The Twilight Zone

Been there done that? 

Part 11 [mini study on Job]

Gentle reader,

welcome to the twilight zone do da do da........

We have been looking at one man’s experiences (Job) to see if we can uncover the reason that the Bible has begun with this as the first book written (I know your thumbing through your old beat up Bible just to see where it is placed and why I would make such a ridiculous claim. Well Gentle Reader, that tells me quite a bit about you If your thumbing through your bible and your talking to your monitor screen(your a newbie, that is to say that my readership will increase by your joining who show up each day to get fresh Irish coffee and my world famous Irish Cream cheese muffins! Pass another one please ! Or your are looking to prove me wrong. Which I welcome by the way.

The 4^th man Elihu we have said provides a new approach (isn’t that always the way)? After the 3 stooges Larry, Curly, and Mo have taken their turn in trying to prove Job had done something wrong. Elihu, presented a new approach. That is Elihu claims a special inspiration for God (New I believe that if you had a special revelation for God you wouldn’t waste it on some poor old camel jockey but you would be should shouting it from the house tops. The three stooges wanted to be judges (I have seen more people in and out of churches who want to tell you what is wrong with your life haven't you?) Elihu wanted to be a brother. He woud sit with Job in the fellowship of human sympathy, yet at the same time speak with "real" truth from God’s side. Such was the new approach.

Elihu provides a new Answer.

Elihu’s answer reaches full completion in chapter 36 and 37 but first you need to see what leads up to that.

God is greater than man, and therefore man has no right or authority to require an explanation of Him Behold, I will answer thee, in this thou art not just; For God is greater than man.

Why dost thou strive against him, For that he giveth not account of any of his matters? Chapter 33:12-13.

There must be Elihu reasons a necessity for some things which God does that are incomprehensible to man. Yet God does speak to men if they will but listen (verse 14-16) For God speaketh once, Yea twice, [though man] regardeth it not.

In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;

Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction, with a view to restraining and rescuing them from evil (verses 17-1 That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, And hide pride from man;

He keepeth back his soul from the pit, And his life from perishing by the sword. Moreover God not only speaks I have heard it said the God shouts in your pleasure, speaks in your pensive time and whispers in your pain! God also chastises (verses 19-20) He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, And with continual strife in his bones;

So that his life abhorreth bread, And his soul dainty food.

And this if only there one to interpret it, it is always with a view of healing and restoring men. (Verse 23-2 If there be with him an angel, An interpreter, one among a thousand, To show unto man what is right for him;

Then [God] is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.

His flesh shall be fresher than a child`s; He returneth to the days of his youth.

He prayeth unto God, and he is favorable unto him, So that he seeth his face with joy: And he restoreth unto man his righteousness.

He singeth before men, and saith, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, And it profited me not:

He hath redeemed my soul from going into the pit, And my life shall behold the light. This covers what Job is going through, the very experiences through which job finds that he a passing. Remember Gentle reader my favorite Bible verse Ruth 1:1 "Now it came to pass" It didn’t come to stay. Every has a end to it. It’s built into the system the worst storm has an end!

What Job lacked was an interpreter; and it seems clear that Elihu considers hinself the required interpreter (verses 29-33) Lo, all these things doth God work, Twice, [yea] thrice, with a man,

To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living.

Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak.

If thou hast anything to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee.

If not, hearken thou unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will teach thee wisdom. Job’s suffering is educational (according to Elihu) God is dealing with Job on some higher issue. That is in Chapter 33 and obviously it touches a higher level that the other speeches.

Which we will consider if God permits.

So think about the worst thing in your life Gentle Reader and then ask your self "Is it still going on?"

As bad as things have happened to me and Marsha things chamge.

By the way go out and rent a movie with Don Ameche and Joe Mantegna called "Things Change" You’ll love it!

Till next time

Love, Denis

Job Troubles

Hungy?

Gentle reader,

Like most men (even as a little boy) my eyes are always bigger than my stomach! ( All in Unison- "Duh, Denis we already knew that!" ).

Well as per usual I manage to take on more that one ordinary man can handle. This blog is my main squeeze as it were . The web site Http://www.studiesinscripture.bravehost.com takes care of it self as I have many more qualified people who look in from time to time ands add or move around or delete studies. That is "Scripture Institute" where you can get a full course meal for free! On the other side of the world is a mirror site called Dr Denis says... just in case you missed something here (but beware Gentle Reader not everything you read here is always there and vice versa) Then I have started a blog on a another site called http://www.mychurch.org where you can study with me in the book of Revelation or the Apocalypse. Which deals with what is called Eschatology or the study of future things sometimes it is considered the "End times studies " or as I like to say "What in the world will happen next" I have also other writings on the "Net" but to be truthful Gentle Reader" not having a church or a place to speak and I have a lot of time to think (that a "dangerous combination") . You’re my favorite place to come where one can let their down and sit back have a cup of coffee , an Irish cream cheese muffin and just talk about whatever comes to mind.

Here today we are trying currently to get a hold of the book of Job the Bibles version of the popular book "Why do bad things happen to good people?" We are now looking at a young man called Elihu (a very smart young man I might add. Elihu accepts Job’s position that any true wisdom comes from man comes by inspiration from God, and he is not convinced that wisdom is not given only to the aged "It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice." (Job 32:9). There is "a spirit in man" capable of receiving inspiration verse 8 " But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding." and Ehihu believes that he himself is now receiving such inspiration "The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life. (Chapter 33:4) [Also see 36:2-4] "Suffer me a little, and I will show thee; For I have yet somewhat to say on God`s behalf.

I will fetch my knowledge from afar, And will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

For truly my words are not false: One that is perfect in knowledge is with thee." But more than this, Elihu believes that he is so inspired as to fulfil job’s longing for a daysman = umpire, arbiter, or mediator ( a daysman is one who speaks on another’s behalf) between God and himself, to whom he could set out his case. In pathetic desperation job had lamented the lack of such a daysman (Chapter 9:33) and his own inability to gain an interview with God "My words [shall utter] the uprightness of my heart; And that which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.

The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life.

If thou canst, answer thou me; Set [thy words] in order before me, stand forth.

Behold, I am toward God even as thou art: I also am formed out of the clay.

Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, Neither shall my pressure be heavy upon thee. (Chapter 33:3-7) and in fact Job’s last words before Elihu breaks in are (Chapter 31: 35-37) "Oh that I had one to hear me! (Lo, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); And [that I had] the indictment which mine adversary hath written!

Surely I would carry it upon my shoulder; I would bind it unto me as a crown:

I would declare unto him the number of my steps; As a prince would I go near unto him."

Gentle reader, I feel we must stop at this point (you have other things to do and besides before we look at Elihu’s remarkable speech I want you to consider this "What if God were to send down someone to explain why things are going so bad for you,? Would you listen to him or her? Or would you believe that they had been sent by God the ELOHIM = Creator of heaven and earth. What would you do? I ask you this because as the old Insurance sales pitch goes "Buy or don’t buy but just listen!"

Till next time

Love,

Denis

The 4th man theme

Denis notes avaliable here

Gentle Reader,

The fourth man to be heard from is perhaps the youngest. Elihu by name [Elihu = God is Jehovah or My God is He]. The last verse of Chapter 31 marks a major break- " The words of Job are ended." And with Chapter 32 we are introduced to a new speaker, Elihu. He has evidently heard all the debate and has held his tongue until now in deference to seniority (verses 4, 6, 7) "JOB 32:4 Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he.

JOB 32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion.

JOB 32:7 I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom." Now, however as he hears Job still stubbornly justifying himself while the trio (Larry, Curly, and Mo) increasingly condemn him without being able to answer him, he can not stand it any longer, silently biting his tongue (he must now speak "JOB 32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

JOB 32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. JOB 32:5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled." So Elihu breaks forth in the spirit of "The Lone Ranger" "Elihu to the rescue." However again it’s not so easy as it looks. But He does add and contributes a valuable corrective to the discussion "You know what your problem is?" Ever heard that Gentle Reader? I know I have! There is one aspect of Job’s problem which has been overlooked, and it is to this that our new speaker calls to Job’s and our (we are ease dropping you know).

Ehihu’s discourse which fills no less that 6 chapters has be criticized as being disrespectful, verbose and as the speech of a conceited young man. Disrespectful in tone and adding nothing to the arguments. But a more careful reading refutes this unkindly misjudgement. It is in fact Gentle reader, the most courteous speech of the debate, and surpasses all of the proceeding speeches in spiritual grasp.

For we are Gentle Readers of all things a spiritual people (whether you acknowledge this to be true or not!)

First we are introduced to 3 new factors. First, there is a new approach,. Second, there is a new answer. Third there is a new appeal. And we’ll address those next time (groan from the readership) Sorry but like all good soap operas. I want to leave you hungry for the next episode.

Love,  Denis

 

Why the wicked?

Prosper?

Can you find what is within rather than what is without?

Gentle Reader,

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .

The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself.

THE WICKED PROSPER

"Why do the wicked live on, yes, prosper and grow wealthy?" [Job (Iyob) 21. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This often asked question has puzzled the thoughts of men in every age. Persecuted Job had prospered both materially and spiritually, yet he lost all his worldly possessions, as well as family and friends. The ungodly scorners of the region where he had lived were now humiliating and mocking him, yet they continued to prosper. But why is this?

The same troublesome question occurs gain and again in the HOLY BIBLE. Asaph, a psalmist, confessed: "I envied the wanton and boastful; I saw the wicked prosper and were at ease. Death has no pangs for them; their body is healthy and strong, they have no part in the travail of men; they are not afflicted like the rest of mankind." [Psalms (Tehillym) 73. 3 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Jeremiah, the weeping prophet also complained: "Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are the workers of treachery at ease?" [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Asaph and Jeremiah were both perplexed at the prosperity and comfort of the wicked until they entered GOD'S Sanctuary and reflected on their fate. [Psalms/Tehillym 73. 17]

And today, there are very few genuine believers who have great wealth or are powerful that are walking humble and righteous before the LORD GOD. There is serious spiritual danger inherent in riches and power, unless these privileges are dedicated deliberately and sincerely to the work of the ALMIGHTY CREATOR. Even the church at Laodicea, was scornfully rebuked by the GLORIFIED LORD YESHUA - "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." [Revelation 3. 17] They were cunning, deceitful and loved to oppress. Thinking to themselves that they had become rich in finding wealth for themselves by all their labours and thought that no one, even Almighty God, could find iniquity in them. Truly, their minds were dull and diluted.

GOD OMNIPOTENT has promised to supply all our need if we are faithful to Him [Matthew 6. 33; Philippians 4. 19], and we need to weigh all our standards of prosperity on the balances of eternity. "I saw the wicked, powerful, and well-rooted like a healthy native tree. Suddenly he vanished and was gone; I sought him, but he was not to be found. Mark the blameless, note the upright; for there is a future for the man of integrity. But transgressors shall be utterly destroyed, the future of the wicked shall be cut off. The deliverance of the righteous comes from the LORD; their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and rescues them; delivers them from the wicked and saves them, for they seek refuge in HIM and trust in HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 35 - 40 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!

For all things, O GOD our KING, we bless and exalt YOU for ever and ever. YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation through every generation. YOU, LORD GOD are good, YOUR mercies fail not and YOUR loving kindnesses never cease. We give you thanks and glory and wisdom for this is befitting. Amen.

 Till next time Gentle Reader,

Love, Denis

What does God...

This to happen to me?

 

Why do bad things happen to good people? Part 7

Gentle Reader,

I hope that in taking the time to read and reread these mini studies of the Book of Job your are gaining insight into yourself perhaps you can identify with Elephaz or Bildad or Zophar or maybe even you feel like Job!

It’s hard as we all go through these times. Just remember "Tough times never last, tough people do!"

Now let’s look at these three "friends" of Job once again, and the points of similarity. 1) All of these three men are committed to what is substantially the sane limited and fixed theory of life. (As we have many even today who believe that calamity is always the direct outcome of sin). 2) That Divine favor or disfavor is indicated by man’s material prosperity or adversity. 3) They all have a far too narrow and rigid view of Providence; yet they are sooo sure that their view is right that they look on resistance to their view as resistance to God. See Chapter 11 verse 5 for example "But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;" 4) They all want to prove that goodness and wickedness are always rewarded and punished in this present life: They all are silent concerning human destiny and Divine retribution If there is Retribution in a life beyond this present one. There philosophy and doctrine have no horizon beyond this earth. 5) From the standpoint of argument they are all absolutely static. 6) They all fail to give any real or convincing answer to Job, as is recognized by all those who witness the debate: See chapter 32 verses 3, 5, 11, 12 "Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled. Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, And, behold, there was none that convinced Job, Or that answered his words, among you."

Lastly, these three all condemn Job; for in their philosophy, they must either justify Job at God’s expense or justify God at job’s expense. And understandably they chose the latter Chapter 32:3.

How many times Gentle Reader, have you heard when disaster strikes someone wailing (maybe your even saying that now) "Why did God allow this to happen to me?"

We’ll tackle that tough question next time.

Love

Denis

the 3rd Stooge"

Third stooge

Ancient Hebrew text

 

Gentle Reader,

We are having a mini study on the Book of Job and we have been looking at Zophar the third stooge.

Let’s take this time to compare and contrast the three. Look at the differences first. ELIPHAZ rest his views on observation; Bildad rest on tradition; Zophar rest on assumption. Eliphaz is the religious moralist. Bildad is the religious legalist. Zophar is the religious dogmatist. Eliphaz is an apologist. Bildad is the lecturer. Zophar is the bigot; he is full of convictions, but they are assumptions, not reasoned conclusions. In a harsh sort of way, we have Eliphaz, the voice of philosophy; Bildad, the voice of history; and in Zophar,  the voice of orthodoxy; but none is able to give a satisfying answer to a problem like that which confronts Job. These three men can be represented by the three words "IF", "Must" "IS". Eliphaz takes the hypothetical attitude that IF Job were not sinful, the trouble would not have come. Bildad takes the inferential attitude that Job MUST be sinful seeing that the trouble had indeed come. Zophar begins with the assumption that Job IS a sinful man and deserves his affliction.

 What we find Gentle Reader, is that "Religion" cannot take the place to answer, nor can men comprehend the ways of God! ISA 55:8  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
ISA 55:9  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Next time, Gentle reader bring your thinking cap!

Love, Denis

 

The 3rd "friend"

The Third Stooge/Zophar

 

Gentle reader,

I do hope you have taken an interest in reading for yourself the book of Job.  I am told that yesterday we had an earthquake here (5.2). Not much to speak of but enough to move our toilet several inches around. Could it be possible the "Source" is trying to get our attention? I am just asking in the light of our study of Job.

And now what about the man I call the 3^rd stooge? What about Zophar? We have noted that each "friend" speaks in turn from the oldest to the youngest. Zophar is less courteous and more drastic than either Elipaz or Bildad. This may be due in part to the fact that by the time he entered the argument Job had already answered both of the other two, contradicting their philosophy and upholding his innocence with increasing tenacity. Zophar’s opening words denote that he already feels aggravated. (Chapter 11 verses 2,3) JOB 11:2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?

JOB 11:3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

Zophar, like the other 2, has his distinguishing features. Eliphaz bases his view on observation and experience. Bildad rest on Tradition. But Zophar is content with mere ASSUMPTION. There is at least reasoned deduction in Eliphaz, and intelligent orthodoxy in Bildad. Bit this man Zophar assumes and pronounces with a finality which would make even Job’s daring to differ a sin. He is the pure dogmatist! From beginning to end of his speeches there is not a semblance of reasoning. There is not the semblance of Eliphaz’s "I have seen" or Bildad’s "Enquire I pray thee of a former age." Zorphar ‘s word is a dogmatic "Know Thou." It occurs in both of his speeches, and in both cases right at the beginning of his main proposition. See Chapter 11:6 and Chapter 20:4. (The latter reads as a question in our English versions, but the Hebrew is simply "know thou")

My question for you Gentle reader, is this Have you meet any of these 3 stooges when you were going through a time of trouble? I know I have... so stay tuned for more insight to the Book of Job.

 Love, Denis