father.

Do we see the hand of the Lord working in our lives? Do we see His hand intervening in world affairs, wars, etc.? God is working all things out for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (read Romans 8:28). Trust Him, even when your way in this world is fraught with trouble.

Have a blessed day…

“…tents of marauders are undisturbed…” Job 12:6a

At the heart of Job’s grief was his keen awareness of his pitiful situation – knowing he had done nothing deserving of punishment, while undeserving people were living comfortable, fulfilled lives. Job could not make sense of evil people living successfully without being brought to account for their actions. He told it
like this:

“The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure
– those who carry their god in their hands.” (v.6)

Many Believers in our time see the same inequities. Good people experiencing calamity, injury, loss of employment, sickness, etc., often share Job’s sentiments. The disparity between good and evil may even be more evident in our time, as we have access to immediate information in this age of the internet, cellphones, and social networks. From social action to nano-second updates on missing children, we are bombarded with the reality of both evil’s presence and the good actions of others intervening in desperate times.

We still have marauders who carry their god in their hands: those who don’t have any concern for the rights or well-being of others and impose their will over others on the highways, in the supermarkets, at restaurants, and even in churches. The god in their hand could be their wallet, their car keys, or their mirrors. Many of the marauders worship the unholy trinity of ‘me, myself, and I’ and live narcissistic lives of self-indulgence, disregarding the needs around them.

The reality known by Job has been around since the fall of man, and will continue to exist until the return of Christ. Until then, Believers are equipped with The Word to feed their faith and to provide encouragement for living above despair.

Have a blessed day…

“I have become a laughingstock…” Job 12:4a

Suddenly, Job was filled with resilience, and was able to rise above his self-pity to rebuff Zophar’s condescension and insults. Job began with sarcasm (!), remarking that true wisdom would die with his fiends (no misspelling here, if you catch my drift) – his one-time friends that had turned into tormentors (v.1). Job
asserted himself to have just as sharp a mind as they, rebuking them with the words: “I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?” (v.2)

The shame Job spoke of in chapter ten (v.15c), is clarified through the description he assumed his friends had of him: “I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called upon God and He answered – a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless! Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate
of those whose feet are slipping.” Theologian David McKenna described the implications of Job’s words:

“A certain ghoulish glee always attends the downfall of the
high and the mighty. Jealous tongues cluck with juicy gossip whenever a great
person shows signs of weakness, makes a false move, or experiences a failure.
Americans, in particular, cannot countenance human weakness in their leaders.
The slightest physical flaw in a president sends the stock market spinning downward
and starts the cartoonists’ pencils doodling caricatures that make the person a
laughingstock.” (The Communicator’s Commentary, JOB, p.110, pp.3; Word Publishers,
1986)

McKenna’s words fit perfectly in describing today’s culture thirty years after he wrote them!! No doubt, Job would not have used such language had his fiendish ‘friends’ not smirked at his demand for an audience with God. They saw such a demand as ridiculous as a donkey being born a man (11:12, implying Job to be a witless man!). Still, Job maintained his innocence (v.4c).

Now armed with infused indignation, Job’s verbal counter-attack is well aimed at the ease from which his visitors have come, saying: “Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.” (v.5) Unless one has experienced suffering, understanding the pain of those in the midst of it
can never be fully grasped. If we are truly honest with ourselves, society as a whole is uncomfortable with those who suffer: soldiers with permanent disabilities from war injuries; those handicapped from birth; and those who have become disabled by accidents. Laws have been passed in an effort to level the playing
field for disabled citizens, though that still does not fix the problem of a culture which favors physical perfection.  Even disabled war heroes are honored for their bravery, only to be ignored and forgotten in the halls of VA hospitals across the nation.

How do these few verses from long ago speak to us today? Those who are disabled try to make sense of their life, just as much as Job was trying to make sense of his upside-down life. Many disabled people face prejudice of a different kind, having to overcome hurdles of assumed limitations. These courageous people work twice as hard to show their worth and abilities as viable to the workplace and within society. Believer’s can be catalysts within social networks who can work as advocates for those being made a laughingstock or castaway reject of society. Indeed, those who walk by faith may be the only Jesus those with disabilities may ever see!

Be Jesus to someone today… rescue those in the peril of desperation; encourage the downtrodden; offer a cup of hope to one who is hopeless; and be an advocate for those needing one to fight for them.
Have a blessed day…

“…many will court your favor.” Job 11:19b

Zophar’s zeal to defend God led him to venting ‘self-righteous’ anger toward Job, who maintained his innocence. So Zophar made his accusation to Job a spiritual matter, presenting universally acceptable precepts of redemption toward those who humble themselves before God. Of course, God was breathing into the mind of Zophar this dialogue, showing today’s reader how one may have a faulty motivation (correcting Job for maintaining his innocence, in an effort to reveal the ‘certainty’ of Job’s sin) and still speak truth about God’s character (vv. 13 – 20).

The requirements for Job’s restoration are recognized throughout most of scripture. For gaining restoration, one should:

• Devote the heart to God (v.13a);

• Engage with God in worship (v.13b);

• Keep the hands from touching evil (v.14a);

• Keep away from even the appearance of evil (v.14b).

The stretching of one’s hands to God could possibly imply confession of sin. Once sin was purged, Zophar presented the following benefits to soon follow:

• Living without shame (v.15a);

• Living as an overcomer without the fear of relapse (v.15b);

• Living without the plaguing memory of failure (v.16a);

• Recalling the failure only as a reminder from how far one has come (v.16b);

• Living in the light of innocence and victory over sin (v.17a);

• Living with a hope for better days (vv.17b-18a);

• Living without the fear of being “found out” (v.18b);

• Living without the fear of being accused by others (v.19a);

• Being an influencer once again (v.19b).

Of course, Zophar had to twist the proverbial knife in his friend’s back with his closing remarks, a reiteration of his indictment toward Job:

“But the eyes of the wicked will fail, and escape will elude them; their hope will become a dying gasp.” (v.20)

In other words, Zophar was warning Job that, unless he repented, there would be a glib future for him. Often, Believers use similar tactics to manipulate their faith family into false confessions (when there is no evidence that any sin has actually occurred). Believe it or not, people today still lean toward a ‘Just-World Theology’, though it is articulated using terms like “Karma” (one reaps what one sows).

How does this passage speak to us today? We need to understand the two natures within each person: the natural man/woman and the spiritual man/woman. The two natures may both speak concurrently, showing both the depravity of man and the discipline of holiness. Each of us is, indeed, a complex life – experiencing regeneration/transformation as we muddle through the tendency to return to earlier living patterns.

Armed with that understanding, Believers should be very careful before confronting another with a charge of sin or impropriety. Likewise, when observing difficulty arise in the life of another Believer, one should not be hasty to make blanket judgment on another person or her/his circumstances. Instead, those who walk by faith should be quick to offer comfort, counsel, and compassion to those experiencing hardship. When you do many will court your favor, and you may be the only Jesus those hurting souls ever see.

Have a blessed day…

“Surely He recognizes deceitful men…” Job 11:11a

In verses seven through twelve, Zophar challenged Job’s erroneous perspective of God (thinking God had it out for him), while being just as wrong in his own judgment of Job! Zophar revealed his own questionable view of God within his inquisition to Job:

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of The Almighty? They are higher than the heavens – what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave – what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.” (vv. 7 – 9)

Zophar argued that God can never be understood, neither can His ways be comprehended. Sounds wise, but is it true? Are Zophar’s words meant to put Job in his place by talking down to him? If we know the teachings of Jesus, we might see that Zophar’s judgmental attitude got in the way of his view of God. When Jesus came upon the seen, He often taught about the Kingdom of Heaven. The Sermon on the Mount was God’s way of correcting man’s faulty interpretation of the law. Jesus began sections of His lecture with, “You have heard…”, and then provided a correct view of God’s intent for the law (read Matthew 5-7). Jesus also used another phrase in His teaching, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like”. Through Jesus, we can see that God DOES want to be relatable and His ways understood, which is why He often taught through parables that included the natural order of creation. Scripture tells us to search for scripture’s meaning like hidden treasure (read Proverbs 2:4-6, Matthew 13:44). Though God’s ways are higher than man’s ways (read Isaiah 55:8-9), God visited earth in the person of Jesus Christ to show His love for those made in His image and His desire is to be a part of their lives.

Then, as if to add fuel to the fire of his condemnation of Job, Zophar hurled an implication toward Job as being deceitful, evil and witless! He veiled the insult in his continued description of God:

“Surely He recognizes deceitful men; and when He sees evil, does He not take note? But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey’s colt can be born a man?”

There you have it: all Job’s friends subscribed to the “just-world” theology of how God works: giving people what they deserve, avenging the rebellion of those who thumb their nose at His way. Job’s friends reasoned that his troubles originated from his deceit, hiding evil practices, and never able to embrace the wisdom of God. Why else would all the calamity have come upon Job so suddenly? Surely, he must have deserved it because of some secret sin. The truth is God DOES recognize deceitful hearts, and He DOES take note of evil. However, God’s motivation is not centered on asserting His way or being quick to judge others’ wrongdoing. Instead, God’s motivation is founded upon winning hearts as the lover of man’s soul – shown through the person of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel – God with us.

Job didn’t receive any help from the condemnation by his friends. Instead, it may have fueled his continued decline into shame and the insanity of trying to make sense of calamity. Believers today have an excellent resource on what not to do when others face disaster, misfortune or pain. May our view of God reinforce in others how Christ lives in and through each of us to lend hope and comfort to a hurting world.

Have a blessed day…

“…true wisdom has two sides.” Job 11:6b

When Zophar answered Job, his introduction was much more severe than Job’s two other friends, Eliphaz and Bildad. Zophar verbally attacked Job for his personal lament, accusing him of mocking God’s wisdom:

“Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker to be vindicated? Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock?” (vv. 2 – 3)

Instead of understanding Job’s plight, Zophar felt the need to defend God. Many Believers do the same thing today, fracturing relationships and sowing discord among the faithful. God needs no defense, He needs those called by His name to live in a way which will point others to Him: the way of love, peace, redemption and restoration.

The Bible is so true to God’s wisdom in breathing His Word: people are shown as they really are, with their faults and their virtues – their weaknesses, as well as their strengths. No sooner had Zophar made a train-wreck of his reply than he began his defense of God by asserting the character of God’s mercy. Though Zophar’s words may contain an element of truth, his un-redemptive motives can be seen in his assertions:

“You say to God, ‘My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in Your sight.’ Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that He would open His lips against you and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.” (vv. 4 – 6)

We see Zophar’s indignation toward Job through his judgmental statement, wishing God would speak against Job for his sin. Then he makes a curious statement, declaring God’s wisdom to have two sides: condemning sin and unrighteousness, while rescuing and restoring those who call out to Him. God breathed into Zophar the heavenly nature of forgetting one’s sin (v.6c; read Isaiah 43:25; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12, 10:17)!

The two sides of God’s wisdom is also seen in each of our lives: we are created with a heart to worship and honor God, yet we are prone to wander from His way. He gave us the ability to act volitionally – to be intentional in our living. For such to happen, each Believer must develop spiritual disciplines to condition her/his thinking, thus establishing a pattern of thinking which will be the compass for living. The Believer’s compass for thinking is found in God’s Word. Once thinking patterns are consistent with the precepts found in God’s Word, the issues of life one may face are less a threat to living-out one’s faith.

Have you ever fallen into the devil’s trap of judging others in your efforts to ‘defend’ God? How are you doing in the redemption area of relationships? Are you quick to discard others and trash friendships, or do you make an effort to nurture and restore them? Have your thinking patterns been disturbed recently by temptation or anger? Begin again to seek the way of good living through The Word of Truth. Spend time in The Word: the more you get into it, the more it will get into your thinking and living.

Have a blessed day…

“…I wish I had died…” Job 10:18b

Job had already voiced his wish to have never survived his own birth in chapter three, verses eleven through nineteen (3:11-19). In this passage, Job rearticulates this heart-cry:

“Why then did you bring me out of the womb? I wish I had died before any eye saw me. If only I had never come into being, or had been carried straight from the womb to the grave!” (vv. 18 – 19)

Why was Job so intent on the worthless value of his life? He was clearly emotionally overwhelmed, as well as being ashamed of the circumstances in which he found himself. Job’s position in society had drastically changed from a ‘mover and shaker’ to one of little or no influence. Everything he had known as ‘normal’ for his life, from the years of home-building and child-rearing through the time his grown children perished in a horrible castastrophe, perished. It was gone in the course of a day. Then, Job not only suffered emotionally, he suffered physically from a terrible case of what could have been shingles. His appearance further humiliated Job, especially when friends arrived.

I remember years ago when a friend of mine made a huge faux-pas at a social gathering. She told me, “I could have died!” Why did she say that? Obviously, because she felt so ashamed of her action which, in the eyes of social-correctness, brought her extreme embarrassment. Job must have felt similarly, only to a much greater extreme.

When a person is full of shame by the embarrassment of her/his circumstances, a view of eternity may be clouded. In today’s passage, Job reflects such a distorted view of the afterlife after imploring his friends to leave:

“Are not my few days almost over? Turn away from me so I can have a moment’s joy before I go to the place of no return, to the land of gloom and deep shadow, to the land of deepest night, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.” (vv. 20 – 22)

Job’s transparency shows how hopeless he saw his life. He really thought he was close to death, and he was so overwhelmed that he transferred his view of his current circumstances to what he would experience in eternity. Why? Because he thought God had it out for him (vv. 16 – 17). Remember, Job had no idea he was actually highly favored by God and was being used as an example of the highest form of piety and good living.

So, how is this passage to speak to us today? I hope we have a better understanding of how tragedy, hopelessness, and pain affect our perspectives on living and the after-life. On this side of the cross, Believers have a blessed hope of eternal peace in the presence of our loving Lord and God. How did it come about? Because each Believer dies to self, s/he is able to anticipate a day of indescribable joy within Heaven, as well as a great reunion with those we love who have died in Christ.

The next time you are persuaded to think, “I wish I could die”, try substituting it with, “I have died to sin and am alive to Christ!” That way you’ll never think or say, “I wish I had died.”

Have a blessed day…

“…I am full of shame…” Job 10:15c

Job was full of shame for all the wrong reasons. He accused God of concealing a dark side to divinity, continuing his faulty perspective of God being a spiritual ogre; ready to punish the unsuspecting sinner. (vv. 13 – 14).

Yet, Job maintained his innocence in the matter before God, creating quite a bit of dissonance in his thinking. Rational thought seemed to abandon him because nothing in his life made sense. Job’s own words mirrored how severe his lapse of reason had deteriorated:

“If I hold my head high, You stalk me like a lion and again display Your awesome power against me. You bring new witnesses against me and increase Your anger toward me; Your forces come against me wave upon wave.” (vv. 16 – 17)

What does Job mean with such talk? He actually thought God had it out for him – stalking him as His whipping boy. Job had seen so much tragedy. He described the horror of the sequence of terrors he experienced as heavenly forces that came “wave upon wave” (v.17). He could see no end to his agony. The truth was the same then as it is today: bad things happen to good people. We cannot see through the veil into the spiritual dimension to discover any spiritual test which God may be posing to satan… and which could include any of those who walk in His way.

Job was open to the possibility of having unknowingly sinned, for then he could accept the woe he was experiencing as justified (v.15a). Job concluded, however, that he could not lift his head - even if he were innocent - because of his great shame (v.15b). Again, a poor line of thinking leading to a faulty conclusion… all because he was emotionally flooded. He described his feelings as being “drowned in my affliction.” (v.15c) Job had been so severely overcome that he was ashamed of the humiliation he experienced through affliction.

Street people often speak of the shame of their circumstances. If you have never been in a situation to have to literally beg for your next meal, you wouldn’t understand. Imagine yourself with no home for shelter, protection and rest; no income for clothing, meals or even entertainment; and no moral or financial support. What would be your first step out of the quagmire of hopelessness? Would your view of God be similar to Job’s? And if you were raised to be a responsible citizen, making your own way in this world, how great would your shame be?

It’s not easy to hold one’s head up when the doors of opportunity are closed again and again. Shame can creep in at the most unsuspecting times. One’s thinking becomes distorted – projecting one’s own feelings through the assumed presumptions of others. How does this passage speak to us today? Be sensitive to those around you… and aware of those who are emotionally flooded. Faith-walkers need to come beside those in despair and hopelessness and infuse hope through a good deed, financial support, a positive word or an authentic and appropriate touch of care.

If you are emotionally flooded, understand this: you may not be your own best friend; your thinking can become distorted; and you may say things that you haven’t clearly thought through. My advise? Pray and trust God to work things out for your good.

You’re the only Jesus a desperate soul may ever see.

Have a blessed day…

“…You molded me like clay.” Job 10:9a

I’ve been away on Thanksgiving vacation. Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be out another few days beginning this Wednesday, December 4 - Tuesday, December 10. That being said, here is today’s vignette:

In this passage, Job affirms God’s providence as Creator for every life ever brought forth upon the earth. Job beautifully pens what God breathed into His mind:

“Your hands shaped me and made me. Will You now turn and destroy me? Remember that You molded me like clay. Will You now turn me to dust again? Did You not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit.” (vv. 8 – 12)

Job’s new argument to God focuses on God’s purposes. He reasoned his life must have had an original purpose in God’s mind, and he could not see the sense in destroying what was so well designed and created (vv.’s 8 – 9). In his appeal to God’s pattern of all that is good and right, Job reminded God that he was the result of divine planning and effort:

• “Your hands shaped me and made me.” (v.8a) Each of us is uniquely designed and formed by God. Even the weak are considered strong in the Lord, being used to confound the wise (read Joel 3:10; 1 Corinthians 1:27).

• “Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese, clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews?” (vv. 10 – 11) God made an investment in each life He created: time and effort. He could have spoken each of us into existence, and, ‘Poof!’, we would appear. God chose another way to introduce us to the world: He grew each of us in our mother’s womb, allowing a physical process to occur which is miraculous in itself! Making cheese from milk curds is a tedious process, requiring attention to detail – with an end result in mind. Different cheeses go through similar, yet different processes… thus ending in a result which makes each cheese distinct in its own way.

• ”You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit.” (v.12) There is another component to our being which Job recognized – one’s spirit. You see we are not physical bodies with a soul, we are spiritual beings with a physical body. Our spirits will last forever when we are found in Christ. God watches over the spirits of children. Jesus did not hinder the children to flock to Him (read Matthew 19:15). Job also recognized that God chose him – selected his spirit to watch over. Jesus taught His disciples that He chose them, they did not choose Him (read John 15:16).

Like the vine-dresser who chooses the vine to tend and harvest, so God chooses each of us for His purposes. His desire is for each of us to bear fruit just as mature plants bear fruit. Job’s pain proved to be a stumbling block to him, blinding him to God’s good purposes for his life. What pain do you carry? Has it become a stumbling block? Have you become blinded to the marvelous riches of His grace? Bring your prayers before Him to watch over your spirit. Avail your life to Him to bear much fruit for His Kingdom. Consider listening to my song, “I am Yours” on my website. Just go to the “Listen” tab and activate the song title. I hope it encourages you to be fully devoted to Christ.

Have a blessed day…

“I loathe my very life…” Job 10:1a

Because his heart was still heavy with grief, Job’s questions kept populating in his mind. With no end to his suffering in sight, Job despised his life (v.9:21), loathing its continuance (10:1a). Job had nothing to lose by airing his complaints before almighty God (v.10:1b), and he saw no worse consequence from challenging The Lord to state His charges against him (v.2):

• “Does it please You to oppress me, to spurn the work of Your hands, while You smile on the schemes of the wicked?” (v.3)

• “Do you have eyes of flesh? Do You see as a mortal sees?” (v.4)

• “Are Your days like those of a mortal or Your years like those of a man, that You must search out my faults and probe after my sin…?” (v.5)

Job continued with his faulty perspective of God and asked if God was pleased to oppress him. There is no more unpleasant time in a parent’s life than when punishing one’s own child. It wrenches the heart of a loving parent, who is motivated to define boundaries for good living. Every parent hopes one’s child will grow-up to have a conscience providing guidance in right living.

Job’s comment about God smiling on the schemes of the wicked have challenged many theologians. Did Job mean God smiled in favor of the wicked? Of course not. God would smile at the schemes of the wicked as one who smiles at the schemes of a child who doesn’t think s/he will get caught for wrong doing, or when a toddler may think no one is watching and sneaks a cookie from the cookie jar. Perhaps God smiles knowing His will could never be thwarted by even the cleverest schemes of man. Even Herod could not thwart God’s plan for a savior coming into the world (read Matthew 2).

Struggling with the concept of God’s omnipresence, Job wanted so badly for God to be human, to converse as man to man. Being in God’s presence is a diminutive experience… one can only stand in awe at the perfect wisdom, working, and watching of The Creator. God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (read John 4:21-24). Though unseen, His signature is seen throughout all creation and His smile upon the face of every man, woman, and child.

Job was grappling with the question every person ponders: God’s origin. Most searching souls ask the question, “Where did God come from?” And most find the answer quite perplexing: God has always been and will always be – it perplexed Moses and continues to confound minds demanding an existential answer. God declared, “I am that I am.” (Exodus 3:14) God has always existed since before eternity past, and will exist through all of eternity. God invented both time and eternal existence, and determines the course of history.

Appealing to God on a personal basis, Job demanded an answer to his queries, asking why God would search out his faults, probing for any sin in his life (v.6). Even then, Job maintained his innocence before God (v.7a), though he still felt trapped in the hands of an angry God (v.7b). The dialogue Job used was purposely used to elicit a response from God, even when reminding God that he was a product of His own hands (v.3). We do the same thing today, though unlike Job, we use the approach to accuse God for making us the way we are – refusing to recognize the depravity of man and the destruction of sin. It doesn’t matter what the sin is, we still accuse God of making us, and the way we are is essentially all His fault. Man has always tried to point the blame elsewhere when it comes to sin. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, though neither would admit fault of rejecting God’s way.

It is my hope this passage would cause us to reconsider any moment any of us might be persuaded to say, I loathe my very life. Instead, one should loathe one’s sin, or poor attitude, moral weaknesses, or lies. Life is a precious gift – each day we live in The Present. Use it joyfully and gratefully.

Have a blessed day…

“If only there were someone…” Job 9:33a

God breathed into Job’s mind the plan of salvation while he was unwittingly complaining of his inability to perceive God’s presence and voice. Job understood God’s nature as ‘other-worldly’ – not in the form of man that could be confronted (v.32). So, how did Job continue to process through his pain? (Dramatic pause) He verbalized his wish-list for… (wait for it)… Christmas! Here’s how he articulated it:

“If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both, someone to remove God’s rod from me, so that His terror would frighten me no more.” (vv. 33 – 34)

Job was not the only one groaning for a savior. Since the fall of man, all of creation has been pleading for a savior to make all things new – to ‘reboot’ it all… to set things right again. The first time Jesus came to earth, it was to set things right again between God and man.  Jesus took the punishment each of us deserves, allowing every one who exercises faith (Ephesians 2:8-10) in Christ access to The Father – and the perpetual Christmas gift, the hope of eternal joy! The terror of hell was vanquished by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There is no longer a need to fear the rod of God’s judgment. (Read Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 9:15, 12:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Believers today can now do what Job was unable to do – speak up without fear (v.35). God invites us to draw near to Him and to lay all our burdens before Him. Jesus is our burden-bearer Who receives each of those cries and Who also supplies all our needs according to His heavenly economy of limitless supply! (Read Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16, 10:19-22; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 68:19; and Philippians 4:19)

Christmas changed it all. It was at that first Christmas when the angels announced that there would now be peace between God and man, saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) Yes, Jesus is Heaven’s arbitrator to represent man before God. He is our advocate. Thank God today that we no longer groan as Job did, saying: IF ONLY THERE WERE SOMEONE! Instead, we can come before Him boldly and say, I HAVE SOMEONE WHO WILL ARBITRATE FOR ME! HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST!

I, for one, am forever grateful for our Savior and Lord. Does His favor rest upon you?

Have a blessed day…

“…I will change my expression…” Job 9:27b

Once Job articulated his view of God, as erroneous as it was, he fell back into describing his misery. His days seemed to pass swifter than a runner, flying by without a glimpse of joy (v.25). Perhaps he remembered better days gone by when, as a boy, he played with papyrus strips – floating them down the river like little boats (v.26a), and saw eagles swooping down to snatch a fish from the surface of the water – both being used to describe the passing of his days.

Job continued in his faulty assumptions of God when he stated:

“If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile, I still dread all my sufferings, for I know You will not hold me innocent. Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain? Even if I washed myself with soap and my hands with washing soda, You would plunge me into a slime pit so that even my clothes would detest me.” (vv. 27 – 28)

Poor Job… he had no idea he was actually found favorable in God’s sight. It was God who asked satan to consider his servant Job, describing him in a very favorable light (read 1:8). Job was unable to consider his future. He was totally incapable of perceiving the celestial contest which centered around his faith and trust in God.

Have I convinced you yet? A severe season of suffering may cause one to make wrong conclusions about God, as well as lead one to giving up on life… literally despising one’s gift of life. Do you see his hopeless condition? Job felt hopeless – there was no fight left in him. He assumed God would multiply his suffering and the verdict of his guilt was irrevocable.

What are Christ-followers to do after peering into the life of Job? Surely, we are able to understand the effects of trauma upon one’s mind and its affects to one’s thinking. If we ignore the pain of others; if we dismiss another’s misery as irrelevant; if we are not Christ to those who are hurting and in need, then we need a serious time of self-inspection and consideration of just what our purpose is in this life. We are not only to bring the good new of salvation to the lost, we are also to minister healing to the brokenhearted and hope to desperate lives.

You’re the only Jesus some will ever see…

Have a blessed day…

“…I despise my own life.” Job 9:21c

While all of chapter three is a list of why Job despised his life, he came out with it in verse twenty-one. Job knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was blameless – that he had not slipped in practicing holy living. Yet, at this point, Job had no concern for his life. His children were dead, his living had been wiped out through natural disaster, his wife ridiculed him, and he only saw his suffering worsen when he broke out in sores all over his body. It’s not surprising how Job had reached the end of his own strength.

Oftentimes, when one is faced with extreme suffering, erroneous assumptions about God will surface as a means of self-soothing. Job was no different; assuming God would:

• not grant him an audience to articulate his problem (v.16);

• crush him, while multiplying his wounds for no reason (v.17);

• not allow him to catch his breath by overwhelming him with more misery (v.18);

• mock the despair of the innocent (v.23b);

• blindfold judges to God’s righteous precepts for justice (v.24b).

In truth, God is as close as the mention of His name, ready to receive His own. His mercies are new every morning, and He desires only blessing for His people. God will not allow His children to handle more than they can bear. He hears the cries of the innocent and is moved by them, just as Jesus was moved to tears at the tomb of Lazarus. Though God may blind the eyes of the wicked, it is only used to turn hearts to Him – certainly Paul’s life was dramatically changed through his blindness.

So, we see how Job’s suffering continued to plague him with a distorted view of God’s character, and are provided a warning of sorts through his life. We should learn from Job’s horrible ordeal to hold steadfast to God, trusting Him to work in and through our suffering to give Him glory… just as Christ’s suffering on the cross brought Him glory.

Whenever you are tempted to say, I despise my own life, consider God’s daily mercies, the blessings you’ve known before the suffering, and the joys you’ve celebrated with others. Thank God for your life and draw near to Him… He will respond in like kind.

Have a blessed day…

“...words to argue with Him?” Job 9:14b

I apologize for not getting the blog in yesterday… I had a lot of things on my plate. Anyway, here they are!

“How can I find words to argue with Him?” Job 9:14b

Having possibly reached the bargaining stage of grief, Job had stated, “Though one wished to dispute with Him, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.” (v.2) In other words, trying to bargain with God is futile, as His ways are so much higher than our own. Nevertheless, Job asked, “How then can I dispute with Him? How can I find words to argue with Him?” (v.14)

Job recognized his own standing before God as a sinner would only elicit pleas for mercy (v.15). He reasoned if he were able to gain God’s attention, he would be unsuccessful in winning a hearing before God (v.16). Job was convinced God was angry with him, stating God would crush him with a storm and multiply his wounds (v.17); overwhelming him with so much misery that he would be totally unable to catch his breath (v.18).

To Job, it was a matter of strength… he was no match whatsoever for almighty God, Who – though just, would not compromise the Heavenly standard of right to suit man’s justice (v.19). Job had no idea of the why he had been subjected to such a severe test. He did, however, know he was completely innocent in the matter, while still being a sinner:

“Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me, if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.” (v.20)

Though Job was not to a point of recognizing God’s loving-kindness, he had come to know that before God, there is none righteous (read Psalm 14:3; 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10). The life of Job teaches us to see ourselves as we truly are – sinners before a completely holy God Whose ways are so much higher than our ways.

Our efforts in appealing for God’s attention should not be through words to argue with Him, but through words of praise and adoration, prayers of intercession for others, and petitions for opportunities to be Christ to the world. Think on these things…

Have a blessed day…

“He speaks to the sun…” Job 9:7a

Job’s response to Bildad began with agreeing over God’s pattern of not rejecting the blameless man, withholding blessing from the wicked, and the hope of God’s future favor (read 8:21-22; 9:2). This reply reflects a noticeable change in Job’s perspective, which improved to being willing to consider the possibility of hope. Still filled with questions, Job asked how a mortal could be found righteous before God (v.2b). Understanding this precept allows one to grasp the fall of man after creation and the desperate need each of us have for a savior. Paul wrote to the church at Rome that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory – there is none righteous; no, not even one (read Romans 3:10, 23-24).

God breathed into Job the eternal truths of man’s depravity and God’s omnipotence, seen in the disparate natures of God and man:

• No one can stand before God and dispute with Him (v.3);

• To resist God’s wisdom and power would be harmful (v.4);

• God’s might is greater than the mountains (v.5);

• Even the solid earth is no match to God’s might (v.6);

• The sun and stars all depend on God’s direction to shine (v.7);

• God “stretches-out” the heavens (v.8a; a remarkable observation of an expanding universe!);

• God alone can tread upon the waves of the sea (v.8b; a prophetic look at the coming Messiah who walked upon the waters!);

• God is The Creator of the constellations, held together by His hands (v.9);

• God performs wonders and miracles that cannot be fathomed or counted (v.10);

• Man is unable to perceive the nearness of an omnipresent God (v.11);

• Death is an inevitable part of life and it is futile to question God’s purpose behind it (v.12);

• God’s righteous anger reaches even the mightiest on earth (v.13).

Have you ever disputed with God? Did you get an answer? There have been times in my life when I have gone to some remote place, expressing my strongest opposition to my life situation, asking God what He was doing (at the top of my voice, I might add).  It didn’t change a thing. Perhaps reflecting on the nature and work of God would provide the confidence in God to work all things out for the good.

There is a process to grieving, which usually begins with denial and isolation, then moves to anger, followed by efforts to bargain with God; depression may come afterwards, with acceptance concluding the process. Though Job did still have questions, he was beginning to process the mysteries of God’s working. Perhaps the walls of resentment and anger were beginning to tumble, and Job may have been entering the bargaining stage.

Are you working through a period of great loss, or know someone who is? I hope this portion of Job’s story will allow you to process through the stages of grief more intentionally or help someone else do the same. God is there… ever so close. He knows the pain we are in and is working to show His compassion and care. If He can hold constellations together, trust Him to hold your life together, too.

Have a blessed day…