King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Tuesday, January 07, 2025
Chapters: Job 8-12
Message: Job: How Is Man Just With God?
Hello My Friend,
[Just; Innocent; blameless; without guilt; righteous; upright; honest;] Did you know that God sees every saved, born again Christian as being just? Yes, those whom have sincerely accepted Christ as their Saviour regardless of their past, present, or future, are just before God simply for one reason alone and that is their faith in Christ, [Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.]
Being just with God does not mean that we are free to live a life of sin and not face any consequences for it and it does not mean that we will never sin again, and it does not mean that we will suffer again if it were even possible to never sin. What it does mean is that we have the promise from God that because we put our sole faith and trust in His Son we can stand before Him blameless, [Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.]
As we continue in the reading of Job, it has been several days since Job’s friends decided to give him a “pep” talk about his situation. He is covered in boils, wrapped up like a mummy, and mourning the loss of his children, not to mention just about everything that he owned. While they should have been positive and encouraging they were just the opposite, these men had Job wishing God would just take him and be done with it. We first learned of Eliphaz who accused his righteousness as being a visage, now Bildad speaks out, basically saying that he is lying to himself.
[Job 8:1-6 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, 2 How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? 3 Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice? 4 If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression; 5 If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; 6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.]
Seriously? Does this man even know what he I talking about? Does this fool actually think that God sleeps? There are three myths about God that the world who thinks they know Him needs to understand. One; God, does not sleep, he may withdraw Himself from those who are living in sin, but is always attentive to their sincere prayers. Two; God, does not cast away His children, no one can lose their salvation once they accept Christ as their Saviour. And three; God, does not guarantee financial prosperity based on how “good” we are. God, does not work that way, prosperity does not always come in the form of financial bliss,
[Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.]
Now, Bildad did have some truth to his words, if we are living in sin, we can expect that God would bring chastening and that repentance would be the best option. However, what he failed to understand is that living righteously does not always keep bad things from happening. Bildad, goes on to suggest that he stop and think about what happened when those before them who forgot God.
[Job 8:8-13 For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: 9 (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) 10 Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart? 11 Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water? 12 Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. 13 So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish:]
Bildad, is suggesting, that if Job really were as perfect, sincere, and upright as he appeared to be then God would not cast him away as He is doing, but help him out of his present situation. At this point, Job does not know how to respond. He actually thought that God was at odds with him, he did not want answers from them, he wanted answers from God as to why He was fighting with him.
[Job 9:1-4,11-15 Then Job answered and said, 2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? 3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. 4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? 11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. 12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? 13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. 14 How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him? 15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.]
Are we going to question God for every bad thing that happens to us? We do need to understand that it is okay to ask God questions, even send our complaints up to Him. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that we can take our complaints to God, and He will answer us, just maybe not in the way and timing we expect, [1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.]
Job, may not have understood why he was going through what he was going through, but he did understand that he only had one judge and that was God. He goes on to say that he is in no way justifying himself, if he did that, then he would only be condemning himself, and would actually be a hypocrite.
[Job 9:18-22,27-28 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness. 19 If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? 20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. 21 Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. 22 This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. 27 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself: 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent.]
Job, knew that he was not perfect, that he sinned like everyone else, but came to realize that good and bad things happen to all, whether they are just or not. So, who were they to question why he was suffering as a just man, he just wanted someone there who knew him and would speak to God on his behalf, [Job 9:32-35 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. 34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me: 35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me.]
We actually do have a days man or middleman who lays His hands upon both God and His believer and that is His Son, Jesus Christ. It is Jesus who stands between us and God speaking on our behalf, [Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.]
Job, felt like he had no one to talk to, he was scared of what was happening to him and is afraid to find out what the answer was. At this point, I imagine Job is looking up to the heavens because he begins speaking out what he would say to God if he had the opportunity to speak to Him one on one.
[Job 10:1-3,7-9 My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me. 3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked? 7 Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand. 8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?]
In other words, Job is saying, “God, You know thew way that I take, You were the one who created me, so why am I suffering?” I do not know how many times I have asked God, “Why did you bring me here or why did you make me this way when you knew this would happen?” only to realize later on that it was the best thing to happen to me. Job, had absolutely no understanding as to what he had done so badly that all this had happened, but something must have happened that God was at odds with him.
[Job 10:11-16 Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. 12 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. 13 And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. 14 If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity. 15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction; 16 For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.]
This reminds me of how precious we really are to God and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him and for Him, [Psalms 139:14-16 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.]
I can recall a time or two when I have gone to God and reminded Him of all the good that I have done, and what I forsook for Him. I was also quick to let Him know that I knew I was a sinner. And then comes the self pity party, which Job goes on to start doing, still wondering why he was born.
[Job 10:18-22 Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! 19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, 21 Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; 22 A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.]
When we do not understand all we can do is trust that God has a purpose behind the pain, [2 Timothy 1:8-9 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,]
The problem often comes when we all have this picture in our heads of what God’s purpose is, but it usually is the complete opposite of what we imagined. Of course, that does not stop people from trying to help us out. Now, we have another one of Job’s friends listening to all this, Zophar, and he no different than the others, he not only calls Job a liar, he goes on to tell him that his punishment is not enough.
[Job 11:1-6 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, 2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? 3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? 4 For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. 5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; 6 And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.]
Zophar, suggests that Job’s sin is worse than they thought because he was attempting to justify himself. Zophar, did not just call Job a liar, he tells him that everything he has ever done was vain, and goes on to give him more unsolicited advice on how he can get right with God and see His blessings again.
[Job 11:13-18 If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; 14 If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. 15 For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: 16 Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: 17 And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. 18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.]
Zophar, needs to understand that we are all getting far less of the suffering than we deserve, but true believers do not justify themselves, they are justified through their faith, regardless of whether or not they were here before or after Christ came here. At this point, Job was beside himself, these men were not more righteous than him, who were they to accuse him.
[Job 12:1-6 And Job answered and said, 2 No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these? 4 I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn. 5 He that is ready to slip with his feet is as a lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease. 6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.]
I can also recall a time or two when I felt so bad about myself that I would go about telling myself that no one would even know or care if I was gone. It was not long after that that God had to tell me to stop being so dramatic and snap out of it, and in a not so subtle way. We do ourselves and God a disservice when we walk around in self pity. As Job is speaking he realizes something, God is in control, he may have no idea what was going on, but he did know that God’s hand was in it.
[Job 12:9-16 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. 11 Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat? 12 With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. 13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. 14 Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. 15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. 16 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.]
Now, the one thing that Job did not realize was that God allowed the affliction to get Him to trust Him, and call out to Him. I imagine if he simply prayed out to God instead of trying to defend himself to Him then he would not have had to suffer as long as he did. We really do suffer more sometimes because instead of going to God as we ought to be, we complain. However, we can find peace through all affliction by keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus, [Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Job 12:16-17 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his. 17 He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.]
Today’s Prayer: God, It is not always easy dealing with situations that bring us suffering, and critical people do not help either. I thank You for always watching over me and protecting me, even when I do not come to You with everything, and I thank You for loving me and not giving up on me. Your hand never lets go of me, You are my only peace and comfort when nothing makes sense. You truly are my friend that sticks closer than a brother. Lord, lead me and guide me, let me live a life that is pleasing to You and be the example so many need to find Your Son. When others criticize and mock me, give me the strength and wisdom to stand my ground and not be ashamed to profess my Jesus to them. I love You and ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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