Job Study: Chapter Twenty - "And Job Lived Happily Ever After...Or Did He?"

Although we still have two more weeks of this actual study, this is the chapter ending Job's story.  In the last two weeks we will be looking at the over all conclusions of the entire book of Job.  And oh! - it's a great way to end this journey!  So stay tuned :)

The selection of scripture is the 42nd chapter from verses 10-17 for this chapter.  Once again, Chuck gives us many great nuggets to glean.  So let's get right to them!  He writes;

When we come to the end of a great story, whether it's in a movie, a novel, or the Bible, we want the hero or heroine to live happily after - especially when that person has suffered as much as Job did.

This is so true!  We always get the 'feel good' feeling when a story ends that way.  Almost like a sense of completion if you will.  Like everything has come full circle - the 'fairy tale ending'.  Then there is the odd cliffhanger of a season finale that just leaves you hanging.  You just aren't quite sure what's going to happen (which is totally the point so that you'll come back for the season premier...it's all about the ratings where they are concerned...but that has nothing to do with the point I'm trying to make!).  When things don't end the way we think they should, it's like we are left with a bit of a 'void'...'it's not supposed to turn out that way!'.  So let's look at Job's finale and watch our Sovereign God work!

The 'treasures of the text' section has us focusing on the verse 23:10, "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."  There are three noteworthy things we can take from this verse...

1. Job believed that God knew his situation.
2. Job believed that God was testing him.
3. Job believed that, after the trials ended, he would emerge a better man.

(*Though Job didn't know the details of his eventual restoration, he anticipated answers from God)

Mike Mason writes;

After thirty-nine chapters of passionate poetry, the return to prose in the Epilogue comes as something of a relief.  One cannot live continually on the level of intensity represented by poetry.  Returning to ordinary life after a mountaintop experience of God is largely what faith is all about!  (emphasis added)

As we've walked through the book of Job, we've been taken to the highest of heights, to the lowest of low back up again with him.  Let's look at four specific blessings God gives Job;

• One: God doubled Job's possessions.  Although God didn't owe Job anythings.  He graciously made restitution for all that Job had lost.  Yahweh received the prayers and offerings of Job for his friends, and He poured out a double measure of blessings upon His servant.
• Two: God restored Job's relatives and friends.  During this painful times of suffering, Job had felt excruciating isolation and a depth of loneliness that few of us can imagine.  But now, God sent Job's brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends to console and comfort him.  Not only did they offer words of encouragement and restoration, but they also provide Job with tangible support by giving him money and gold rings.  In addition, God multiplied Job's flocks and herds so that they would be a source of wealth for him.
• Three: God blessed Job and his wife with ten more children. 
• Four: God blessed Job with a long, satisfying life.  Since God doubled everything for Job, Job must have been seventy years old when this story began.  God allowed him to live twice as many years (140) in addition to those seventy.  He died at a ripe old age (210!) after living a rich, full life with his wife, sons, and daughters.  Warren Wiersbe writes: "To die 'old and full of years' was the goal of every person.  It means more than a long life; it means a rich and full life that ends well."...Another author expands..."To be full of years is to have seen everything there is to see and to have done everything there is to do, to the point that now one is so full of it all that there is no room for anything else.  There is no room for any more time or any more world; one is crammed to the gills with it."

Chuck gives us five things to consider in his 'nuggets of wisdom' section this chapter.

• Keep developing your mind - Take every opportunity to learn something new.  Seek to know God and others better.  Travel.  Read a good book.  Pick up a new hobby...keep your mind sharp by taking on new challenges.
• Keep enjoying your humor - (Remember that life here is temporary)
• Keep using your strength - In spiritual matters, as well as physical, this motto is true.  Use it or lose it!  Continue to exercise your mental, spiritual, and physical muscles in order to remain strong and healthy.  Use your gifts to serve others in your home, workplace, church, and community.
• Keep pursuing your opportunities - Maybe you've always dreamed of taking a mission trip to China.  Or scaling Mount Everest.  Or leading a Bible study at your church.  Or learning to play the piano.  Or teaching youth...whatever open doors and golden opportunities God brings your way, seize them!  Why put off until tomorrow something you can do today?
• Keep seeking and serving God - Make the Lord your first priority.  Make your pursuit of Him your number on e passion, and you'll sense His restoration, His blessing, and His protection on your life.

Many great things to remember while walking through this life on earth.  Several things listed above were confirmations for what I am currently doing in my life (as well as what I have already done), but there was also the encouragement to continue moving forward with what I've not yet done!

I love the last paragraph Chuck leaves us with;

When we praise God and center our lives around Him, we can give thanks, no matter our circumstances.  Though our weeping and sorrow may last for a night, our shout of joy will come in the morning.  If we, like Job, cling to our faith, we can rest assured that there will be a happy ending to our fairy tale as well.  (*all emphasis added because I thought it was 'just that great'!)

Amen!  Until next time,
'K'

"A Tender Mommy Moment"

The family we carpool with is away for the week, so I'm driving only my kids all week; it brings back a different dynamic and memories of how if 'used to be'. 
As I drove my kids this morning, I had a tender 'Mommy moment'...and it made my eyes 'leak' a bit.  For some reason the morning I leave for Colorado flashed before me...my plan has been to take them to school and say 'goodbye'...then be on my way.  I think it's going to be a lot harder than I previously thought it would be. 

I suppose because the thought crossed my mind that this will be the first time I'm really gone away from my children - ever!  I mean, we have spent little bits of time apart here and there, but it's always been within a couple of hours driving distance - really no big deal.  However, this time is going to be so much different.

I know all will be well, but still...  Guess I just had a realization this morning of how simple things like dropping your kids off at school can be taken for granted...

Just sayin'...
'K'

Job Study: Chapter Nineteen - "Finally, God's Justice Rolls Down"

We're nearing the end of the study on Job...can you believe it?!!  And this is the best part of it all!  In chapter 19 we go through Job 42:1-10.  As the title of this post says; 'finally God's justice rolls down'. 

Sometimes we see justice done on earth, but many times, we don't.  God, however, always acts justly.  No one is better at administering justice than the Almighty, who is all-knowing and absolutely righteous.  When His justice finally arrives, it's always worth the wait.  That wait can seem interminably long, but it will come.  Not all of God's accounts are settled at the end of each month, but they will be settled.  Justice is part of His character.  He will not ignore sin...He cannot.  (bold added)

God's Desires; sometimes, justice occurs quickly.  But other times, injustice seems to linger on forever!  We lament the cruelty, hurt, and unfairness we see in the world.  The Bible indicates that God the Father also is passionately concerned over the lack of justice He sees among His people (see Amos 5:21-24). 

We often struggle to understand God's timeline when it come to righting the wrongs that have been done to His people...We want the account to be settled now, not next month...or next year...or in eternity....Our hearts soar and our souls feel satisfied when we see justice done, especially in the life of a person who has suffered undeservedly.

Job's Confession: (42:1-6)

1.  God's purpose is unfolding.  Job recognized that he could not hinder or thwart the plans and objectives of God...Often, when we're faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we begin to wonder if God really goes have a purpose for our lives.  Events seem to happen in a random manner that defies explanation.  Severe needs arise that leave us asking "Why, God?  Don't You care?"  As our lives seem to veer out of control, we wonder if God is present or powerful enough to change our circumstances.  But as we trace the thread of Job's confession, we'll see that God had a plan all along.
2. God's plan is incredible.  Job accepted the fact that God's ways are greater than our ways.  God's thought don't always fit into our little boxes of human logic.  His plan is deeper.  His purposes are far more profound.  We can't hinder them, nor can we comprehend them.  But when we trust the heart of God and accept the fact that He cares for us, we can have peace even in the midst of suffering.
3. God's instruction is reliable.  Job didn't dare ignore God!  He had heart the teaching and the mumblings of his friends, and he had heart the words of God.  But nothing startled and awed Job as much as seeing God's hand and recognizing His sovereignty over the situation.
4. God's way is best.  Seeing God's hand led Job to make his crowning statement of humility before God: 'Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes' (42:6)... Job finally recanted and regretted his strong words against the Almighty.  He realized that he couldn't resist the will of God.  He understood that life was not all about Job, his suffering and his desires; it was all about God (bold added).

We've often heard the scripture 'a broken and contrite heart God will not despise' (Psalm 51:17).  This is so the case regarding Job.  We too, must humbly come to the end of ourselves - regardless of our circumstances - in order for us to really realize that we are broken and need the Lord.  Our full dependence must be on Him...at all times.

I thought the text Chuck wrote in the 'Taking Truth To Heart' section was fantastic;

We, too, need to be reminded that life is all about God.  It's not about us.  It's not about our comfort, our space, our rights, our will, our career, our salary, our plans, our home, our families, or our health.  It's not about keeping up with the Joneses.  Instead, it's about God's glory, His majesty, His power, and His desires for us.  It's about His way, His will, and how He wants to use us to achieve His purposes in the world.  Making God the center of our lives doesn't mean that our trials and difficulties will immediately exit stage left.  But it does mean that we can have true joy no matter our circumstances.

In his confession, Job showed that he finally got it.  He finally realized that God's plan is profound, that His reasoning is right, and that His ways are higher than he could ever understand.  With that, Job waved the white flag of surrender and said in complete sincerity, "I retract, and I repent.  I said things I shouldn't have said; I talked about things I knew nothing about; I became self-righteous in my own defense.  Lord, please know that my heart is Yours.  I humble myself before You.  I place myself at Your disposal.  Your purpose is right; Your plan is incredible; Your reproofs are reliable; Your way is best."

And that did it!  When the Lord heard these humble words and felt the deep emotions of contrition welling up in Job's heart, when He witnessed the humility of his broken spirit and the teachability of Job's soul, mercy kicked in, and justice rolled down.  We see poetic justice done as the Lord decided to use Job in the process of making his friends answer for their false, hurtful words and accusations.

Once you adjust your life to His ways, you'll be amazed at how the Lord will use you in others' lives.  You will be many things for them: a reproof, a refuge, a point of hope, a reason to go on, a source of strength, a calming influence, and so much more.  God may choose to use you as a vehicle to help restore those who've strayed far.  And this often includes those who have hurt you in their straying.

What a few paragraphs eh!  Hang on with me for a bit longer here...there is still so much more that is worth being shared with you!

God's Mercy:  Once God perceived Job's repentant heart and heard his humble words of contrition, His mercy kicked in and His bountiful grace glowed down.  In fact, God even used Job to help restore the three misguided friends to a right relationship with Him (42:7).

We tend to be uncomfortable when God expresses His anger openly.  Many of us have been taught that it's 'ungodly' to be angry, and that Christians are never supposed to express their anger.  Parents, teachers, pastors, and other leaders may have suggested that all anger is a sin, and we're wrong to express it.  We may have been encouraged to 'stuff' our uncomfortable feelings instead of releasing them by talking them out in a healthy way. 
According to Scripture, however, there is a proper time and place for the expression of our anger.  Almighty God expressed righteous indignation at certain times, and Jesus twice overturned the moneychangers' tables and chased them out of the temple with a whip (see Matthew 21:12; John 2:15).
We're never commanded in Scripture to refrain from expressing our anger if it is justified; however, we are commanded to deal with the problem rather than remaining angry and carrying a grudge. 

 And so we move on to the issue of Job the offended, and his friends the offenders:

• God doesn't want our gifts unless our hearts are right with Him and with others...He doesn't want our empty words and meaningless offerings.  He wants our hearts.
• Job...then prayed for this offenders (42:8)...For Job's sake, God would offer grace to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar instead of the punishment they deserved!
• Finally, Job's friends got their fill of humble pie as they were forced to admit the error of their ways and the prideful attitudes behind their sinful words.  They brought their costly offerings (seven bulls) to the Lord, and Job prayed for them.  As a result, God accepted their offering and restored them.
• What a picture of God's grace!  And what a picture of the justice and mercy that God poured forth at the cross of Christ!  Just as the lifeblood flowed out of the bulls that Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar sacrificed as satisfaction for their sins, so also Jesus' blood was poured out on the cross for our sins.  And just as God the Father accepted Job's intercession on his friends' behalf, so also He accepts Christ's intercession on our behalf. 
• God allowed His Son to be humbled for a reason.  Our heavenly Father loved us so much that He wanted to redeem us from the sin and death that we have chosen.  But only a perfect, sinless sacrifice would satisfy His perfect justice, so He sent Jesus to become that sacrifice.  Through Christ's life and death, God's purposes of redemption were fulfilled.  Our role is to accept that gift of redemption and believe that Christ paid the price for our sins.
• Eventually, in His time, not ours, Gods justice will roll down as every person who has ever lived will recognize their sin, bow before the Son of God, and confess Jesus as Lord.

• Will we bow before Christ and live for Him now?  Or will we wait until we stand before the throne in our utter sinfulness and realize that it's too late for us to choose to follow Him?  Job chose to follow and obey God while he had the opportunity.  And God never left him or forsook him, though it may have seemed so at the time.  In fact, for Job's faithfulness throughout his painful ordeal, God poured out blessing upon him (42:10).
• Because of Job's faith and his obedient, sacrificial prayer on behalf of those who had wronged him.  God restored Job's fortunes and gave him back twice what he had lost.  More important, Job realized that even when God seemed silent and distant, He had never left Job's side.

And finally, as we come to the end of this information packed post...we are left with the 'nuggets of wisdom' section:

1. Forgiveness is worth asking for.  If you've spoken harsh words or harbored bitterness in your heart toward God or others, what's keeping you from confessing it?  Bring that burden to the Lord.  God delights in our humble confession.  He promises to listen if you approach Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
2. Justice is worth waiting for.  If justice comes immediately, thank the Lord for His provision.  If it doesn't come immediately, wait for it.  Enter into prayer about the situation and seek to discover the truths that God may be trying to teach you.  He'll help you cultivate patience in the process.

Often, we find that our longing for justice is based on our wanting God to deal with someone else's sin.  We want Him to take our side and punish the person who is in the wrong.  We want Him to honor and recognize our rights above the rights of others.  But when we focus on serving God and others, forgiving people, loving them, and putting their rights above our own, we often find that our longing for vindication diminishes.  We recognize that God's justice, tempered with His mercy and grace, is what we really need.  And we should be willing to offer forgiveness to others as much as we need to receive it from our Father.

AMEN....AND AMEN!

The Lord be with you all, until next time,
'K'