The Apostle of Reconciliation

 The Conversion of Saul to become Paul, your Apostle

Part 2

PAUL'S MINISTRY

by: Kitty Wells

1. The Lord said, "Stand up, Paul, and dry up your tears,

You must preach my Gospel for many long years.

Go to Damascus, the street that's called Straight.

You'll meet Ananias, and there you must wait.

CHORUS 1:

I counted on Jonah, I counted on Cain,

I counted on Adam, but he was the same.

I counted on Judas, but he proved untrue.

So go tell the world, Paul, I'm counting on you."

2. Three days have gone by, Lord, and yet I don't see,

But here stands my brother talking with me.

He said, "Brother Paul, the Lord in the sky

Has sent me to heal you and open your eyes.

CHORUS:

3. "I'll send you to the Gentiles, I'll send you to Rome,

But Paul, you must suffer till I call you home.

You'll sleep in the desert, you'll be shipwrecked at sea,

But keep right on preaching my Gospel for Me."

Dear Gentle reader,

What was the reason that God chose Saul? Read the following verses and then we’ll talk :

"And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:" Acts 9:9-15

First of all note the order in which Paul was to go sent by God: the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:" and as you read the Book of Acts you will find that there is a problem for Paul first went to the Children of Israel, then to the kings and then finely to the Gentiles (non Jewish people) just the opposite of what we just read together! Why? Because I believe that the Holy Spirit of God wanted us to sit up and take notice of the commission that Paul was to receive. Called by God to a High calling To go to the world (the world outside the little country of Israel). Remember what Jesus told the 12? These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, GO NOT into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: (Matthew 10:5)

Each step and stop that we take is ordered by the Lord Christ Jesus. It was necessary that the "Lost Sheep of the house of Israel" be given the chance first to receive their Messiah [their anointed one-sent by God to rescue the 12 tribes as was promised in the Hebrew scriptures]. So the 12, Peter, James, John and the others were sent out with the Gospel of the Kingdom. Even as John the baptizer proclaimed in the wilderness " In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:1-2) And after John was thrown into prison Christ came on the scene and began to preach Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:12-17)

What was this Kingdom that John and Jesus were preaching about?

The Kingdom (or Sovereignty) of HEAVEN

Has Messiah for its King;

It is from heaven; and under the heavens upon the earth;

It is limited in its scope;

It is political in its sphere;

It is Jewish and exclusive in its character;

It is national in its aspect;

It is the special subject of Old Testament prophecy;

And it is dispensational in its duration.

Preaching {THE KINGDOM} This was the message given by the Messiah and by the 12 apostles and by John the Baptist to the nation of Israel. And what about Paul....?

But that is enough for you to think about for now...

Till next time....

Love, Denis

 

 

 

 

 

PAUL the Man

Paul, your Apostle


The Man the Mission The Message

Gentle readers,

Sometimes I think that I bit off more that I can chew! For example we find such a wide variety of readers who have as my Rabbi friends say “You get 6 Jews together and you have 12 opinions.” This is the Roman Catholic Year of St Paul and since I am a Pauline Scholar I am going to jump on the coattails of the Catholic Church to write a few blogs about what is the “truth” about your Apostle Paul.
Where do we begin? Ah yes a hot steaming cup of Irish coffee to clear your head!
Many have no idea that there has been a great controversy about the author of 14 books of the New Testament. Nor, the fact that some even believe that Paul was the founder of “Christianity” and that Paul’s idea of the church and Christ’s were totally different. On top of that who do you believe? This authority or that one? Many people think that Judas was the supreme betrayer of Jesus. But others say that Paul (Saul of Tarsus) holds that title.
Judas gave Jesus over to be tortured and put to death (isn’t that just like mankind if you can’t silence them “kill em” ) Paul it is claimed buried His spirit . Paul was charges with substituting his theology for the simple teachings of that itinerant preacher from Galilee. So lets get all the trash out of our thinking by looking first at the accusers of Paul and then in this 1st entry and Paul’s own testimony.
As recently as our president Thomas Jefferson who said to his friend in letter that Paul was “the first corrupter of the doctrine of Jesus” Now remember that while Jefferson was a deiist [The belief, based solely on reason, in a God who created the universe and then abandoned it, assuming no control over life, exerting no influence on natural phenomena, and giving no supernatural revelation. ] he in fact, cut the parts of the Bible he didn’t like out.
Next we have G. B. Shaw who said basically the same thing in the preface to his play “Androcles and the Lion”
Nietzsche called Paul in the Antichrist - “the Dysangelist” (Bad news bearer) and “ The man with the Genius for hatred”. Shaw told a reporter that it would have been better if Paul had never been born. What a contrast from Paul’s own words, and Christ’s.

To me I find it fascinating that God uses the as it were Mankind’s cast-offs for his work. One evening when my Partner in evangelism Ron Bridgewater [ A huge man of over 6 ½ feet tall and 350 pounds] as we were coming back to the church after a night out on visitation were we were able to share Christ with a whole family, father, mother, two children and all of them accepted Christ as their personal Saviour , Ron was in tears as he said to me “Denis, I just don’t understand how God can use a sinner like me to share the wonderful grace of Christ!” To which I replied as I tried to put my are around his shoulder in comfort “Ron, He’s desperate!”

You see Gentle Reader, In 1Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1CO 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: God chose Moses and then allowed Him to mature on the back side of the desert to mature. He chose David a little Shepherd boy to become a King, and He chose the 12 disciples along with Peter to preached the message of the Kingdom of heaven. (Who would have picked that rag-tag bunch of smelly old fishermen and a tax collector. Why Gentle Reader, He chose you and me! And Paul (Saul of Tarsus, but I am getting ahead of my narrative Turn with me to Acts Chapter 9 ACTS 9:1-8 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Just think of that Gentle reader, Paul (Sorry, Saul) struck blind on the way to destroy this young group of believers (Jews his own people) why? Because he wanted to keep pure God’s honor. But we’ll leave that for next time.
Love,
Denis

A New beginning

 

Dear Gentle Reader,

 Marti has been sick for some time now I have had some time to consider what we can speak about next! I thought it was time to bring to your attention the needs of the poor (I am speaking to about 3/4 of you now! But before I do you need to understand that I am with you. each day that goes by we see more of our needs being striped away. Food, medical, gas and trying to struggle to pay a wee bit on our mounting bills. So what I write below gives me comfort. For God does not charge rent for the land you use, or the air you breathe.  God Gives to each of us His Children all that he had and even now gives what he knows we need.

The following questions are preceded by a quotation, viz :

"It is sufficient that you know you are a sinner, lost and helpless; that Jesus Christ is a Saviour, able and willing to save you, and that faith is the condition on which God will save."

THE QUESTIONS:

1—When a child takes this attitude and prays to be forgiven for sins, is that child saved immediately? (without applying Christ's death or blood personally).

2—Would a grown person be saved under these conditions?

3—If a person knows that God is God (Jesus), and that He died for sinners, and that person prays to Him daily for forgiveness of sins, do you think be is saved?

4—Do all people know when they are saved? At what time in life?

5—If a person is in doubt as to whether he is saved, how would you help that one?

THE ANSWER:

In this present Dispensation of God's Sovereign Grace it is not necessary for anyone, child or adult, to "pray for forgiveness of sins." In Eph. 1:7 we read: "In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Cp. Col. 1:14.

The order is further explained in Eph. 1:13, viz: "In Whom ye also, after that ye HEARD the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye BELIEVED, ye were SEALED with The Holy Spirit of promise." The three essentials are: The HEARING, The BELIEVING, The SEALING.

1—The HEARING. Cp. Rom. 10:17. Faith cometh by HEARING, and HEARING by The Word of God.

2—The BELIEVING, Cp. Eph. 2:8. It is thru the faith that cometh by HEARING that Grace saves; and, that not any of it is of ourselves, but "the gift of God." When one HEARS with open mind and heart, then necessary faith is given. One does not believe by any process of reasoning. Faith cometh by HEARING The Word of God. One does not need to try to believe. Just let God, thru His Word, by the ministry of The Holy Spirit bring about FAITH.

3—The SEALING. Cp. Eph. 4:30. The SEALING is God's mark of security. It is the gift of The Holy Spirit. This forever settles the question of the permanency of-one's salvation. Who can break that SEAL?

NOTE: All such Scripture texts where repentance, prayer for forgiveness, etc., are required, take one back on Kingdom ground. On the ground of pure Sovereign Grace one has nothing to DO to be saved, but to BELIEVE, what has been done in and by The Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. To receive The Lord Jesus Christ as one's personal Saviour is to receive The One Who has perfectly met all the requirements of God in dealing with the sin question.

One must accept The Testimony of God's Word that without Christ he is lost; one must accept The Testimony of God's Word that with and in Christ he is saved. This is the sure way to assurance.

The very moment one believes the record that God has given concerning the sinner, he KNOWS he is a sinner; the very moment one believes the record that God has given concerning the saved, he KNOWS he is saved.

Get it Gentle Reader?

Love, Denis

No, Really!

 

 

Dear Gentle Reader,

When I said that this was the final word I meant it! BUT (there is that infamous but... almost as infamous as that Greek preposition if . Which could mean If and it is true or if and it could be true. We need now to put things in perspective. I must admit that these blog entries did not go as I would have liked. Most read every other word. Some glance and the pictures and move on many never read past the title and some never read past the First grade. Harsh? Well maybe but with more time in grade than most Protestant churches have had pastors I realize that it’s just too easy to be comfortable. So this last post on Job (and It will be the last , [unless God directs otherwise-see everybody answers to an higher authority])

Job has seen himself (unlike many people including Christians) of "small account" against the mighty background of the universe and Divine infinity, and he says "what shall answer thee ?". I lay my hand on my mouth" Job is learning his lesson. He is bowed in confession. But bin reading the first 6 verses of chapter 42 which are the crisis-climax of the whole book are generally misunderstood. Because they attributed to Job instead of being distributed between Job and God. They should be read as follows.

Then Job answered the LORD, and said,

I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

Voice from the whirlwind

Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?

Job

therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak:

Voice of the Whirlwind

I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

Job

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

The main significance of the speech from the whirlwind: Job was not meant to know the explanation of his sufferings; but God was concerned and sympathetic. The Divine purpose was that Job should rest in God Himself. Apart from explanations and that Job should come to the end of his self-ism and find his all in God! When we see this then the book has a wonderful meaning not only for Job but for ourselves as well.

All these things which we clothe ourselves with mentally and spiritually are now gone. Most people don’t see this and while those of us who call on God should see this, that it is all of God some seem to feel that they have arrived. When in fact Gentle Reader they have not left the station yet.

It is when Job (and us also) as a sincere soul in agony of desire really to know God that God will not deny him. God speaks from the storm. When there is nothing left! There is an overpowering sense of the infinite wisdom, power, holiness and goodness of God. In a way Gentle reader, only those who can understand and have experienced sudden Divine enlightenment at conversion or in some never- to- be- forgotten spiritual crisis. It is nowe that Job sees and understands God as He never before, and he cries out,

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

And with this new discovery of God there comes to him, as is inveriably the case , a new knowledge of his own heart. So that he now says,

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Thank God, Gentle Reader , that we have this insight from heaven who spoke to Job that now has found a better vehicle of expression than that long ago whirwind

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" [Hebrews Chapter 1 verse 1-3]

Not everything is or has been revealed to us by a long way and yet enough has been given that faith becomes intelligent despite persisting dark problems. If Job could sat it, then we certainly can with far fuller reason " Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.".

And one last thought for you to take to your heart Gentle reader. The closer you follow God the fewer people will follow you. For the darkness has no place in the Light!

 

 

 

The Last Word!

Almost....

Dear Gentle Reader,

It has been hectic around here recently so you have either read some of my past gems or you have sat around my coffee pot waiting for me to pour some of my special brew with the now famous Irish cream cheese muffins.

But if the truth be told its really all about the adventures of the 2000 year old man and you. Job is our hero and what is the significance of the inclusion of this book of woes and sadness. It’s this second significance and the relationship of your Creator that captures my attention. Although that aerial voice from that cyclone did not provide an explanation. It does evinced that God had been watching, hearing, caring. Job would immediately realize this with a new vividness. What a tumult of emotion and rush of regret that he had allowed Eliphaz and Bildad and Zophar to aggravate him into saying rash things about the unconcern of God! Under the power of that dread voice he now knew in a flash, and without any telling how wrong they had been.

Yet deeper than all else, the speaking of that hitherto silent heaven meant to Job that God felt concern and sympathy! Job and his grief meant enough to God to cause him to speak! Doubtless this is one of the main reasons, why in the ruling and overruling purpose of God, this story of Job was preserved-that men might know through this fact of Divine concern and sympathy.

It is not that God does not care for His own children but that he watches each of us go through the trials which can make us better people and while we may groan over what we are going through it is in the crowning demonstration was given in the cross of our elder brother the Lord Christ Jesus.

There is a third and even deeper significance in this speech from the storm-cloud and it once again arises from the strange seeming absence of any explanation to Job. The Divine purpose is to bring Job to the point when Job comes to the end of himself where he rest in God Himself. Apart from explanation. If only Job can be brought there, where he trust God as being absolutely righteous and benevolent over against all unexplained adversities, then Satan’s slanderous libel (in the prologue) is proved false, and the devil is defeated. Job does get there, as Chapter 42 shows; and we are meant to get there too. Baffling enigmas abound in this life of even the most godly Christians. In the final analysis faith is to trust God himself over against all seeming contradictions and in the absence of all present explanations. This is not Blind faith which has no anchor. We have now a completed Scriptural revelation that throws much light on the human condition, and the Satanic activity behind the evil that we see all around us. It is God who rules and overrules and those who have eyes to see will see one day the evil in this world eradicated. Most wonderful of gentle reader, God has shown us, in Christ, how He himself suffers with us. Each step along life’s journey. We are told in the Book of Hebrews ‘God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"

There are things which God cannot divulge to us at present. It is faith which causes us to cling to those curtains of those impenetrable mysteries. The victory of faith is to rest with full confidence in God Himself.

More to come

When God speaks...

 Listen!

Gentle Reader,

When God speaks, we ought to listen! When we read the book of Job, one is struck almost immediately that God doesn’t take sides- He takes over. Some may be disappointed that at the conclusion of this book and our wrapping up of this mini study that we don’t have clear explanation for the reason that bad things happen to good people! But we need to note that God does not give Job a Divine solution to Job’s problem. Nor do we have a clear cut solution to what is happening to you dear friend. If this were simply a human book with a human author than we would have some answers!

Note that God makes not the slightest move to explain Job’s suffering or for that matter devolve the problem of providence.

Another thing that disappoints us is that instead of argument God gives us a series of interrogations.

"Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" Verses 6-7 Chapter 38 of Job

The divine purpose is to humble Job, but not to mock or to humiliate him ( and there is a wide difference between being humbled and being humiliated).

One cannot but note that references are made in the speech to living creatures.  [Chapter 39 ff] Their peculiar features or habits. These are conferred by the wisdom of and power of God.. By asking these questions God shows the profound ignorance of God’s NATURAL government it shows his utter incapacity to pass judgement on that which is far more incomprehensible and mysterious, God’s MORAL government.

What then Gentle Reader, is the significance if there is no explanation of your affliction, nor an answer to your question, nor even a solution to your suffering- not even a promise that   you or Job will end in renewed prosperity? An unreflective reading of it may easily miss the significance and cause disappointment.

Well, the first significance is that Job was not meant to know the explanation of his sufferings (we were privileged as it were, to look behind the curtains). Had Job been told the real explanation (the slander of Satan and the challenge of Jehovah) . His eyes would have been open wide with astonishment, yet at the same time the whole purpose of the trial would have been nullified. Job’s fortitude would have been artificial. The would have been no real test of Job’s character (not for God’s benefit, for God knows all, but for Job’s). Nor would there have been any place for the genuine exercise and education of faith.

We are meant to learn the lesson that there are some things about human suffering which God cannot possibly explain to us without destroying the very purpose which they are designed to fulfill.

That Gentle Reader is the 1^st significance of this speech from the whirlwind. Selah [ Heb. a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption meaning Think about that till next time] when we will consider the second and another significance the Divine concern in Job’s affairs.

 I am after all Gentle Reader, just one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread!

Denis 

 

 

 

the Great Depression

Will we ever learn?

 

Dear Gentle reader,

When I started this study it was because of the plight of the people in America who most have never had to suffer deprivation of a lifestyle that many have never experienced before. My parents and perhaps yours have seen the "Great Depression" of the 1920-30 where men, women and Children went to bed hungry and lived under bridges and would work for food.

The Great Depression of 1929-33 was the most severe economic crisis of modern times. Millions of people lost their jobs, and many farmers and businesses were bankrupted. Industrialized nations and those supplying primary products (food and raw materials) were all affected in one way or another. In Germany the United States industrial output fell by about 50 per cent, and between 25 and 33 per cent of the industrial labour force was unemployed.

The Depression was eventually to cause a complete turn-around in economic theory and government policy. In the 1920s governments and business people largely believed, as they had since the 19th century, that prosperity resulted from the least possible government intervention in the domestic economy, from open international relations with little trade discrimination, and from currencies that were fixed in value and readily convertible. Few people would continue to believe this in the 1930s.

THE MAIN AREAS OF DEPRESSION

The US economy had experienced rapid economic growth and financial excess in the late 1920s, and initially the economic downturn was seen as simply part of the boom-bust-boom cycle. Unexpectedly, however, output continued to fall for three and a half years, by which time half of the population was in desperate circumstances (map1). It also became clear that there had been serious over-production in agriculture, leading to falling prices and a rising debt among farmers. At the same time there was a major banking crisis, including the "Wall Street Crash" in October 1929. The situation was aggravated by serious policy mistakes of the Federal Reserve Board, which led to a fall in money supply and further contraction of the economy.

So Gentle reader, we find ourselves in somewhat in the same position (although not as bad as Job found Himself Suffering And yet some years before 1726-1516 B. C. We were provided information that today we can use if we’re able in the midst of our discomfort we are able to learn ‘life’s lessons’.

Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,

That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?

Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? Job Chapter 38:19-21

Suddenly the profound but pathetic dialogue is brought to a climax by the interposition of God speaking out of a whirlwind. Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, "Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Verses 1-4. The storm had spread itself across the sky even as Elihu had been speaking and eventually had silenced him. The 5 men are now struck dumb with awe as that voice "like the sound many waters" breaks upon them from the whirling air.

Now think for a moment Gentle reader, if this poem-drama was genuinely historical or only fictional it is at this point it becomes critical. Either it is really God Himself speaking or it is only God impersonatedly and prentendly. If the former, then it is alive with vital significance. If merely the latter, then all we have to do is to admire the imaginative genius of the human composer or else feel anger at his irreverence in thus "pretending to be God!"

This is why I want you to think deeply about the first study about the Book of Job to settle in your mind whether it is really and fully true or a fictional elaboration around some mere nucleus of Fact. For if (the Greek preposition if [and it is true] it is true. Then there is a lesson for not only Job but us all to learn. And what does the voice say to you and me as well as our old friend Job? To be continued....

 Denis

 

 

Out of the Storm

 A  not so still small silent voice!

 

Gentle reader,

Without a doubt this book of Job deserves much more study than I have given it. And well more than you have read. It is said that "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Psalm 12:6 And the Prophet Jeremiah has said " Thy WORDS were FOUND, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the JOY and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah  15:16.

And now what shall we look at just a word or step back and get the big picture? As a dear Saint and friend of mine Harry Myers once said "Help yourself" (meaning there is food [God’s Word] enough for all if you are able to eat )

What then of Elihu’s speech in total and in fine. What we have presented will have substantiated that it moves on a higher level that the preceding speeches. There is ample spiritual grasp and truer spiritual insight. Admittedly, here and there Elihu is somewhat incorrect, as when he says that God is unaffected either by man’s sin or uprightness [ Chapter 35 verses 6,7) " If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?

If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?"

The complete Scripture revelation shows that God’s heart of love is indeed affected. Here and there, also Elihu is inadequate, as when he says that a true response to affection always brings restoration to prosperity. Chapter 33:22-30 " If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness:

Then he 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 shall return to the days of his youth:

He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.

He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;

He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,

To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living."

But Gentle Reader, there are also strikingly true things, as when he charges Job, not with suffering because of sinning (as the other 3 stooges had said), but with sinning because of his suffering. [See Chapters 33;8-11, 34:36,37 and Chapter 35:15,16]

Elihu’s philosophy of suffering certainly does not cove all the ground ; and of course so far as Job was concerned in particular Ehihu was just as ignorant of their real cause [i.e. the slander of Satan and the challenge of Jehovah] as the other speakers in the dialogue.

Yet his view of suffering is undoubtedly are nearer the truth than anything submitted by Eliphaz, Bildad or Zophar; especially is he bordering on a tremendous truth when, at the end of his speech he advocates faith in God Himself is better even than an explanation. It as this point as we shall soon see that Jehovah himself breaks in by a whirlwind voice from a storm which has been gathering over the land toward the end of Ehihu speech.

Yes, Gentle reader, Elihu’s was a great theme. In fact too great for the likes of him. He was not equal to it. A more- than- human voice needed to speak now; and it did speak! In our next and final study in the book of job we shall see, read and hear the last great speaker of all.

Till next time.....

Love,

 Denis,

Remember you are accepted, you are valued, you are loved by God and by me

How to gain understanding...

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

Now faith is the substance [uJpovstasiß Hupostasis (hoop-os'-tas-is); thing put under, substructure, foundation ] of things hoped for, the evidence [e[legcoß Elegchos (el'-eng-khos

1. a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested
2. conviction ) ]of things not seen. (Book of Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 1)

Something new

Part 14

 "The Words  of Scripture are for Children The thoughts are for men" Seed of the Women"     Dr. Arthur Custance

Gentle Reader,

We said that Elihu had First, a new approach,. Second, a new answer. Third a new appeal.

We have looked at the first two now lets consider the third thought:

A New Appeal

The appeal of Elipaz (aka Larry), Bildad (aka Curly) and Zophar (aka Mo) if appeal could be called an appeal finally amounted to, "Own up, and cease being a hypocrite."

"The reason, pastor why I don’t attend any church is because there are too many hypocrites" I have been told so many times to which my standard reply is "There is always room for one more!"

The appeal of Elihu has nothing to do with that sort of attitude. It is an appeal foe a new attitude in Job toward his afflictions. Larry, Curly and Mo had kept harping on some supposed wicked behaviour in the past. Elihu is concerned with a wrong attitude in the present. He does not discuss whether Job has committed grievous sin in the past. He accepts job’s protestation of innocence and while it may very well be that the protestation is genuine enough, Job’s present attitude and his spirit are all wrong. Job’s suffering may not be for past sin at all! His suffering is more than likely a chastening with some ultimately good purpose. But (there’s that but) Job is thwarting his own good by his impossible attitude.

Now then, in line with his philosophy of affliction as being corrective and educational rather than judicial and punitive, Elihu’s appeal is for a teachable humility on Job’s part. This is where Elihu feels that Job has mainly failed. As with others who have not been heard by God because their motive was wrong (Chapter 35 verse 12) " There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men." . So even Job’s requestions and protests earnest though they may have been, have sprung from a wrong motive, namely pride-a pride which has been self-righteously occupied with the vindication of Job himself even to the point of impugning God’s righteousness. God will not hear such "vanity" (Chapter 35 verse 13) "Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it." Job needs to realize his own impotence and ignorance (Chapter 37 verse 14-24)

" Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?

Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?

How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?

Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?

Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.

Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.

And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them.

Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.

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 Gentle Reader, is what most of us who study seriously the word and the Words of the Bible which is called the word of God as is Christ Jesus.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (Gospel of John Chapter 1 verses 1-5 )

This is what we consider discerning or perhaps discernment. Discernment is seeing life through God’s perspective. Which we note "for the record" that Science which takes only evidence which it can see, feel, touch, taste, cannot ever touch God. For Gentle reader if God could be proved then God wouldn’t be would He?

Next time we’ll get just one step closer to explaining for once and for all why bad things happen to good people.

Love,

Denis

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

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

The Second "friend"

Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait for the answer. 

 

Gentle Reader,

We are going through the Book of Job in a mini series to get a handle on "Why Bad things happen to good people" You have the insight based on the first few verses of Chapter 1 that behind it all stands an enemy (Satan ) who has set his cap to destroy Jobs life and his witness (that is the stand he takes for the righteous of God and the Goodness of God. We saw the Larry (Eliphaz) bases all his wisdom on Experience. And Bildad (Curly the second stooge). He does not have the same air of courtesy that Eliphaz had. His first speech perhaps was based on Jobs refusal to acknowledge that he had done anything wrong to bet treated that way. Bildad is a forthright declaimer rather that a reflective reasoned. Unlike Eliphaz who rest his philosophy of life on his own observations and experience, Bildad rest on tradition (now gentle Reader there is nothing intrinsically wrong with tradition. But not at the expense of something that is true in fact. So then we have in Curly -Bildad we have the voice of tradition.

His speeches are simple to understand the first is an appeal, the second is a rebuke the third is an evasion. The first is an appeal and come in three parts an appeal to appearances, (haven’t you run into Curly who say "Well if you had not done this or that you wouldn’t have ended up where you are. "You wouldn’t be homeless if you would just get a job" Makes your eyes bleed doesn’t it Gentle Reader?

According to Bildad Job can not be "pure and upright" note the three "if’s in chapter 8 verses 4,5,6

JOB 8:4 If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression;

JOB 8:5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;

JOB 8:6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

Bildad’s seconed speech contains nothing new found in Chapter 18 of Job and consists of no actual reasoning, but rather proverb -quoting. Verses 1-4 are a rebuke in the form of indignant personal questions

JOB 18:1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

JOB 18:2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.

JOB 18:3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?

JOB 18:4 He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?

Verse 5-21 are a rebuke in the form of traditional moral maxims. His third speech comes in Chapter 25 and only has 6 verses. There are a few sententious couplets and is really an evasion. It completely shirks Job’s preceding challenge. (Chapter 24) as to the fact that is the wicked that more often prosper and not the righteous. Bildad touches on 2 well worn topics again -the all-Holy majesty of God (verse 2,3) and the sinfulness of man (verse 4-6) It’s closing words - "Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight" are merely a truism as applied to Job.; for Job has never claimed to be without sin, but only that his sins has not been such as to account for his trouble.

Hidden in plain site however is a question that we will answer at some point in this mini series {Chapter 25 verse 4" How then can man be justified with God?}

Keep reading Gentle Reader and see if you can locate the key to this book Why bad things happen to good people.

Love, Denis

A Friend is one who you can count on to provide a soft place to land