This is my third post on the book of Job. In the first post we looked at what the book of Job teaches us about God and Satan.
In the second post we looked at some lessons from Job’s friends, who despite having
good intentions and a lot of correct theology still really blow it. In this post
we want to look at some lessons we learn from Job himself during his long
debate with his friends.
The
Rollercoaster
Job is suffering intensely. His response shows that he is on a
type of painful rollercoaster. At times his faith in God soars to great heights,
and at other times he is angry at God and even accuses of God of injustice.
Although I’ve never suffered anything near the terrible combination of disease,
economic catastrophe, and, worst of all, the loss of his children which Job
suffered, like most of you I’ve gone through some tough times. And I can relate
to the rollercoaster. At times I would just be full of “I trust God no matter
what happens” faith. At other times I would be depressed and discouraged.
Sometimes I could go from one to the other in just a few minutes. Have you
experienced something like that?
We can learn from Job’s rollercoaster experience in several ways.
In this post, I want to focus on just four examples of the wisdom and glorious
truths which Job declares at his highpoints. The wisdom that shines through Job
has inspired countless songs, prayers, and ministries. His suffering was
costly, yet it produced much good fruit to God’s glory and for the benefit of
many.
Jewels of
Widsom
1. The Lord
Gives and Takes Away
Job’s initial response to his terrible losses has inspired millions
who have suffered tragedies to continue to trust and worship God:
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved
his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,saying: Naked I came from my
mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD
takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:20-21 CSB17)
One of the many songs inspired by Job’s words is this well-known
praise song:
2. Hope in our Redeemer and His Promise of Resurrection
Sometimes glorious revelation comes from places where we wouldn’t
expect. In the midst of his suffering, covered in ashes and oozing sores,
surrounded by useless comforters, Job makes a prophetic statement of amazing
hope which contains truths which will only be fully understood after Christ
rises from the dead and the New Testament is written. Today, as Christians our
hope is in our Redeemer and in His promise that even after death we will be
resurrected and will see Him and spend eternity with Him. This is the great
hope that keeps us anchored in life’s storms. It has also inspired great songs
old and new. One of the songs from Handel’s Messiah is based on these words from Job:
But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the
end he will stand on the dust.
Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I
will see God in my flesh.
I will see him
myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger. My heart longs within
me. (Job 19:25-27 CSB17)
3. The fear of the Lord is wisdom
One of the foundations of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Job
understands this and explains it well. If Job lived around or before the time
of Abraham, as many believe (and I think this is likely), then he may have been
the first to speak of and explain this important truth:
He said to mankind,
"The fear of the LORD-- that is wisdom. And to turn from evil is
understanding." (Job 28:28 CSB17)
A few chapters later Job gives a long list of temptations which he
has not given into. These include both temptations to outright sin like
adultery, as well as temptations to merely ignore the needs of others, which is
also sin. Job explains why he has not done these evil things:
For disaster from
God terrifies me, and because of his majesty I could not do these things. (Job
31:23 CSB17)
Our world would be far better off if more people kept in mind the
truth that God does punish sin. The punishment is painful. This is not the
only, and perhaps not the highest, motivation for avoiding sin, but it is a
biblical motivation and a vital one. The lack of the fear of God contributes to
much sin in our world today (as I wrote about here).
4. A Covenant with his eyes
Job understood that it was dangerous and sinful for a man to look
at women with lust and coveting. He was committed to controlling his eyes:
I have made a
covenant with my eyes. How then could I look at a young woman? (Job 31:1 CSB17)
In a time when a pornographic flood is pouring into homes and
lives through cell phones, tablets, and computers; when the clothing industry
makes it a real challenge for young ladies to find modest clothing; and when
the world uses sexy images to sell and promote everything; we desperately need
men who will follow Job’s example. May the Lord strengthen us to do so! (Two
posts related to this battle which every man fights are this one on pornography
and this one on TV).
Conclusion
Sometimes God’s wisdom shines the brightest in the dark times. He
often uses those who have suffered most to bring the greatest blessings of hope
and encouragement to others. In the midst of his suffering, God spoke through
Job messages of truth, encouragement, and hope which we need today!
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