without really trying! Listen more speak less!
Faith is not some pie in the sky nebulous something it is evidence!
Gentle reader,
We have been looking a the subject "How to be good without really trying" subtitled "Why do bad things happen to good people" and using the Book of Job:
We mention last time that Elihu was discerning in seeing that Job needed to realize his (Job’s) own impotence and ignorance [I’ve heard it said that an expert is one who is 50km from home!].
Elihu appeal is also for submissive patience. All God’s judgements proceed from His absolute understanding (Chapter 34 verses 21-23 ) "For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God." and are both right ( Chapter 34:10-12) 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 shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways.
Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.
‘But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;
Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?
There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men." And resistless (verses 13-20, 29 )"Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?
If he set his heart upon man, 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 he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?
Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand." Verse 29 "When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:"
Therefore Elihu concludes that it is wisdom in a man to submit and have patience to learn As he says in Chapter 35:15 " The cause is before Him; therefore wait thou for Him (see R.V. margin. This also is discerning!
Yet again, Elihu’s appeal is for Job to have faith in God Himself rather than in some demanded explanation. The true wisdom is to have faith in God Himself despite the lack of all explanation, seeing that God is all-kn owing and all-righteous (Chapter 36 verse 5, etc.) His closing words " Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart." This is also discerning.
When those who have rejected justice, and righteousness that question and cry out (but I'm am getting ahead of myself-I do that a lot according to Marti) when all else fails "Why God? Why Me?" Those who have never felt the Spirit of the living God move them to act in kindness towards someone who deserves far worse. Then there are those who have made science and scientific evidence their God. But for now Gentle Reader let us consider the deeper things and how God ways are beyond our mortal comprehension. " For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart"
Hang in there Gentle Reader, we have yet to hear from the author of this book. Next time....
Love,
Denis
- a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested
- conviction ) ]of things not seen. (Book of Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 1)
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