A review for those with short memories

 Part 13

Gentle Reader,

Without a doubt as we look around at our (corporate) situation. We see just chaos! Which reminds me of the Kingston Trio and a song called the merry minute "They're rioting in Africa. They're starving in Spain. There's hurricanes in Florida, and Texas needs rain.

The whole world is festering with unhappy souls. The French hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles.

Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch. And I don't like anybody very much!

But we can be tranquil and thankful and proud, for man's been endowed with a mushroom-shaped cloud.

And we know for certain that some lovely day, someone will set the spark off... and we will all be blown away.

They're rioting in Africa. There's strife in Iran. What nature doesn't do to us... will be done by our fellow man."

But what is even worse Gentle Reader, is that you having some sort of melt down even as I write or if not going on it’s coming I think it was that great philosopher Yoga Berra who said "Things are dark before they get black.

Our representive human JOB is once on top of the world Rich, famous, "good looking" everything thing going for him only to have the bottom fall out of hiw little world and find everything he valued was lost (stolen from him) Now here's the rub is that JOB was God fearing man, not the run of the mill scumb bag that we watch parade across the news each night. He wasn’t like the woman who sells her children for sex. Or that crooked politico who buys favors to dispense to the people who do his bidding. Job is not even a "religious " person who trades on the lives of others for his own pleasure. Job is everyman (just plain old JOB) [no pun intended] But when he cries out "Why God has this happen to me?" Along come 3 friends who while perhaps mean well give more hurt that help. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar who I have nicknamed the 3 stooges! "Job, You know what your trouble is..." and they begin to heap fault after fault and lay these sins at Job’s feet. Quite like the hebetudinous minister who blamed the Hurricane Katrina on the impending "Gay Pride" parade that was to be held in New Orleans!

And Job cries out and protests his innocency for that which he is blamed. Please note Gentle Reader, that Job does not claim to be sinless! But he does protest that he has done nothing to warrant his lost of his children, and all of his rich possessions. "Oh that I would have a mediator between Me and GOD" Job cries and so On the scene is the youngest silent up to this point Elihu who will bring us up to date.

Next time....

Love,

Denis

 

Job study Chapter 34

 

Gentle Reader, Part 12

Yes, I know your thinking "This is a Mini Study?" Gentle Reader, It’s taken me over more years than many of you have been alive to get to where I am now in understanding the Bible those who are illiterate in the study of great books are the ones that give you sound bites.

"We must not believe the many, who say that only free people ought to be educated, but we should rather believe the philosophers who say that only the educated are free" Epictetus [Greek philosopher associated with the Stoics, AD 55-c.135]

I am at once reminded of my first Bible Teacher Joe Watkins who started a new study of the Gospel of John, it was shortly after that I was called to my first charge (church) and after 3 years my wife and I got back for a visit Joe was just beginning verse 2 on the First Chapter! So if your thinking that I am taking a long time on this wee study that I call "Why to Bad things happen to Good people" just remember that I am rushing through this book like a locomotive before those who have the attention span of a 30 second commercial flip over to "you tube" to watch some mind numbing nescient trying to get your attention.

It’s rather like trying to get information about the potential presidential candidate. When all we can get is a media blitz on Rev. Wright who like every other American is entitled to his opinion. What was overlooked in the mad scramble was that much of what Rev. Wright had to say (in sound bites) was totality accurate! Taking the land from Native Americans, the enslavement of the Blacks to name just a few. While I do not ascribe to Black Liberation Theology,  I at least understand it But to have an intelligent discussion would require that the "news" people have a qualified Theologian ( and you know I wasn't contacted). While the Media Circus tries to promote more hatred to get people to watch "As the Stomach turns T.V. News " Each channel has so called "Experts" who parse every word to catch someone misstating themselves. Well I have taken up my allotted time to write today so if you are wanting to know how this book ends you just have to see below .... Sorry about that.

Elihu argument is that God’s Government besides being sovereign and gracious (as in Chapter 33) must of necessarily be absolutely righteous and impartial (verse 10-19 ) [ Note the perception and insight of the writer, and compare that with what is taught today in the understanding of Christian people]"Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness, And from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity.

For the work of a man will he render unto him, And cause every man to find according to his ways.

Yea, of a surety, God will not do wickedly, Neither will the Almighty pervert justice.

Who gave him a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world?

If he set his heart upon himself, [If] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

All flesh shall perish together, And man shall turn again unto dust.

If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words.

Shall even one that hateth justice govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is righteous [and] mighty?-

[Him] that saith to a king, [Thou art] vile, [Or] to nobles, [Ye are] wicked;

That respecteth not the persons of princes, Nor regardeth the rich more than the poor; For they all are the work of his hands."

 [We still see men trying to advise God how to deal with things] It is also perferct in it’s discernment (verse 23 ) "For he needeth not further to consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment." which makes quite superfluous Job’s demand for an audience with God, [ I used to joke about if only God would call me , collect] in which to state his case . God knows all the facts absolutely. Special trial is unnecessary. It is just because of this that some of God’s doings seem so mysterious (verses 24-26 ) He breaketh in pieces mighty men [in ways] past finding out, And setteth others in their stead.

Therefore he taketh knowledge of their works; And he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

He striketh them as wicked men In the open sight of others;

Yet Gentle readers, God’s ways are always with good moral purpose aaccording to Elihu (verse 27-30 ) "Because they turned aside from following him, And would not have regard in any of his ways:

So that they caused the cry of the poor to come unto him, And he heard the cry of the afflicted.

When he giveth quietness, who then can condemn? And when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? Alike whether [it be done] unto a nation, or unto a man:

That the godless man reign not, That there be none to ensnare the people."

And so Elihu moves to the final development of his answer to Job in Chapters 36 and 37 Which we’ll take up next.

 Love Denis

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 Heart to Heart http://parsontoperson.blogspot.com 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