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: Thursday, January 09, 2025
Chapters: Job 18-21
Message: Job: My Redeemer Lives
Hello My Friend,
As I was reading the chapters for today, I was reminded that hell has always existed, salvation has always been about God’s mercy and grace, and so many people have no clue about God. This passage came to mind, [Acts 3:1-3,6 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.]
The world that believes they know of God, including the religious world, prides itself on their good deeds, getting them to heaven. In fact, this is the time of year where all you see and hear are ads about helping the unfortunate by sending monthly support and they eat it up. However, what they fail to understand is that good deeds or works have nothing to do with getting them to heaven and everything to do with Jesus Christ, [Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.]
Yes, those who are saved tend to mimic the moral works contained within the Law because they know it pleases God, but by far know that it has nothing to do with their salvation. And do not think that those who were here before Christ’s passion were saved according to their works because they will be the first to tell you otherwise, [Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.]
As we continue in the reading of Job, he has been laying there as his friends attempt to get him to come clean about his sin so that God would forgive him and start the healing process while he has done everything he could to get them to understand that what happened to him had nothing to do with sin. This was their second go around, and Bildad speaks out, flat out telling him that he is wicked and trying to justify himself is proving himself to be guilty and he is walking into his own snare because of it.
[Job 18:1-8,21 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, 2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak. 3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight? 4 He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place? 5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. 6 The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him. 7 The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. 8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare. 21 Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.]
In other words, he is asking, “How long shall we continue in this debate?” Just like the others, he was saying that his own words were condemning him. While he did have some merit to what he was saying, his error was that he believed that if you sin you do not know God and must not saved. If that were the case then none of us would be saved because we are all sinners. Even if we are saved and have sin in our lives that does not mean that we do not know God, it does mean that we may suffer, but thankfully we have an advocate who will not cast us away, [1 John 2:1-4 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.]
Keeping God’s commandments is not grievous and in no way is what saves, except one and that is to believe in His Son. Jesus, said it this way, [John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.]
You see, our faith in Christ alone is what saves us, and even before He got here, God’s faithful understood that they would be raised as well. These people were not ignorant to the fact that hell exists and is the place for the wicked, what they were ignorant to was the fact that bad things happen to the best of us, and is not always led by sin. This was the only thing that Job was trying to explain to them, he knew in his heart that whatever he was going through had nothing to do with sin, but God’s hand was definitely on it.
[Job 19:1-8 Then Job answered and said, 2 How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? 3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me. 4 And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself. 5 If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach: 6 Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. 7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment. 8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths.]
In other words, Job, is saying, “I did not get stuck in my own net, God put me in this net, and he is using everyone I know to keep me in it.” Sometimes it does seem like those who are living in sin receive more of God’s mercies than those who are faithful, but then again they also receive more of His chastening as well. I can say that I have been on both sides of the aisle on this and it is much better to be caught in the net that God has us in rather than our own, [1 Peter 3:14-16 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.]
Keep in mind that none of us are without sin so even on a good day a faithful Christian falls short and that is why we need Jesus and repentance every day, but it is not uncommon for people to start falsely accusing us when we attempt to justify ourselves. There is not one faithful Christian that does not go through a time in their lives when is seems that everyone is against them. At this point, Job feels all alone, and that everyone, including his family, are like strangers to him.
[Job 19:13-17,20-21 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. 14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. 15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. 16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. 17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children’s sake of mine own body. 20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. 21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.]
God is our judge, and no one else, if we are guilty of something, then it will be God that we deal with, and if we have erred in some way, then that is on us, and we will deal with it. The holier than thou, religious know it all’s will be ashamed for falsely accusing you, which is why they react they way they do when you defend yourself. One thing we must never forget, we are not alone, Christ is with us. Job, knew that no matter what his friends said about him, He has a Redeemer, and He lives.
[Job 19:23-27 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! 24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.]
If only Job realized that his testimony would be written in the greatest and only living book known to man. Nevertheless, Job, was confident that even though he could not understand why God had him in a net he would see Him one day. This is the confidence of all saved, born again believers, [2 Corinthians 5:8-10 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.]
This sounds like a contradiction, if we are going to stand before Jesus and give an account for the good and bad that we do in our body then how are we saved by grace? Our judgment is not the same as those who are not saved. We are not judged for our salvation as that was paid for, rather what we did in our bodies after we are saved. At this point, Job did not care what they thought about him, and even though he could not see God, he knew that he would stand before Him and live. In reality, all they are doing is making things up because they really did not have an answer, they just assumed the obvious. Now, Zophar lashes out at Job, stating that he is suffering right now because he has been wicked all along.
[Job 20:1-8 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, 2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. 3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer. 4 Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, 5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? 6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; 7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? 8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.]
In other words, he saying, “You got a big head because people swooned over you all these years and now you are suffering because the truth is coming out that you are not as righteous as you appeared.” He goes on to suggest that the reason why God, his family and friends have forsaken him is because they found him out.
[Job 20:12,14,18-20 Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue; 14 Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him. 18 That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein. 19 Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; 20 Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. 23 When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating.]
Restitution is a word that is being thrown around a lot lately, which means, [The act of returning or restoring to a person some thing or right of which he has been unjustly deprived.] In other words, he is saying, “You are reaping what you sow.” then goes on to take it a step further by suggesting that he was born wicked, [Job 20:26-29 All darkness shall be hid in his secret places: a fire not blown shall consume him; it shall go ill with him that is left in his tabernacle. 27 The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him. 28 The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath. 29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.]
In other words he is saying, “You were wicked from birth and all this is appointed to you from God.” There are some people in this world that appear to know more about God than God does, and that somehow He reveals the secret sins of others in an attempt to get them to feel guilt and repent that instant. God, does not work that way, while the Holy Spirit does teach us discernment, each soul is to work out their own salvation with God. [Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.]
Jesus, said this in regards to those who truly are born wicked, [Matthew 7:17-20 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.]
You see, it all begins from the heart then everything else whether it be good or evil deeds stems from that. Sometimes, it seems the longer we walk with Christ the more affliction we face and if we are honest with ourselves we often wonder why some people who live wickedly are blessed while we continue to suffer, even at minor offenses. As Job responds, he too wonders why the wicked prosper.
[Job 21:1-9 But Job answered and said, 2 Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. 3 Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. 4 As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? 5 Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth. 6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. 7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? 8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.]
In other words, Job is saying, “If I have wronged anyone it would have come out by now since I would know it in my conscience, especially after all your accusations of me.” Well, people really are good at trying to provoke us into believing that we somehow caused the pain we are in, then quick to cast judgment if we do not agree with them, but the best thing that we can do about them is just let them keep talking, they will learn how foolish they are, [1 Peter 3:15-17 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.]
Nevertheless, it may seem like the wicked have no troubles and that they are safe from God’s judgment, but that is far from true. Oh, they may prosper for a little while and tell themselves that they do not need God, but when it all comes down to it. As Job starts to think about what he said, he notes that they will learn the hard way just how much they need Him when they discover that He will judge them too.
[Job 21:13-18,22 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. 14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. 15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? 16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me. 17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger. 18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away. 22 Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.]
Right now those who truly are wicked bask in the riches of the world, they care less about God because quite frankly they think they do not need God. Well, it is not God who is blessing them, this is Satan, he will do anything to keep people from turning to Christ, [2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.]
The worldly, the immoral, the politically correct, and the religious, are some of the most wealthiest people in the world yet the most corrupt. They love to falsely accuse us, mock us, and try to stop and destroy our faith, and they care less about God, or the people they claim to be standing up for. They shall indeed have their reward, and Job figured out too that their reward will be their own destruction.
[Job 21:27-34 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. 28 For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked? 29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens, 30 That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. 31 Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done? 32 Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb. 33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him. 34 How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?]
When God promises to give us salvation through our faith in His Son, He promises that He will never leave nor forsake us, but He did not promise that every day would be pain free. And suffering does not mean that we do not know God, or that He is punishing us for some wrong we have done. It is a well known truth that faithful Christians will suffer much tribulation. Jesus, said it this way, [John 15:20-22 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your’s also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.]
There is a song, I Stand Redeemed; “I stand redeemed, by the blood of the Lamb, I stand redeemed before the Great I Am, when He looks at me, He sees the nail scarred hands that bought my liberty. I stand redeemed. Even at my best, I am unworthy, I have nothing precious I can give, a broken life is all I have to offer, and yet, it is a priceless gift to Him.” Even at our best, we could never do enough good to save ourselves from death and hell. Thank God we do not have to because Jesus paid the price for us, and He will save all who come to Him in faith. No matter what we face in this life we can rejoice knowing that since our Redeemer Lives we will also, [Isaiah 51:11 Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Job 19:25-26 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for sending Your Son to redeem me, I know I am not saved by any good that I do of my own, but by my faith and trust alone in what He did for me. Because I am redeemed I know that You are always with me, but sometimes I feel like You are no where to be found. I catch myself trying to handle my troubles on my own instead of asking You for help and I, like Job, start to lose hope that things will change for me. Lord, give me Your power to always see past my troubles and look to You, as I do my part, by faith. For I know my Redeemer lives, and I will see Him in the latter days. I ask this in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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