Understanding Job

Dear Gentle reader,

When one truly seeks answers one comes face to face with the questions that the Book of Job deals with in an extended epic of great proportions.

One can accept that this is a Historical book filled with facts or merely an allegory of the fate of men in general. Which ever side you choose there are grand moral lessons to be learned if (and that’s the rub if you are willing to set aside your preconceived notions and really get past the Religious scenery to the heart of the matter. Dr Arthur Custance said in his book Seed of the Woman "The Words of Scripture are for Children The thoughts are for men"

I will assume that you have graduated from merely looking at words to attempting to understand the thoughts behind them.

To many the book of Job is a record of unrelieved gloom, with Job longing to be where ‘the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest’. This however is only part of the truth revealed.Suffering is answered by comfort and consolation, reproach and loss give place to honour and blessing.The fruits of victory are given to one who by his faith endured and overcame.

The author draws back the curtain and shows how this ancient record came into the hands of one ‘learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians’. Here, Moses would read for the first time truths that form part of the book of Genesis; Adam’s sin, the Sons of God, the majesty of the Creator and the vastness of His handiwork. Not only so, but here he would read of a Redeemer who lived, of a Ransom provided, and of a hope that through Him man may be raised from sleep in the dust of the earth. The conclusion is inescapable that such a book would not only influence but impart power and wisdom to the man chosen to be the deliverer and lawgiver of Israel.

When we speak of the inspiration of Scripture, we must be careful not to exclude ordinary sources of information. The inspiration of the book of Kings for example is not in any sense invalidated by the fact that whoever compiled that book under the guidance of God, did not hesitate to avail himself of existing records, a special inspiration is not required if such record as is available should at the same time be true. Consequently we find reference is made to ‘the book of the acts of Solomon’ (1 Kings 11:41); to a ‘book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah’ (1 Kings 14:29); and to a ‘book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel’ (1 Kings 14:19). We also learn

from 1 Chronicles 29:29 that Samuel, Nathan and Gad compiled a history (margin) of the ‘acts of David the king, first and last’. We discover from Daniel 9:2 that the great prophecy of the ‘seventy sevens’ grew out of reading the writings of Jeremiah, and Luke, in the New Testament provides us with an instance of one who though claiming to have had ‘perfect understanding of all things from the very first’ (‘from above’ anothen) nevertheless used the testimony of ‘eye-witnesses’ who testified of those things which were most surely believed (Luke 1:1-4).

When we turn to the first of the books of Moses, it becomes evident that the opening chapters dealing with Creation are a direct revelation, but that the bulk of the book of Genesis is composed of the records that were compiled since the days of Adam, beginning with ‘The book of the generations of Adam’ in Genesis 5:1. It is evident, when reading Genesis 23:17-20, that Moses had a document before him, for he records the original place name Machpelah, but brings it up to date by informing the reader that ‘The same is Hebron in the land of Canaan’ (see also verse 2). In the book of Genesis therefore we have a history, preceded by a revelation which deals with

Creation and Satanic interference, important elements which apparently were not included in the ‘Book of the generations of Adam’, yet which are vital to a true understanding of the book as a whole. If Moses had access to the documents, or ‘generations’ as they are termed, that give an unbroken account of the life of man from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, and from Abraham to the twelve sons of Jacob.

So with my understanding I hold that the Book of Job was the first book written although not the book first in your Bible. We begin with the introduction and we would call this the set-up

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:6-12)

What we gather from this brief introduction is that the author wants his readers to learn this simple truth "it is the end of the Lord" that is to say the end to which Job was brought the confession of human impotence in attaining righteousness and thankfully casting himself on Divine Omnipotence for the rescuing or (salvation) of Himself.

We also see the his three friends (I used to call them the three stooges Larry Curly and Mo ). Today, I would called them the 3 Psychiatrist! ("Here is my solution for your troubles take this pill") The 3 show the impotence of human experience Eliphaz, represents Human experience. Bildad, human tradition, and Zophar human merit.

Next time,

Love, Denis

These are times that...

Try mens souls

 

 My own translation

 

Gentle reader,  

With times as they are I thought I might share how things were perceived way back before we were born and the first book believed to be written of the Old Testament (the Hebrew bible) the book of Job (no,  not jobs as one person put it ) but how to deal with the stress that everyone feels at this time. No jobs, (no pun intended -well maybe, no money (or at least not enough to drive to the store (even WalMart is too expensive for many of us)  The great 'American Dream' seems to have disappeared!   So here is a mini study on the way things are and how God perceives them

Introduction to the Book of Job

THE BOOK OF JOB is one of the most widely quoted stories in the TORAH, the history of the Hebrew people and their God. A version of the TORAH, including the BOOK OF JOB, was later translated and edited into the first five books of the Christian BIBLE, referred to as the THE OLD TESTAMENT. The stories of the TORAH, stemming from a long oral tradition in the ancient world, were probably first written down between the eighth and second centuries B.C.E.  ['Before Common Era',

The BOOK OF JOB relates the suffering and resolve of Job, a godly man and possible candidate for 'World’s Earliest Intellectual' since he dares to question his existence. As a spiritual lesson, the story of Job poses a number of questions on the nature of God and the unnecessary pain inflicted on the righteous in what often seems a pointlessly cruel world.

The BOOK OF JOB is also notable for its use of an informed prologue in which the audience is privy to a secret knowledge that the protagonist in the story is not. This use of dramatic irony is most commonly seen in Greek tragedies and adds an element of suspense to the telling of Job’s tribulations.

PLOT:

In the first two chapters, or prologue, of the BOOK OF JOB, God decides to use Job as a demonstration to his skeptical subordinate, Satan, who doubts Job's unflappable faith in God. God tells Satan that he may take away everything from Job. Satan wastes no time and plagues the old man in short thrift; Job soon loses his family, his farm and riches, and is finally covered in hideous boils. Job has no knowledge of God and Satan’s conversations in the prologue nor of the resultant bet on his spiritual faith. Meanwhile, back on the earthly plane, Job’s wife tells Job to turn away from God, while his three friends tell him to repent, assuming that Job has committed an egregious sin to be punished by God so completely. Job keeps his faith but he neither curses God nor openly repents for any mysterious sins.

 Instead, he sits quietly and waits for God to explain himself. The answer finally comes in the form of a divine whirlwind. From the heart of the raging storm, God speaks to the frightened Job, telling him that God's reasons are incomprehensible to the human mind. Job’s health, family and riches are restored at the end of the book -- a reward for his faithfulness.

 That in a nutshell is the whole book but we are (being more literate that those who want to watch the boob tube ad nauseum) will take a wee closer look at several factors and try to draw some understanding as well as comfort for the 21st century.

 Until next timed then I am as hopeful as one can be waiting on God. Of course if you have no hope then. . . what? Love,

Denis

What about Easter?

Gentle Reader,

Marti has been so sick for so long that even get us both down. But when she has good days I can spend a wee bit of time with you dear friends, sipping coffee and eating wee Irish cream cheese muffins. And of course sharing stories and truth all wrapped up in neat bit size morsels.  

There is so much to write about at this time of year. I was thinking about trying to share that fact of when was the day in which Jesus died for example: 

THE FIRST DAY OF THE FEAST" - "THE HIGH DAY" (Yom tov) - THE 15TH DAY OF NISAN.

(Our Wednesday sunset to Thursday sunset.)

THE FIRST NIGHT AND FIRST DAY IN THE TOMB.

THE SECOND DAY OF THE FEAST - THE 16TH DAY OF NISAN.

(Our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset.)

THE SECOND NIGHT AND SECOND DAY IN THE TOMB.

THE THIRD DAY OF THE FEAST - "THE (WEEKLY) SABBATH" - THE 17TH DAY OF NISAN

(Our Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.)

THE THIRD NIGHT AND THIRD DAY IN THE TOMB.

"THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK" - THE 18TH DAY OF NISAN

(Our Saturday sunset : "the third day" of Matt. 16:21, &c.; not the third day of the Feast.)

Thus the Resurrection of the Lord took place at our Saturday sunset or thereabouts on "the third day"; cp. "after three days" (Matt. 27:63. Mark 8:31.). 28:1-10 16:1-18 24:1-49 20:1-23

But what does the crucifixion mean and what is the significance of what Christians  get from understanding the Resurrection? Simply stated for the dullest of individuals it is the greatest principle given to man ... That is the principle of giving with no expectation of getting unlike the principle of the world which is "get all you can get and then get some more"

The most famous verse in the Bible "For God so loved the world (that's you and me Gentle Reader, ) that He gave His only Son..."For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (or rescued).

Now the problem arises Gentle Reader, in that some want to do things their own way and others deny that within then there is a deep need to be accepted by as many as they can get into a VW bus. But surprise, surprise Gentle Reader you (and the rest of us have been accepted by your Creator "just the way you are warts and all" simply because..... God loves you and each of you are special to Him. The hard part is realising that He loves the unlovable those we would not even consider worthy. He gave His very best . and wants you to understand the simple message "it is more blessed than to receive" God gave ...so that you might give also...

Love,

Denis   

a changing church

A Changing Church Culture



Unattached - People who had attended neither a conventional church nor a faith community during the past year represents 25% of adult Americans. A third of these have never attended a church.

Intermittents - Participated in a conventional church or a faith community within the past year constitutes 15% of U.S. adults. Two-thirds attended at least one church event within the past 6 months.

Homebodies - Did not attend a conventional church during the past month, but did attend a meeting of a house church comprises 3% of American adults.

Blenders - Attended both a conventional church and a house church during the past month represent 3% of the adult population.

Conventionals - Attended a conventional church during the past month but not a house church accounts for 56% of U.S. adults.

Forever/Eternity

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Reverence for the Eternal ONE is the key to His treasures.


FOREVER ENDURES
"The LORD abides (endures) forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 9. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This world and the heavens are going to all pass away completely as everything decays and dies, "they will perish…grow old like a garment." [Hebrews 1. 11] But, the ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD is eternal! "May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in HIS works." [Psalms (Tehillym) 104. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The great name of the KING OF GLORY will never change. "May HIS NAME be eternal; while the sun lasts, may HIS NAME endure. Men shall be blessed in HIM; all nations shall call HIM blessed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Likewise, HIS righteousness and character is everlasting, "Wealth and riches are in HIS house, and HIS righteousness lasts forever. HE is gracious, compassionate, generous and righteous. [Psalms (Tehillym) 112. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Psalms 136 declares the MIGHTY ONE's ever-enduring mercies and concludes with wonderful assurances and promises. "Oh, give thanks and praise to the GOD OF HEAVEN! HIS mercy and steadfast love is forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 136. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Since the HOLY ONE's perfect righteousness and everlasting great mercy will last forever, we should continually thank and praise HIM with every breath in our being.

The wondrous, life-giving WORD OF GOD will also endure. This is confirmed in both OLD & NEW COVENANTS: "The LORD exists forever; YOUR WORD stands firm in heaven. YOUR faithfulness is for all generations; YOU have established the earth, and it stands." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 - 90 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the WORD OF THE LORD endures forever." [1 Peter 1. 24 - 25]

GOD's love, so rich and pure, will always endure, eternity will be filled with HIS great love. "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 8. 38 - 39]

We know for certainty that we shall also live forever, because the HOLY ONE is forever. "His seed (David's) shall continue forever, his throne, as the sun before ME; as the moon, established forever, an enduring witness in the sky. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 89. 36 - 37 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever." [1 John 2. 17] Oh the riches we, who serve the LORD OF GLORY, have in abundance awaiting us; and the great joy in serving and loving HIM now.



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Lets celebrate the ties of love and faith that bind us through Messiah Jesus, the GOD of our Salvation.
L'Shanah Tova U'Metukah - May your name be inscribed in the BOOK OF LIFE!

Spoiling Scripture

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .We were called to be "witnesses" - not lawyers or judges.


SPOILING SCRIPTURE
"You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I enjoin upon you." - "Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you; neither add to it nor take away from it.'" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2; 12. 32 Tanakh, Torah]

Only an absolute fool thinks he or she has received some "new inspired word from God." Nevertheless, there are an assortment of diverse cults who proclaim such, and many others who thoughtlessly follow the leaders of these religiously impious groups. These false prophets, cult leaders, continue to presumptuously explain away those Bible verses that they consider offensive, irrelevant, unimportant, or intolerable. There is a hell to shun, and those who teach and lead others are in danger of a stricter judgment and an even more severe punishment. [James 3. 1] "For we know Him Who said, 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,' says the Lord. And again, 'The Lord will judge His people.'" [Hebrews 10. 30]

The Bible is the inerrant, understandable, inspired Word of God. It is dangerous to impose some figurative meaning on a passage of Scripture to distort, or redefine it to our liking "handling the Word of God deceitfully." [2 Corinthians 4. 2]

The LORD Messiah Jesus, Himself gives a final warning to anyone who would subtract, add to, change, or revise His Holy Inspired Word in any form. "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this BOOK: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this Book. If anyone takes away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this Book." [Revelation 22. 18 - 19] Whatever the Holy One does it is so that men will fear Him. [Ecclesiastes/Kohelet 3. 14]

No new revelation is needed, the Bible is more than enough for our salvation. The Holy Scriptures "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3. 15 - 17]



Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Blessings to all who love Zion! "Today I am causing My Presence to rest among you; if you sin, My Presence will leave you. But when Messiah comes, My Presence will remain with you permanently. Now you see the DIVINE Presence through fire, but with the advent of the Messiah you will see it clearly revealed, as it is written: ‘For eye to eye shall they see when God returns to Zion.’" [Tz’enah Ur’enah]

American Sell outs

 Another "American Company" SELLS Out

Dear  Gentle Readers,

In times like these it's nice to know who you can count on. In my humble opinion WAL Mart has gone over to the dark side. They use to provide USA made products but since the bottom line is profit for the High level corporate people [H. Lee Scott CEO] and stock holders.

Let me tell you about our experience. I purchased an Emerson 1000W Microwave oven (I cook almost entirely with the Microwave) last Friday with less that 6 months of light use the Microwave started to pour forth white smoke filling our small apartment  with Marti Bed Fast and me suffering with COPD. You can imagine how frightening it was the Fire Department arrived but in the mean time. Marti was almost over come and I can't move her to safety in time to prevent serious health damage to her already weakened condition. 

That was the Bad news now for the worse news. Even though the Microwave is still under warranty will Wal Mart stand behind their products? NO! I was given the run around put on hold (I tried to talk to the manager twice) to no avail.  Where is this wonderful product made you may ask? "CHINA"   

So far Gentle Reader, I have received no comment from the Corporate office, nor the Manager even though we are looking at over 100 seniors who could been killed? Justice in America? Fair play? or just profit?

I will keep you informed, pass this blog on if you like as I always (like the Texas Rangers get my man) 

 Denis

 "Crime doesn't pay the customer/citizen does"