“I cry out to You…” Job 30:20a

Once Job had thoroughly expressed his current status to the visitors and curious bystanders, he turned to God. It was a public supplication, so all could witness his piety and transparency before The Creator:

“I cry out to You, O God, but You do not answer; I stand up, but You merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of Your hand You attack me. You snatch me up and drive me before the wind; You toss me about in the storm. I know You will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living.”

Job’s faulty assumptions of God became voiced accusations against God:

• “You turn on me ruthlessly…” (v. ) Job was accusing God of attacking him without cause.

• “You snatch me up and drive me before the wind…” (v. ) Here, Job was accusing God of being a bully, enjoying the brutality of dominance upon a helpless person.

• “…You toss me about in the storm.” (v. ) The accusation found in these words is one of God carelessly throwing Job into the chaos of destruction. It is like a person showing cruelty to an animal by throwing it in the dryer.

• “I know You will bring me down to death…” (v. ) Job’s accusation in these words paints God
  as one who executes the sentence for Heaven’s judgments too hastily.

Believers can benefit from this honest prayer in several ways. First, there are moments in life when one may seek God’s face in prayer and not receive any reply. It doesn’t mean God is not there; nor does it mean God does not care. His ways are far above our ways, and His perfect wisdom is working out His plans for each of
our lives.

Secondly, no matter how hard one tries to get God’s attention, such action is unnecessary and inappropriate. God knows us better than we can ever know ourselves. We are the work of His hands… the product of His will – not happenstance.

Third, approaching God from a faulty assumption only frustrates the one praying. God is a patient and loving Father. He understands our humanity, having experienced humanity in the person of The Son, Who was tempted in every way as we are – yet without sin (read Hebrews 4:15). This side of the cross, we are empowered through The Spirit to wait patiently as The Spirit intercedes for us (read Romans 8:25-27).

I’ll hand it to Job, he was at least painfully honest. His transparency, however, should not be a model for New Testament Christians, for we now have One Who intercedes on our behalf! We are known by our sin, but called by our name… for our Lord knows us intimately and loves us all the more. You can draw to Him – He is always accessible. You can trust Him – His plans for you are always good. You can cry out to Him – for He understands your humanity completely.

Have a blessed day…

“…my dignity is driven away…” Job 30:15b

Once Job had asserted his condemnation of the men who amounted to nothing, he expressed his self-pity for the actions done by their sons. For the next twenty-two verses, Job’s pity-party delineated his poor treatment by these disrespectful hoodlums who:

• mocked him in song (v.9a);

• kept their distance from him, yet were close enough to spit in his face (v.10);

• devastated the integrity of the road leading to his estate (v.13); and

• trespassed on his property (vv. 12 – 14).

People have long used song writing as a social editorial for promoting their agenda. Folk songs have been around for a very long time, and Job’s enemies sought to destroy his reputation through the songs they wrote mocking the devastation he endured. They had lost to him in business, so they were determined to take revenge using every medium at their disposal.

Perhaps these hooligans were able to get close enough to spit in his face during the seven days he sat silently outside his home. In any case, they despised him so much as to hurl spittle from their mouths as an insult to the former village leader.

Why would they ruin a perfectly good traveling road? It was quite likely the driveway to Job’s estate, and by damaging the ruts in the road, it made it more difficult for extended family and any friends to make a successful visit. What’s worse, it also made it harder for Job to leave for supplies, help, etc. The three visitors may have arrived by camel instead of cart.

Job complained of terrors overwhelming him. These terrors were very likely the result of the trespassers who ridiculed him without restraint (v.11). The word pictures of siege ramps, attacks, and snares are poetic metaphors meant to show how vulnerable and helpless Job really was… so much so that he stated, “…my
safety vanishes like a cloud” (v.15c). The smear campaign had been so successful, there was no-one whom Job could count-on among the townspeople to come to his rescue. He felt completely ‘defrocked’ of any noble purpose or use, stating, “…my dignity is driven away as by the wind…” (v.15b).

Those who have lived through natural disasters can often sympathize with Job’s feelings. They know all too well feeling insecure and vulnerable. If they had nice properties, as in the recent California fires, their safety-net vanished in an instant. They quite often describe the feeling as a total loss of a dignified life.

While Job’s initial response to his losses was remarkable, his pity-parties reflected just how severe the damage had been done to his psyche… and his spirit. Though he was a man of great faith, he was still human.

We should let Job’s words haunt us to take-up the cause for those who experience such loss, offering not only comfort, but also offering material assistance for reestablishing a new normal in their living routine. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.

Have a blessed day…

“A base and nameless brood…” Job 30:8

There had always been those who had despised Job’s success. Job does not give them the honor of providing their names, and chose, instead, to describe the constant threat to his assets and family. They had competed with him in the marketplace and left emptyhanded, and their sons followed in their fathers’ contemptuous footsteps, like hyenas circling an injured water buffalo that had only enough fight to chase off the lions.

The sons of those Job disdained now mocked him in his pitiful state (v.1). Their fathers had roamed the desert by night gathering salt and herbs which they used to season their staple of broom tree roots (vv. 3 – 4). They had grown from juveniles to adult delinquents who had been banished from the village for their reckless,
irresponsible behavior (vv. 5 & 8), and forced to live in holes within the rocks and ground of dry stream beds (v.6). Like the jackasses they were, they brayed among the bushes to announce their dominion of the wasteland (vv. 3 & 7).

Though Job had testified of lending aid to the needy and providing protection to the poor (see 29:12 & 16), the men he was speaking of had been cast off from society for good reason: they were disruptors of civility, presenting an ever-present danger to those who might cross their path at night. Their personalities were
best reflected in their preferred time for activity… and their work was just as dark. Job confessed he would not have even allowed their fathers to sleep with his sheep dogs for warmth in the cool of a desert night (v.1b). Their night activities robbed them of their strength, leaving them useless for daytime earning capabilities (v.2).

These men were so repulsive to Job that he curtly referred to them as “a base and nameless brood” (v.8). In the twenty-ninth chapter of Deuteronomy, God sets His covenant before the nation Israel. Within the covenant is a provision describing the consequences to those who abandon the covenant – even applying it to an
entire nation for doing so (read verses 14 – 25, and gasp, for we may very well be living out such a judgment upon our own country). Those who forsake God’s covenant, written in blood, are cast off, like the ruffians Job described, and their names are forgotten.

Just as those misfits were so repulsive to Job, so our sin is before God, Who is pure holiness. However, God made a provision for our offense and is willing to forgive, forget and forge a new and abundant relationship with all who come to Him in faith through Jesus Christ.

Do we want to be a forgotten generation – cast off by God as garbage? O, people, wake up and see the wonder of God’s hand. Turn to Him in faith and receive Christ as your Savior, Redeemer, and Restorer… The One Who knows your name and will remember it forever. Become a member of God’s family, not a brooding den of vipers headed for the firepit of eternity.

Have a blessed day…

“…I was in my prime…” Job 29:4a

Do you ever wish you could go back to ‘the good ole’ days’? Job sure did. In the middle of the contentious dialogue between his friends and him, Job took a moment to reminisce on days gone by. He described them as, “…the days when God watched over me, when His lamp shone upon my head and by His light I walked
through darkness!” (vv. 2b – 3).

The prime of life for Job was a time “…when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house, when The Almighty was still with me and my children were around me, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.” (vv. 4 – 6) In that day, men of influence could take a seat of honor in
the public square, just past the city’s gate (v.7); and Job recalled how young men stepped aside and old men rose in honoring his arrival (v. 8).

Allow me to show my age: Job was the E.F. Hutton of his day (look-up the popular commercials from years ago on YouTube, here’s one of the links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ygqPepLjM). Yes, the community leaders and nobles would hold their tongues whenever Job began to speak (vv. 9 – 10). He enjoyed a good reputation, receiving commendations from almost everyone whose path he crossed (v. 11). How did Job
earn such an outstanding reputation? He detailed his personal accomplishments:

• He rescued the poor and orphans (v.12).

• He comforted the dying, earning their blessing, while making the widow’s heart sing (v.13).

• His right living was as obvious as the clothes on his back (v.14a).

• His just practices elevated his status as high as the turban on his head (v.14b).

• He showed aid to the blind and the lame (v.15).

• He sought to mobilize help for the needy, and to assimilate newcomers to the community (v.16).

• Job was also a social activist, advocating for victim’s rights (v. 17).

Yes, Job enjoyed the blessing of a good life in earlier years; so much so, that he thought he would live-out his days to a great age, dying in his own house (v.18). He had hoped his roots would have been planted deep, knowing the honor of one who had advanced his village, while still retaining the vigor of a youthful hunter (vv. 19 – 20).

Job remembered the days when men waited in silence, expecting his counsel – when his words would fall gently upon their ears, words which they drank-in like a spring rain (vv. 21 – 23). He had such a high social profile that when he smiled at others, they could scarcely believe his encouraging expression would be pointed their way (v. 24). Job’s leadership was so greatly esteemed, that he dwelt as a king among his troops, basically being given the seat of chieftain (v.25a-b). He saw himself as one with great compassion (v.25c).

When you look back at the best years of your life, what things come to your mind? Perhaps you are living the best years of your life now, seeing every day with Jesus being better than the day before! That’s the whole point of this vignette.

You see, Job thought he had somehow lost God’s favor and friendship. He assumed, wrongly so, that if his life was not going well, God’s love and watch-care were absent from his life. One arrives at such an assumption when one’s worldview is centered upon oneself. Don’t get me wrong… Job feared (revered) God and lived a
blameless and upright life (1:8; 2:3), and he showed great faith toward God following the loss of his children and property (1:20-22). However, after being given a week to ponder the devastation, Job may have experienced post-traumatic anxiety and began doubting God’s favor and possibly his own faith.

If you have not faced days of great hardship, don’t be surprised when they come. Allow Job’s life story to teach you the valuable lesson that bad things do happen to good people. God is still on His throne and is working in ways we do not see. He will make all things work out for our good (read Romans 8:28). Can
you trust Him… even in the worst of times? Please do… we will be able to understand it better by and by (Read Habakkuk 2:3;  Psalm 27:13-14; John 13:7, 16:33; Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Philippians 4:6).

Have a blessed day…

“…where can wisdom be found?” Job 28:12a

In chapter twenty-eight, Job presented the second proof of God’s might, found in His wisdom. It is God’s wisdom that becomes one’s own wisdom, when acquired through faith. Job, then, begins his unveiling of God’s superlative wisdom by showing how futile it is for man to apply human methods in the pursuit of
Heavenly wisdom (vv. 12 – 19). Man’s relentless pursuit for the earth’s valuable ore and stones (vv. 1 – 11) requires the commitment of one’s complete focus and resources to succeed, even risking his very life (v.4c).

Mining is an ancient process. Since the discovery of ore and the development of smelting (v.2), mankind has long sought the glimmer of precious metals and the strength of iron (vv. 1 – 2). The description Job gave for mining is still consistent with today’s methods:

• Most mining sites are far from civilization (v.4b), and though relatively safe from the dangers of wild animal, it does have its inherent risks (vv. 7 – 8).

• A shaft is dug into the earth (vv. 4a, 10).

• Mining is a destructive process – it follows the vein of precious metal (vv. 9 – 10).

• Repelling down from cliffs and downward shafts is an ancient practice (v.4c; though we now have elevators);
  and, in Job’s day, was a dangerous activity.

• Perhaps the first idea of destructive mining came from the discovery of glimmering gold ‘dust’ found in the streams and river beds (v.11) and, through logical pursuits, testing possible origins of the precious metal by following the stream to its mouth; and from there into the earth.

Keeping all the above in mind, the initial activity of mining is discovery. It’s a search done in unfamiliar and mysterious places; and even in the farthest recesses of the earth, at least as far as man’s ability can take him
(v.3b&c). The prized rock is hidden in the darkest of places. Man, however, thanks to the discovery of fire, put an end to the darkness of earthen shafts and caves (v.3a).

Having given such a splendid description of mining’s dynamics, Job presented those listening-in a leading question:

“But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?” (v.12)

In Job’s day, wisdom was often the topic of discussion, as well as discussing the origins of things. Job’s visitors scolded him for his loud cries and demand for recourse with The Almighty, using their ‘wisdom’ to accuse him of some hidden sin. These men certainly had knowledge… which lacked the wisdom that should
have come with it. Certainly, wisdom would have dictated their actions to offer comfort and meet Job at his point of need.

Job’s diatribe reveals the following truths about wisdom:

First, it cannot be mined, bought or sold… not even with pure gold (vv. 15 – 19).

Second, secular man cannot comprehend the value of God’s wisdom, for it cannot be found in nature (“the land of the living”; vv. 13 – 14). In this chapter, Job identifies three valuable metals (gold is mentioned five times!) and seven different precious stones. Yet, none of them, individually or collectively, are able to procure God’s wisdom. (read Proverbs 3:15).

In his discourse, Job interrupted the lesson for a brief moment to hold his audience’s attention with two more leading questions:

“Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?” (v.20)

Then Job masterfully continued the lesson filled with references to the earlier discussion on mining:

Third, like precious metals and ore, God’s wisdom is “…hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air.” (vv. 3 – 7; 21). If you should search for wisdom from the highest of heights – even higher than the birds of the air, to the depths of death or hell, the effort will be unsuccessful in locating God’s wisdom (vv. 21 – 22).

Fourth, only God can provide the map to wisdom’s treasure, for He is The One and Only Who is omniscient (v. 23), omnipresent (v.24), and omnipotent (vv. 25 – 26). It was by His power everything was established through the counsel of His wisdom. Like everything else at creation, God looked upon the wisdom of His creativity and
proclaimed it good (v.27).

Fifth, through His servant Moses, God declared the essence of His wisdom: “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom (read Exodus 20:20) – and to shun evil is understanding.” (v.28)

Warren Wiersby provides insight into this passage:

“Job describes how men work hard and face great danger to find material wealth. They tunnel through hard rock and risk their lives to get rich. Why will men and women not put that much effort into gaining God’s wisdom? The Word of God is like a deep mine filled with precious treasures; but the Believer must put forth effort to discover its riches. It takes careful reading and study, prayer, meditation, and obedience to mine the treasures of God’s Word; and The Holy Spirit … is willing to assist us. Why are we so negligent when this great wealth lies so near at hand?” (from The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, OT, p.852, pp. 5; © 2007 by David C. Cook Publishing)

So, just what is ‘the fear of The Lord’? It is the awe and reverence of God, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that comes from one’s soul being enlivened by The Holy Spirit. It is not a paralyzing fear, but an empowering one. The fear of The Lord guides one toward obedience, service, prayer, and a life of true piety and devotion to God’s Kingdom and righteousness. Wiersby described the fear of The Lord as, “the fear that conquers fear” (read Psalm 112; Matthew 10:26-31). Rev. Wiersby added, “Personal pride is the greatest barrier to spiritual wisdom.” (Ibid, p.853)

God’s wisdom accesses available knowledge and uses it in God’s good ways to mirror His goodness and righteousness in making the world a better place, and thereby bringing Heaven to earth (Thy Kingdom
come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Matthew 6:10). God’s wisdom is both spiritual and applicable in everyday life. Just as man, made in God’s image, brought light to the deepest recesses of the earth, so God brought His light to darkened humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ (read John 1:1-3).

If you do not have a personal relationship with God through The Son, Jesus Christ, talk to Him. Ask Him to reveal any hindrances to beginning a relationship and turn from any inhibiting sin; then ask Him to enter your soul and take control of your life. Where can wisdom be found? Ask God for His wisdom. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to Him.” (James 1:5)

God will bestow His wisdom. When He does, be His light in a world darkened by selfishness and sin. Let your light shine!

Have a blessed day…

“…their widows will not weep…” Job 27:15b

Now that Job had the attention of his visitors and any spectators who may have come near, he declared it was time to give a pedagogical look at “the ways of The Almighty” (another five words; v.11b), observations easily seen by others which he would detail (v.12). Job’s lesson on God’s might would be given in two sections: the first was presented through the rest of chapter twenty-seven; and the second section we will cover in chapter twenty-eight. First, Job described what are obvious evidences of God’s power shown in “the fate God allots to the wicked, the heritage a ruthless man receives from The Almighty…” (v.13). His list was certainly a provoking one:

• The tragedy of one’s children dying by lethal force from enemies (v.14a);

• The hunger one’s children would experience by blocked food commodities (v.14b);

• The death of any family left when a plague strikes (v.15a);

• The sadness of in-laws feeling no loss at the death of the wicked man’s children (v.15b);

• The devastation of one’s wealth being lost like water through one’s fingers (vv. 16 – 17);

• The powerlessness of one’s estate being taken (vv. 18 – 19);

• The horror of waking up to a hurricane of biblical proportions, with no escape, and knowing one’s final breaths would soon mark the end of life (vv. 20 – 23).

Much of what Job detailed were things that actually happened to his family and him. Though there were three significant differences:

1. there were no widows to mourn the death of Job’s grown children, for everyone had been taken in the calamity;

2. Job’s life had been spared, just as God had commanded (read Job 2:6). The truth could not be argued… Job was still alive; and

3. Job still owned his property. He had very few workers and no livestock or wagons… but he did still have his property.

Those who may have gathered to witness the drama knew these differences, as well as Job’s friends. Those three things alone may have garnered Job enough credibility to be heard. Only, Job wanted to be heard by God, so he could present his case of defense against any charges brought from Heaven. Of course, Job still did not know that he had been singled out by The Almighty as an example of pure devotion to God. He was not being punished for some secret sin.

The saddest thing about this passage, however, is found in the five words presented at the top of the page.  Ruthless, hardened criminals are most often deluded by their own spouses and associates who fear living transparent lives with them. Those closest to bad players may see or know so many dreadful things that they become numb to the reality of death and destruction. The death of these sinister social cancers actually brings relief to those who have had to submit to their sycophantic domination; so much so that their widows will not weep. How could they possibly mourn one who had brought so much pain and separation into their lives.

Though we should not read too much into the expressed lack of emotional displays during moments of bereavement, we should always be ready to speak a loving word or provide a comforting hand to those during a time of loss. While God counts the tears of the righteous (read Psalm 56:8), He is also moved for the widows who will not weep. He knows their silent cries and can turn their quiet mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11-12).

Have a blessed day…

“Why then this meaningless talk?” Job 27:12b

After turning his visitors’ arguments back upon their proverbial laps, Job gave them a dose of their own medicine, stating:

“I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of The Almighty I will not conceal. You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk?” (vv. 11 – 12)

Job was growing increasingly weary of the posturing from his visitors who offered no comfort or resources to meet him at his need. If you have ever been homeless, on the streets, hopeless, and with not even a hope of your next meal, then you might understand Job’s perspective.

Those in real need are in short-supply of listening skills. Without evidence of real forthcoming help, the destitute are basically closed to any higher thinking that could improve their lot. James, the half-brother of Jesus and the lead elder of the Jerusalem church provided essential guidance for ministry to the impoverished.

“What good is it, my Brothers and Sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a Brother or a Sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

Once, when ministering to the homeless in Phoenix, Arizona, my wife, daughter, and a dear couple and their daughter were handing out coats for the quickly approaching winter. My wife had been purchasing them from thrift stores around the valley (for pennies on the dollar during the summer time) and had collected close to
one hundred jackets. We asked that only those who did NOT have a jacket to come and receive one.

Believe it or not, we had enough for every person that came forward that evening. Really! Well, as we were packing up to go home that night, a young homeless man approached me and explained he had arrived late – in barely enough time to get his meal, and had not received a jacket. I explained to him we had given them
all out. He was incredulous and kept insisting he should get a jacket. I asked him, “What do you want me to do, give you the jacket off my back?!” (It was already getting quite cool by that time.) You can guess what his answer was, can’t you. He replied, “Yes, you can give me your jacket.”

I was a bit taken back. I really couldn’t believe he would have the audacity to ask for my own jacket (a designer jacket that I had won at a fund-raiser golf tournament some five or so years before). So… since my wife, daughter and our friends had packed up the car and were waiting for me, I checked my pockets, took off the jacket and gave it to the man. He did not even say thank you.

I shared this story with you, not to exalt myself, for my attitude was not the best in giving my nice golf jacket (God and I have already had a conversation about that, thank you). The point of the story is: ministry is NEVER convenient… never. Friendships can be convenient, taking baked goods to shut-ins may be convenient, and can make a momentary difference in their lives. But real, life-impacting ministry is never easy or convenient… especially when it comes to the point of placing your hand upon the hand of one who has not had a bath
in days, and your nose knows it well.

As these days progress, we may see more need in our lifetime than we have ever dared imagine. Will Christians rise to the sacrifice… not of just handing over a used golf jacket, but of helping one with their next meal, or providing a shelter in the night, or gas for a family moving across the country… or any number of
needs which will arise.

Will you go to any length to demonstrate God’s love to those in need? If not, why then the meaningless talk? You are the ONLY Jesus some will ever see… make sure they see Him clearly.

Have a blessed day…

“Will he call upon God…?” Job 27:10b

Verses seven through ten reveal a traditional Eastern practice from ancient times – speaking a curse upon another or a group when maintaining one’s innocence. By this time, others may have gathered to observe the debate between Job and his friends. So, for Job, it wasn’t enough for him to be proven right; he had to stand so firmly upon his own innocence as to declare a curse upon his enemies (v.7). And who were Job’s enemies? Anyone who sided with the accusing visitors.

The visitors had presumed Job’s guilt while ‘schooling’ him on the consequences of the wicked. It was those consequences which they leaned upon as proof of Job’s hidden wickedness. So, Job turned his friends’ accusations right back into their laps of indifference:

“May my enemies be like the wicked, my adversaries like the unjust!” (v.7)

Within the curse Job articulated four provoking questions:

1. “For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?” (v.8)

Job’s declaration acts as a warning to the continued verbal attacks from his friends, as well as those falling for their posturing. In this moment, Job was speaking as a prophet… declaring, ‘Thus says The Lord’. In our culture, this may sound a bit like sour grapes. However, to understand its biblical meaning, we must understand the same warning God gave the children of Israel. That warning applies to humanity today, to all who reject His loving call – when The Spirit prompts one to repentance, leading to rebirth: dying to sin and self and rising to walk in newness of life, allowing Christ to live in and through the one converted.

Theologian C.H. Spurgeon described the stench of one’s wickedness. Though not in the physiological
sense:

“Filth is offensive to all cleanly persons. We cannot bear close contact with a person who neglects the washing of his body or of his clothes, so as to become a living dunghill. However poor a man is, he might be clean; and when he is not, he becomes a common nuisance to those who speak with him or sit near him. If bodily filthiness is horrible to us, what must the filthiness of sin be to the pure and holy God.

“I cannot attempt to express the abomination of sin to God. He hates it with all His soul. If we are to be acceptable before God, there must be no keeping up a favorite sin, no sparing of darling lusts, no providing for secret iniquities; our service will be filthiness before God if our hearts go after our sins. He said, ‘Be clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.’ He would not have the vessels of His sanctuary touched with filthy fingers. Have we well considered this? Lay aside, then, all filthiness unless you wish to arouse the wrath of God.” (from Spurgeon Gold, Pure. Refined., Bridge-Logos, Alachua, FL; ©2005, pp. 42 – 43)

Job is echoing the biblical precedent of a personal relationship with God, which comes with a personal responsibility to respond to God’s call. If one continues to reject God on earth, one’s own destiny has been
sealed… a horrible end to those who have spurned God’s love held out to them through Jesus Christ.

2. “Does God listen to his cry when distress comes upon him?” (v.9)

Many think God will welcome all into Heaven… even those who have lived reckless lives, ignoring God’s precepts for holy living. Those who ignore The Spirit’s leading are in for a bitter surprise. God gives every soul ample opportunity to respond to His voice in the ‘here and now’ so that they will enjoy the benefits of Heaven in the ‘sweet by and by’. Many think God an overbearing ogre to enforce such, though it is because they are blinded to the goodness of God, the truth of His Word, and the reliability of His grace.

3. “Will he find delight in The Almighty?” (v.10a)

I find this to be the most moving question. Within this question, Job is showing just how ridiculous the idea could be. It is an argument of contrasts – especially given the statement was made as part of Job’s curse. Such a curse was given to remove oneself from aspersions by others. Job may have also questioned the possibility of real heart change. As I’ve said before, with God, it’s
always been about the heart. Can a heart poisoned by the sin of self-indulgence, meanness, and all sorts of wickedness really change? God’s Word tells us it IS possible. If you don’t believe me, look at the proof in the
lives of those who have experienced the life-changing power of Christ in prisons around the world. Go to the ‘Prison Fellowship’ website and read some of the testimonies there. When God begins to work in the heart of one, it is irresistible! If you haven’t already, please pray for God to speak to your heart today.

4. Will he call upon God at all times?

Job dug deeper to express what to him seemed impossible. This question, like a coin, has two sides to it:

• First, Job was most likely showing how far-fetched the idea would be for God to allow the wicked to approach Him so casually… contaminating His holy realm with their indifference toward His righteous precepts.

• Secondly, could Job have been pondering the possibility of a sinner having the right to approach God so freely? Probably not, though the idea bears merit in considering God’s purpose for breathing these words into Job’s mind.

Spurgeon did not mince words with the Christian’s responsibility in matters pertaining to the wicked:

“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.

“Do we really believe that sinners will be damned forever? Do we think about their fate very often, if ever? Or do we busy ourselves in the work of The Lord, and never bother to implore them to come to The Savior? In general, the modern pulpit is deafly silent when it comes to the horrors of Hell. When do we hear preaching about the reality of The Lake of Fire or of the terrible wrath of God? Such themes aren’t popular with modern preachers. They never have been. They are not popular with me. Other topics are more attractive, but preachers must not ignore the fate of the lost, because if we do, we run the risk of it also being ignored in the pews.

“How we fall short of having the passion we should. How would we react if we saw a huge line of blind men walking towards a thousand-foot cliff, and one by one falling headlong onto jagged rocks below? Wouldn’t we put ourselves between them and the cliff? Wouldn’t we put our arms around them to hold them back? Wouldn’t we implore them and scream at them to turn around? Yet, we don’t warn or plead with those whose fate is infinitely worse than that of those who would fall onto jagged rocks. Our passive preaching and ‘careful not to offend’ vocabulary betray our apathy and our unbelief. If we don’t implore the world to turn from sin, it’s because we don’t truly believe God’s Word. We mustn’t. We cannot be so deafly cold, so evil-hearted as to not care. We haven’t let the reality of Hell sink into our minds and soften our hard hearts. The fact of its existence should horrify us beyond words, and then it should be reflected in our prayers and in our preaching.” (Ibid, pp. 52-53)

Will you call upon God and beckon others to do the same? Instead of seeing one so far from God, imagine that one coming freely before the throne of grace – restored as a child of God. You ARE the only Jesus some will ever see!

Have a blessed day…

“I will maintain my righteousness…” Job 27:6a

Job adamantly contended with his accusers and would never admit their accusations were right (v.5a). He stated he would never relent as long as he had life and breath (v.3), even to his dying day (v.5b). Job knew he had not spoken wickedly or deceived anyone (v.4). As far as he knew, his life was a testament of goodness and truth. It was his conviction of what he knew as true that brought his offenses to God – accusing The Most High of being unfair, unjust, and being the cause of Job’s bitterness (v.2).

Every time Job complained of being denied justice from Heaven’s throne, he unknowingly offended God… and he would answer to God for it very soon. On this side of the cross, we are well-versed to the depravity of man and that no-one is righteous – no, not one (read Romans 3:10-12; Psalm 14:1-3). Job declared he would maintain his righteousness, that his conscience would not reproach himself as long as he lived (v.6). He simply could not let go of the certainty that he was right (v.6b). He should have let it go… not to appease his friends, but to remember his walk of faith being one which was lived humbly. His humility had been damaged through the trauma of his devastation.

On the one hand, Job had to defend his character before his accusing friends. While on the other hand, his spiritual character was eroding with every accusation he made of God. If God was ‘guilty’ of anything, it would be of being a proud parent who touted the superior strengths of His child (see Job 2:3b-d). It was God Who initiated with satan the subject of Job’s life, asking, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (see Job 2:3a)

The heart of mankind, even the best of humanity, is most wicked (read Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23). We all deal with our natural inclination to rebel against God and embrace sin – some more than others. So, while we seek to live lives set apart for God’s good purposes, we are prone to wander from His good way. Yep, Isaiah
hit the nail on the head when he described us as sheep (read Isaiah 53:6)… stinky, stupid sheep… a bunch of followers: following the leader; following the latest trends; following the crowd; and following the passions of our own lusts.

I’ve always been a leader of sorts and never thought of myself as a follower. Being characterized as a sheep never appealed to my self-esteem. Then I discovered one day that others were not following. Without followers, leaders cannot lead. It was then I realized I suffered from the same ailment as Job: being a legend in my own mind. It did knock me down a bit on the sliding scale of confidence; though I’m thankful I did not have to lose my children, as Job did, to be taught this valuable lesson.

It was only after that important life lesson that I hope I will maintain my righteousness through daily time with The Lord in His Word and in prayer, walking humbly, seeking to do good, helping others, and seeking God’s face for the blessing of more faith – that’s where my treasure lies. I hope you will join me in seeking the same for your life. You see, now I’m more interested in walking with people than walking ahead of them.

Have a blessed day…

"...He churned up the sea..." Job 26:12a

In the next few verses, Job continued his discourse on God’s omnipotence. The words above are most likely speaking of the great flood, when the waters of the deep began to issue forth from the earth (read Genesis 7:11). It may be pointing to the creation account, though there is no description of God ‘churning up’ the waters in Genesis 1. Another reason I believe these words to be about the great flood is found in the next verse where Job described God’s breath clearing the skies (v.13).

There are two other references to God’s omnipotence which referred to sea creatures: “Rahab” and “serpent”. In fact, the earlier mention of the mountains as pillars was a metaphor showing the heavens held up by the majestic heights of rock.

Job then made a defense for himself when he said: “…these are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” (v.14) In other words, all the grandeur of nature – as loudly as it seems to shout – is but a faint whisper when compared to the power God could unleash. Even in calamity, then, who could possibly fully understand God’s power and the purposes behind His activities.

Job’s friends made their judgments against him from the ‘evidence’ of the devastation Job and his family experienced. Job’s defense to that argument in this instance was strong: who can understand (the why’s or purposes of) His power? It was a direct counter-argument to that posed by his friends. Job held fast to his testimony of a good life.

With that in mind, no-one today is able to fully understand God’s purpose(s) behind the pandemic which will bookmark 2020AD in the history books. With conspiracy theories abounding, this fact still remains: God is able to use the virus for stirring hearts to call-out to Him. Pray with me for an international great awakening, where many hearts will answer the prompting of God’s Spirit to come to Him in faith.

Just as He churned up the sea, pray that God will churn up the sea of humanity to know His wonderful grace.

Have a blessed day…

“He wraps up the waters…” Job 26:8a

Once Job asserted God’s omnipresence, he immediately followed with a description of God’s omnipotent power… the closest he would come to God’s reply to him, which comes in chapters 38 – 41. As if to outdo Bildad, Job described God’s creative genius:

• “He spreads out the northern skies over empty space…” (v.7a, bolded for emphasis);

• “…He suspends the earth over nothing.” (v.7b);

• “He wraps up the waters in His clouds, yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.” (v.8);

• “He covers the face of the full moon, spreading His clouds over it.” (v.9);

• “He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness.” (v.10); and

• “The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at His rebuke.” (v.11).

Isn’t it intriguing how God breathed into Job such an accurate description of space? They knew nothing of space’s vacuum in that day. In fact, some thought space was a big gob of gooey substance that held everything together. They were not aware of the electro-magnetic dynamics coming into play between black holes and forming stars, stars and solar systems held together by a star’s gravitational pull.

Job was an intelligent man who studied God’s creation and marveled at the hydro-cycle in nature. He showed logical thinking skills when asserting the truth of water’s weight held by those big fluffy objects in the sky. Job also observed the light cycle of each day and the fine line separating light and darkness… similar to the fine line between truth and falsehood. Even the smallest half-truth is called into account in Heaven’s high court where Heaven’s pillars tremble at God’s rebuke. Perhaps, that was just the jab he was making to his accusing friends.

God’s omnipotence is not just shown in the big things… it’s also seen in the smallest things. All that water in the clouds is released one drop at a time. Every molecule of oxygen is released into the atmosphere one at a time. And God is able to wipe every tear from our eyes and collect them as a precious devotional sacrifice
to Him, when offered in prayer (read Psalm 56:8). It is actually a metaphor showing how God will remember our every tear and the hardships we endure for His Kingdom.

Yes, He wraps up the waters… each drop from our eyes to be considered a sacrificed to be poured out at His feet, where we, like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears (read Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:36-50 and John 12:1-8), will joyfully worship at His feet.

Have a blessed day…

“Death is naked before God…” Job 26:6a

The current pandemic we are experiencing is deadly. Though many have recovered from the virus, Covid-19, thousands have died from it, affecting the lives of many families around the globe. Death disrupts the routine of the living, robbing one of the joys from cherished relationships, and creating an urgent demand to deal with the usual proper post-mortem logistics. But death is also an enemy to the living… one greatly feared by those without a basis for eternal hope. The five understandable words at the top of the page, however, provides us another perspective of God’s authority over death and His working through death to deliver an encouraging message for us today.

Job used three names for the location of the dead: under the waters (v.5b), Sheol (v.6a), and destruction (literally, the Hebrew, “Abaddon”; v.6b):

“The dead are in deep anguish, those beneath the waters and all that live in them. Death is naked before God; Destruction lies uncovered.” (vv. 5 – 6)

Pointing to the obvious signs of their spiritual lifelessness, Job used the metaphor of death as a symptom of their ‘zombiism’. They had not come to a spiritual understanding of justification through faith. The above description is not to be taken as a biblical description of all who die. Indeed, those who die trusting God are not in deep anguish. The psalmist described the death of God’s beloved as “precious” (read Psalm 116:15).

Job’s remarks were given to confront his friends with the reality that God sees their destructive thoughts. Warren Wiersby described the passage like this: “God sees everything, even the realm of the dead... If God sees what’s going on in the world of the dead, then surely He knows what is happening in the world of the living?” (The Wiersby Bible Commentary; 2nd Ed.; ©2007, p.850)

This passage also points to Christ. It was our blessed Savior Who was suspended naked upon a cross: taking the sins of mankind upon Himself; dying there… thus, extinguishing the curse of those sins and the power of sin over the soul of man. Yes, in a very real way, Christ became death upon that cross, being the death that is naked before God. It is His death that offers eternal hope for all who trust in Him.

For our world today, this passage presents us hope: our God Who sees everything, even the world of the dead, is also the God of the living Who is able to bring relief, rescue and resources to bring an end to this earthly suffering. Pray to Him with the many thousands around the world for an end to this plague. Remember to your dying day that you really are precious in His sight!

Have a blessed day…

“…what great insight you’ve displayed!” Job 26:3b (adapted)

Job’s snarky response to Bildad could not have escaped notice:

“How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! What advice you have offered to one without wisdom! And what great insight you have displayed!” (vv. 2 – 4)

His facetious remarks were meant to drive home a point: Bildad had not come to his friend’s aid. Once again, no comfort had been offered… the opportunity to be God’s extension of care to the hurting had been missed.

Once Job exposed Bildad’s lack of compassion, he confronted Bildad with a challenge:

“Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth.” (v.4)

Job exposed the weakness in Bildad’s theology – it made no impact in his living! Instead of caring for one who had become powerless, Bildad (and his two companions), hurled insults and accusations at Job. Instead of assisting the feeble to walk again, Job’s ‘friends’ seemed to be walking around him in an ‘accusational’ march. Any insights they had offered were already universally known. They were preaching to the proverbial choir when preaching to Job. The accusations they uttered from their mouths mirrored the spirit of The Accuser.

American Christians are great at following the three ‘fiends’ examples. We wound our healthy, and then shoot our wounded. Real transparency, real care, and real empathy for one another is lost in a cesspool of ‘egocentricit'y’ or even outright carelessness. If we are to be a part of God working in our country, we must let go of the ‘me first’ attitudes, as well as the convenient ministry mindset. True ministry is quite often not convenient… in fact, it is often messy and repulsive.

Working as a volunteer in a soup-kitchen can be an eye-opening experience. I opted for the job in the kitchen… the safe job… where no interaction with the homeless was expected. I didn’t have to be exposed to their street smell, their filthy bodies, or the awful language. What I didn’t take into consideration, however,
was that, by doing so, I prevented myself any opportunity to impact another life through a kind gesture, a gentle word, or a simple smile. It was after I became willing to serve that I was actually able to sympathize for them – their situation, their very limited resources, and their helplessness.

That’s what brought Christ to earth: He was tempted in all ways such as we ourselves are tempted; He experienced the loss of friends; He suffered cruelty beyond reason; He bore the weight of our sin upon His own body. Through His selfless sacrifice, we are given access to The Father and entrance into Heaven. Ask Him into your heart today.

Please know of my prayers for you during these difficult days…

“…can a man be righteous…?” Job 25:4a

Moving from truth to tradition, Bildad challenged Job’s position of integrity through, what he must have assumed, were unanswerable questions (similar to the two we saw yesterday; presenting questions to make a point or state a position was a common practice in their day):

1.  “How then can a man be righteous before
   God?” (v.4a); and

2. “How can one born of woman be pure? (v.4b)

There is a measure of truth in the posture of Bildad’s questions: humans are sinners – we have all rebelled against God and against God’s Kingdom. There is a question within the question: Can a man be righteous? If one is counting on one’s own merits to stand completely justified before Heaven’s Judge and King, that one is apt to be very disappointed.

Bildad made his point clearly with his follow-up question, intimating how one is born into sin… it is in our nature. It’s not the way one is born that makes one a sinner. Our rebellious nature has been passed down to every human since Adam and Eve sinned in The Garden of Eden (read Genesis 3). Now, there are those who
are seen as righteous in the eyes of the world, yet before God their righteousness is as a filthy rag (read Isaiah 64:6). The world’s righteousness is focused on pleasing the eyes and ears of men, while God’s righteousness is wholly focused on pleasing God.

Revealing his traditional anchor, Bildad asserted that if the moon and stars were not considered pure in God’s eyes (v.5), then it only stood to reason mankind could never be seen by God as pure either (v.6). In fact, he equated humanity as nothing more than maggots… worms feeding on a decaying earth. His statements do
contain some truth: the fall of man in the garden was, in reality, the fall of the entire creation – everything created was contaminated by man’s sin. That’s the devastating dynamic of sin… it pollutes everything it touches. Man’s sin touched the entire breadth of God’s creation. So, while God created the universe in seven days and saw it was good or pure, mankind’s sin stained the purity of God’s good work.

The renowned preacher and theologian, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, described the nature of sin as:

Sin! From your fruitful womb what myriads of ills proceed! What countless hosts of evil are the fruits of sin! How many are the sins themselves! Sins of thought – rebellious thoughts, proud thoughts, blasphemous thoughts, atheistic thoughts, covetous thoughts, lustful thoughts, impatient thoughts, cruel thoughts, false
thoughts, thoughts of ill memory, and dreams of an unholy future; what swarms are there! However, the omission of thoughts, which should have been such as thoughts of repentance, gratitude, reverence, faith, and the like – these are equally numerous. With the double list, my role is written within and without with a hideous catalogue. As the gnats that swarm the air at eventide, so numerous are the transgressions of the mind. (from Spurgeon Gold, compiled by Ray Comfort; p.13, pp.1; copyright 2005)

Bildad could not grasp the idea that one could be made righteous before God through simple faith… Job’s kind of faith. Hebrews 11 provides us insight into how God breathed faith into the lives of people who exercised that faith for His Kingdom. Their acts of faith were ‘reckoned’ (recognized) by God as righteousness. In other words, faith in God which is put into action is recognized by God as righteousness. On this side of the cross, it begins with faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (read 1 John). Bildad was SO CLOSE to the truth, asking, How can a man be righteous before God?”, for faith usually starts with a question.

Can a man be righteous before God? Yes! Here’s how: in faith, admit you’re a sinner; thank Jesus for paying
the penalty for your sin upon a cross; invite Jesus into your heart to be Savior and Lord of your life; thank Him for attending to your prayer and for the new life He offers you; turn from sin and your selfish lusts and allow Christ to live in and through your life.

It will make for a most blessed day!

“Can His forces be numbered?” Job 25:3a

Bildad was the first to speak-up after Job’s challenge to be proven false (24:25a; 25:1). Keeping to his M.O., Bildad mixed truth with traditional belief. He ascribed praise to God in these words:

“’Dominion and awe belong to God; He establishes order in the heights of heaven. Can His forces be numbered? Upon whom does His light not rise?’” (vv. 2 – 3)

Once again, Bildad presented commonly accepted truth of God’s strength and mercies (which are new every morning; read Lamentations 3:23). Yes, it is true that God has the whole world in His hands… the entire dominion of the earth, and all it contains, belong to God. From the dawn of Creation, God established the design of space: the expanding dynamic of the galaxies and all the stars within them.

God’s arsenal is infinite! The ten plagues experienced by Egypt was just a sample. God can use the forces of weather, micro-organisms, asteroids, the sun, the wind, and the animal kingdom to achieve his purposes. He designed it all, and manufactured it all through a simple command from His mouth. He has both the right and the authority to use His creation as He sees fit.

Every morning, the sun’s light welcomes each of us with the promise of another day. How we live-out the minutes of that day is up to us, though the day itself is a gift… it’s what we live in – the present! The light dawns on both the just and the unjust. God gives everyone an equal chance to begin anew each day… including today.

Not only do we enjoy the daily gift of life, we are also given the daily opportunity to present our lives as a gift to God. Let Him unwrap the gift of your heart and mind – your very life this day. Yes, this is the day the Lord has made… this is the day of salvation (read 2 Corinthians 6:2)!

I know it will allow you to experience a most blessed day!

“…who can prove me false…?” Job 24:25a

There may have been a hidden meaning behind this question posed by Job. The question was issued as a closing statement to his declaration of God’s certain judgment upon all people. Job challenged his friends to prove otherwise… and thereby reduce his words to nothing (v.25b). The latent meaning behind the question could mask a much more personal reason, challenging his friends to prove their charges against him.

We live in a time when proving another’s wrongdoing is not as difficult as it used to be. One’s life is being recorded in sound-bites, mega-pixels, tower-pings around the world. Audio, video and digital proof abound to prove the comings and goings of anyone. In a way, it has removed the veil of clandestine activity and
exposed those who count on maintaining their surreptitious lifestyles.

Perhaps the technological advances in surveillance have served to hinder those activities which abound in darkness and have only selfish, hedonistic objectives. Job’s question, however, smacked with an indignant defense of his friends’ indictments. He maintained his innocence and devotion to God in the face of his compassionless friends.

There are times in life when it seems everything is against you: circumstances, friends, even your own feelings. When those times come, the best defense against personal devastation is the calming assurance of God’s love and the wisdom of God’s Word. Who can prove me false?

Have a blessed day…

“…God drags away the mighty…” Job 24:22a

Job was unable to see God intervene on behalf of the poor, yet he still had the confident assurance that the evil man would face the same fate all people face: death (v.19). Job described the wicked as “foam on the surface of the water” (v.18a), adding:

• “their portion of the land is cursed” (v.18b);

• “no one goes to the vineyards” (v.18c);

• “the worm feasts on them” (v.20b);

• “they prey on the barren and childless woman” (v.21a);

• “they did not show kindness to the widow (v.21b); and

• “they have no assurance of life” (v.21c).

So, while Job was frustrated at the lack of any effort by God to intervene for the helpless, he articulated his confidence in God having the final say:

“But God drags away the mighty by His power; though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but His eyes are on their ways. For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain.” (vv. 23 – 24)

As Believers, we are empowered to share in Job’s confidence concerning the wicked in our day. The truth is, we will all face God, and death is the vehicle God uses to bring that about. Will you be ready on that day? Trust in Jesus as your Savior today and know the assurance of an eternity with Him and those who trust in Him (read 1 John 5:13).

Have a blessed day…

“…’No eye will see me’…” Job 24:15b

Job continued in the defense of his integrity by citing his observations on those who seem to never face God’s judgment (vv.1a & 12c). He postured how the righteous look in vain for God to enact His judgment upon the wicked (v.1b) – men who:

• Move boundary stones (v.2a);

• Steal another man’s flocks (v.2b);

• Drive away the orphan’s donkey (v.3a);

• Deceive widows of their means to make a living (v.3b);

• Force the needy from their begging mats (v.4a);

• Drive the needy into hiding (v.4b);

• Kill the poor and needy under the veil of night (v.14);

• Commit adultery in the dark of night (v.15); and

• Break and enter into others’ homes under the cover of darkness (v.16a).

Job described how the poor: roam the desert, foraging for food (v.5b); glean the fields and vineyards of those who acquired them through deceitful ways (v.6); go about naked (v.7&10); and lack shelter (v. 8). He went to tell how orphans are: snatched from their mothers to pay a debt (v.9); are forced into slave labor (vv. 10 – 11). Job recalled how the groans of the dying rose from the city and the wounded cried for help while God did nothing to intervene (v.12c).

This discourse by Job typifies the disparity between those who walk in the light and those who are children of the night. Those whose light for their work is only that from the moon believe a great lie: ‘No eye will see me’. They do not know they will one day be called to face the highest court, The Judge of all mankind.

Job’s disappointment in God’s silence during an age of violence, inequity and injustice may be felt by many in our time. Drive by shootings, unsolved homicides, human trafficking, and a host of other social ills are seemingly invincible to our law enforcement and intelligence communities. Pray for them… they have a
huge task and face daunting caseloads. Appeal to God for His intervention and that He reveal the plans of the wicked.

Have a blessed day…

“…He does whatever He pleases.” Job 23:13b

Describing God as universally unique and without equal (v.13a), Job added a qualifier with the five words we discover today. Because God’s will is uncontestable, He has every right to act toward His creation in any way He deems fit. What we humans think about God’s actions makes no difference to His perfect judgment and rule.

Job, however, was still carrying an incorrect understanding of God’s perspective on his life. Job became the accuser by asserting it was God Who was the cause of all His tragedies (v.14a), and The Planner of any future horrors that may occur (v.14b). Because of his erroneous view of God, Job was terrified of Him, replaying the ‘mind tape’ of his recent traumas, reminding him of his helpless position (v.15). Then Job points the finger at God’s terrors for making his heart faint (v.16).

Job’s heart problem was truly a result of the horrific tragedies he endured, though not directly caused by the hand of God. There are times God may allow hardship into the lives of His children – not as a punitive measure, but as a test for the faith-walker to prove one’s faith and trust in Him.

On this side of the cross, we who walk by faith know how God is pleased by those who live holy lives and worship Him in spirit and truth (read Micah 6:8; and John 4:23). It is those type of worshipers whom God seeks out! The best thing God ever did was to send His only Son to rescue sinners from the fear of judgment while providing the certainty of a home with Him in Heaven (read John 3:16; 1 John 5:13).

He does whatever He pleases… and it greatly pleased God for His Son to come to earth (read Matthew 3:17). It also pleases God for us to ‘hear’ His teaching through reading His Word – preserved over two millennia of time. We need not fear God… there is no reason to be terrified of God’s judgment. Seek to have an accurate view of God and His amazing grace… then, thank Him for His mercies that are new every morning (read
Lamentations 3:22-23).

Have a blessed day…