Job was a poor picker of Friends

 

March 18, 2020

 

Job 20:1-11

 

“Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed.  I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply. “Surely you know how it has been from of old, ever since mankind was placed on the earth, that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment. Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ Like a dream he flies away, no more to be found, banished like a vision of the night.  The eye that saw him will not see him again; his place will look on him no more.  His children must make amends to the poor; his own hands must give back his wealth.  The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie with him in the dust.”

 

These three friends, it is a shame there is not a school one could attend on what a friend is and how to pick a friend.  As I read this over and over, I see three men who believe they are more knowledgeable and wiser than Job.  I also see them listening to each other and saying Job is not taking my counsel, it is your turn to try straightening that boy out.

 

Zophar has unsettling thoughts, so do I about men and women that act like a two-year-old in our Congress of the United States of America, but that’s another subject for another time, shall we stay on the subject matter.  Zophar is upset with Job, he believes Job has not shown him and his three friends the respect they deserve.

 

You and I have witnessed both the wicked, those who believe they are self-made people who have beaten the system and have no need of God or man, they are gone and take not one thing to the grave.  We also watch as did Job’s friends the person who looked to God for directions and worshiped God and loved the things God loves, also go to the grave with nothing

 

It seems to me Job’s three friends were a member of the church of, if you’re sick or bad things have happened to you, you're wicked.  It is this attitude; we three are so tight with God and maybe we can get you out of this mess you are in if you will give up on being so honorable and put your trust in what we have to tell you!  Be very careful of that so, called church, it is from the pit of hell.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

He needed Pity not Judgement

 Job 19:21-29

 

“Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me.   Why do you pursue me as God does?  Will you never get enough of my flesh?  “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead or engraved in rock forever!  I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end, he will stand on the earth.  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes I, and not another  How my heart yearns within me! “If you say, ‘How we will hound him since the root of the trouble lies in him, you should fear the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword, and then you will know that there is judgment.”

 

Can you recall anyone asking you to have pity on them?  I’m sure that many a lawyer has stood before a Judge and ask for mercy for his client, but I cannot imagine a man who is upright like Job having to do so.  

 

Job was not Hebrew, for he apparently lived long before there was a Jewish people.  So like Abram who became Abraham, Job believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.  Now Job wonders if his three friends are pursuing him as God is doing?

 

Job longs for there to be a record of all that is going on in his life, and I have no doubt that God said that is precisely what I’m planning on doing.  See the story of Job was much bigger than Job understood, for thousands and millions of people have read and learned this message, not about Job so much but about the endless battle of good and evil.  Do you recall these words from Jesus, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10  Do not be deceived that was the devil's plan for Job and it is the same plan he is asking God to allow him to do to you.  Now the bad news, but for all that are in Christ and He in them, the old thief has to come to Christ before He can get to you.  Do you recall these words in John 17: 20-21, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”  The devil, to get at a follower of Christ, must go through the Father and the Son, before he has access to you, now that is security!

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice 

Depression

 

 

Job 19: 7-12

 

“I cry out: “Violence!” but get no response; I call for help, but there is no justice.  He has blocked my way so that I cannot pass through; He has veiled my paths with darkness.  He has stripped me of my honor and removed the crown from my head.  He tears me down on every side so that I am ruined.  He uproots my hope like a tree.   His anger burns against me, and He regards me as one of His enemies. His troops advance together; they construct a ramp against me and camp around my tent.”

 

I’ve never had much depression, not sure I would know it if I did experience it, as I’ve stated often, God has blessed my family not with wealth, no something wealth cannot buy and that is good health.  I have seen the effects of depression on people and often they have lost all hope.  One might say Job is at that point, but worst he believes God is bringing this on him and he is in a very dark place.  He is not hoping that tomorrow will be better, he is looking at death as his next experience.

 

Job 19: 13-20

 

 

“He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me.  My relatives stop coming by, and my close friends have forgotten me.  My house guests^[ and female servants regard me as a stranger; I am a foreigner in their sight. I call for my servant, but he does not answer, even if I beg him with my own mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife, and my own family^[f] finds me repulsive.   Even young boys scorn me.  When I stand up, they mock me.  All of my best friends despise me,
and those I love have turned against me.  My skin and my flesh cling to my bones;
I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.”

 

One should not be able to read this without feeling some emotions, but stop and recall God’s words to the devil, Have you seen my servant Job, there is none like him in the whole earth, a man of integrity.  Job is not sinless and he never claims to be, but his trust in God and desire to please him was not unnoticed by God or the devil.  Now God has removed His protective hand from Job but will not allow the devil to kill him.  So that old serpent first kills his pride and joy, his children and still Job is faithful, do you recall Satan asking for the right to attack his health, and he has been reduced to a person that has no authority in his own household.  His best friend has abandoned him, and his wife does not want him near her.  He lost so much weight his three friends were not sure it was Job.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

 

Why are you doing this?

 

Job 19:1-6

 

“How long will you torment my soul, And break me in pieces with words?  These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me.
And if indeed I have erred, My error remains with me.  If indeed exalt yourselves against me, And plead my disgrace against me, Know then that God has wronged me, And has surrounded me with His net.”

 

I cannot conceive a friend attacking me while I’m in both an emotional loss and physical pain that Job finds himself in.  Bildad, the so-called friend has not listened to what Job is saying, like so many of us he only thinks about the reply.  I did not know where Job came up with the ten times, but my Study Bible tells me it is a number for totality.

 

Job’s talking from his heart, your words torment my soul, and do only harm, why are you doing this?  Could it be Job’s friends who have no real understanding of God's love and mercy?  Could their thoughts and opinions about God, not be based on Scripture but on what some person has told them?  

 

Job has yet to say he has no sin, but he cannot think of a time when he has willfully sinned against God.  In fact, he shares that if he has and he is almost sure he has sinned unintentionally, then please share with him how and when. 

 

Job has no doubt in his mind that any unintentional sin does not justify the pain and sorrow he has endured.  He was hoping when his friends came that they would-be comforters, he never thought of them as his accusers.  His friend Bildad had stated that wicked men get caught in their own schemes and Jobs come back was that it was God who set the trap unjustly against him.  Both men are wrong, for God allowed it but it was the devil that set the traps.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

Bildad the Accuser

Job 18: 8 -10

 

“For his own feet lead him into a net, and he strays into its mesh.   A trap catches him by the heel; a noose seizes him.   A rope lies hidden for him on the ground, and a snare waits for him along the path.   

 

Bildad, the encourager would not be his name, but Bildad the accuser might be a great way to depict him.  Six times he uses a different word for the trap, that would ensnare a wicked person.  Does Bildad believe that Job is wicked?  It seems clear as we keep reading that is his judgment.

 

Job 18: 11-13

 

“Terrors frighten him on every side and harass him at every step. His strength is depleted; disaster lies ready for him to stumble.  Parts of his skin are eaten away; death’s firstborn consumes his limbs.”  

 

Bildad seems to be void of mercy or even care for his friend Job, for that’s what happens to a wicked man, not a man of high moral character as Bildad and his two buddies.  Not only does he see the physical condition of Job, but he also tells him that his death will be the worst pain and suffering, that is what the wicked can expect.

 

Job 18: 14-19

 

“He is ripped from the security of his tent and marched away to the king of terrors.  Nothing he owned remains in his tent.  Burning sulfur is scattered over his home. His roots below dry up, and his branches above wither away.  All memory of him perishes from the earth; he has no name anywhere.   He is driven from light to darkness and chased from the inhabited world.  He has no children or descendants among his people,
no survivor where he used to live.”

 

Could Bildad be referring to anyone but Job?

 

 

 

 

 

Job 18:20-21

 

“Those in the west are appalled at his fate, while those in the east tremble in horror.  Indeed, such is the dwelling of the unjust man, and this is the place of the one who does not know God.”

 

It seems that foolishly Bildad believes he can see into the heart of Job, to make such a statement, of the one who does not know God.”  Watch out for men like this.

 

From the Back Porch, 

Bob Rice

 

-- 

 

The Contrast of Darkness & Light

 Job 18:1-4

 

“Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:  How long until you stop talking?  Show some sense, and then we can talk. Why are we regarded as cattle, as stupid in your sight?   You who tear yourself in anger—should the earth be abandoned on your account,
or a rock be removed from its place?”

 

Once more we have Bildad addressing Job, allow me to be a little sarcastic about Bildad's reply back to Job.  Once more, let me state this is the way his words come across to me.  Job takes a breath, you are long-winded, please stop talking.  Don’t you understand I came a long way to get you out of this mess, you have to be quiet and listen to me?  How about a little respect, why are you acting as if we are some kind of animal with no intelligence?  Then Bildad tries to explain that God is not angry at you, but you will not acknowledge your sins.  You’re like a man who wants God to jump when you ask him to.  He implies Job was like one that wants God to move a rock for him.

 

“Yes, the light of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow.  The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him is put out.”

 

As we move into verses five and six we see the contrast of how darkness and light were used.  When you put out the candle in your tent it went from light to darkness quickly, but that is an example of what happens not what is meant by darkness, it was the wicked, and light represents the blessing of God.  Darkness also indicates sinful life or the ignorance of God, whereas light symbolized truth and knowledge of God. 

 

“His powerful stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up.”  Once more this is my takeaway, an upright man has no problem walking but the schemer stumbles often.  It seems like Bildad is telling Job, have you noticed how often you are falling down, your tripping on your on evil schemes?

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

 

A need for Hope

 

Job 17:1-16

 

“My spirit is broken.  My days are extinguished.  A graveyard awaits me.  Surely mockers surround me and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion.  Make arrangements! Put up security for me.  Who else will be my sponsor?   You have closed their minds to understanding, therefore You will not honor them.   If a man informs on his friends for a price, the eyes of his children will fail.  He has made me an object of scorn to the people; I have become a man people spit at.   My eyes have grown dim from grief,
and my whole body has become but a shadow.  The upright are appalled at this, and the innocent are roused against the godless.  Yet the righteous person will hold to his way, and the one whose hands are clean will grow stronger. But come back and try again, all of you.   I will not find a wise man among you.  My days have slipped by; my plans have been ruined, even the things dear to my heart.  They turned night into day and made light seem near in the face of darkness.  If I await Sheol as my home, spread out my bed in darkness,  and say to corruption: You are my father, and to the maggot: My mother or my sister, where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?  Will it go down to the gates of Sheol, or will we descend together to the dust?”

 

If you want to define what hopeless read Job’s words in chapter 17, with this very important exception; Job was still putting his hope in a Holy God.  Could it be that when all our dreams for our children end as Job’s did, it is easy to forget that a loving God who has all power allows it to happen?  It is beyond our ability to have an understanding of such a thing.  I wonder if Job knew what was taking place in heaven would it have made things easier; one will never know this side of heaven? 

 

My prayer is that you and I are led by the Spirit that lives in us to not Judge, for God has made that plain; Judge not so you will not be Judged.  Show mercy, show compassion, do not be led by your emotions, but led by the Spirit of God.  It seems Job understood that his friends could not understand the issues of such great loss.  Job believes that unless his case was settled, God would not be honored.

 

I’ve read in HCSB that Job is quoting an ancient proverb that a person who is paid to inform on a friend puts his children at risk.  Job believes his friends are seeking the favor of God by being a witness against Job and at the risk of bringing harm to their children.

 

I will not forget a day at the airport as Jan and I saw a fallen leader who had led a large company as its CEO was in line getting ready to go somewhere on Southwest Airlines.  As the leader of that very large company, he had a fleet of planes at his disposal and now he and his company were under investigation by the FBI.  I turned to Jan and said in a voice not of love, not compassion look there ______ and he is finding out how it is for us common folks.  The word was no more than out of my mouth when the Holy Spirit made it clear that was wrong.  I did not know the man, he did not know me, but I judged him, on emotion, not fact, not the truth, I came to the belief he was not guilty of what the FBI was saying, but guilty of not doing his job well.

 

In verse ten, Job is challenging his friends and anyone else to bring an argument against him in that the more they speak shows them to be unwise men.  I can only imagine Job’s plans and hopes are gone his dreams have come to an end.  Most of us have experienced our plans not working out, but very few of us can imagine Job’s troubles.

 

Job, now believes death is his future, that the grave is his resting place that the maggots are feeding on him or his mother or sister.  But God, my two favorite words; But God, had good plans for Job, we will see that later, and I hope you realize that the Father understands your every need, and He is a good Father who has good plans for you.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

Life on Planet Earth is short

 Job 16:15-22

 

“I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my strength in the dust.  My face has grown red with weeping, and darkness covers my eyes,  although my hands are free from violence and my prayer is pure.  Earth do not cover my blood; may my cry for help find no resting place.  Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is in the heights!   My friends scoff at me as I weep before God.  I wish that someone might arbitrate between a man and God just as a man pleads for his friend.  For only a few years will pass before I go the way of no return.”

 

The putting on of sackcloth was a way of humbling yourself before God and Job did so while being in great sorrow over the death of his children and the evil that had come upon his family and wealth.  He has cried so much that his face was red, and his eyes swollen so much that he could not see clearly, and he had determined his life would soon be over.  If we could put ourselves in Job’s sandals and we can’t for more than one reason, and you and I should be very thankful that we can’t.  Would you not wonder as Job why has this fallen on me, would you not say as Job, I’ve been pure before man and God?

 

Though Job’s mouth has spoken words that were out of place about God in this time of great sorrow and pain, he knows that if he stood before God his integrity would be his defense and who would be his advocate, was it not God alone that Job put his trust and hope, not in his three friends.

 

In the final verse of this chapter, it’s clear that Job understands that all life on planet earth is short and that at best his are short at this time of life and then death, and man does not return from that.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

 

A Grumbleing Job

 

Job 16:7-14

 

“Even if I speak, my suffering is not relieved, and if I hold back, what have I lost?  Surely He^[ has now exhausted me.  You have devastated my entire family.  You have shriveled me up—it has become a witness; My frailty rises up against me and testifies to my face.  His anger tears at me, and He harasses me.  He gnashes His teeth at me.  My enemy pierces me with His eyes. They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join themselves together against me.  God hands me over to unjust men; He throws me into the hands of the wicked. I was at ease, but He shattered me; He seized me by the scruff of the neck and smashed me to pieces.  He set me up as His target; His archers surround me.  He pierces my kidneys without mercy and pours my bile on the ground.  He breaks through my defenses again and again; He charges at me like a warrior.”

 

Job has come to this conclusion, whether he complains or keeps quiet his suffering is the same, so why not grumble?  He is going to speak about his suffering and hope that God takes mercy on him.  It seems Job is switching from third to the second person, my study Bible states that’s not uncommon in Hebrew poetry.  For those, who like me learned very little from my English teacher, let me share this definition of the first, second, and third person. “If the first person is someone telling you his or her story, and the second person is you being told how you should do something, then a third person is more like a camera recording events. That's not to say it's necessarily an objective point of view.  A third-person narrator can be highly subjective.”

 

In verses 7-8, it seems as if Job has moved from the third person to the second person.  It seems to me that Job is telling his 3 buddies that he is defenseless against what God has allowed to take place in his life, and in his family.  Job wonders, has God become my enemy, does he not see my pain?  

 

What happens when a man of integrity fails in business, do we not see those who despised him come out of the woodwork?  Job also is encountering such men.  It is hard for anyone to be mocked, and especially a man who has great power and wealth as Job.  That is what is happening, those who always had contempt for Job are now being bold in words and actions.  When our Vice President said he needed to pray and seek God’s direction on the Coronavirus, those evil ones in both the democrat party and the press mocked him, that is a great example of what was taking place in Job’s life.  Job expresses to his so-called friends that God had given him up to the unjust and the wicked.

 

Job tells his friends that God is like a leader that sends a vast army against him and they have shot their arrows and his vital organ has been hit.  He compares himself to a city under siege.  Job who has lost his children, his wealth, and his dignity does not understand what is taking place in heaven and God’s protection of his life.  When we allow feelings and human logic to rule in our lives it’s easy to lose focus on how much we are loved by God, and that Satan has no authority over a child of God unless the Lord allows him to sift us like wheat.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

 

Miserable Comforters

 

Job 16:1-5

 

 

“Then Job answered: I have heard many things like these. You are all miserable comforters.  Is there no end to your empty words?  What provokes you that you testifying?  If you were in my place I could also talk like you.  I could string words together against you and shake my head at you.  Instead, I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation from my lips would bring relief.” 

 

My pastor often tells the staff that the most important part of the ministry is just showing up, if you are to speak the Lord will tell you what to say.  I’ve witnessed people saying some of the dumbest things to a family that has suffered loss or in great sorrow.  These three did so well they showed up, and for seven days they were quiet, great job, but after Job spoke all this changed.  I agree with Job they are miserable comforters.  

 

Job asked a question that should be asked of all of us: “Is there no end  to your empty words?”  I am guilty of not giving thought to my words, and in Proverbs 10:19, we are told the following; “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”   I’m asking the Lord to change me into a wise man who does not try to entertain or even speak without giving thought to my words.  To be careful and discreet with the words that come from my mouth.  I do not ask you to pray for me often, but I do hope you will remember me in this area of my life.

 

Job’s so-called friends were mocking and showing contempt for a man they once were honored to say they were his friends by the shaking of the head.  Friends do not do that, and a follower of Christ being led by the Spirit of God will never do so.   We see that in Galatians 5:22,23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”

 

Job is stating that it takes no wisdom to do what you are doing, but if I were in your place and you were in mine, I would do this: “Instead, I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation from my lips would bring relief.”  That’s what love does, and God is Love.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice

 

Be on Your Guard for the Person who has all the Answer

 

Job 15:17-35

 

Today, as I read this Scripture many thoughts fill my very small thinker, first and foremost be very careful of the person who has all the answers.  Often they are full of themselves or very insecure.  We can bet the farm on this absolute that God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  In fact, it matters not how gifted or intelligent a person is, how much book learning, no one that is created thinks at the level of God, He has made that clear that His ways are higher than ours and His thoughts or higher than ours.  With that stated, let’s examine some parts of Eliphaz's long-winded proclamation to Job.

 

“I will show you; hear me, and what I have seen I will declare (what wise men have told,
 without hiding it from their fathers, to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them). The wicked man writhes in pain all his days, through all the years that are laid up for the ruthless.  Dreadful sounds are in his ears; in prosperity, the destroyer will come upon him.” (Job 15:17-21)

 

First, it seems to me that’s not the way to address a man, woman, or child.  I’ve been guilty of doing so to my daughter when she was not paying attention to my desires for her when she was young.  Often Eliphaz comes across as one arrogant all-knowing man who seems to be acting as a spokesman for God.  It is stated in my study Bible that he is relying on traditional wisdom and experience.  I do believe Eliphaz had a box he designed to keep God in, and it is based on traditional wisdom, what he learned in his experience, and from those, he looked up to.  It seems at one time Job was one that he admired, and you and I must be careful of doing so to the point of seeing them as infallible.  Often we are not kind to our fallen heroes, those that disappoint us!

 

The English Standard Study Bible titles this chapter in this way, “Eliphaz accuses: Job does not fear God” and by stating such he is declaring Job a fool, who has no understanding of the ways of God.  He put Job in the mix of the wicked and states Job had no right to what God had blessed him with, that his home was excessive, and not only that he was wicked, God was bringing judgment on him.  That’s a Bob interpretation, not anything I read, so be very careful using it as a teaching.  It seems to me that Eliphaz was jealous of Job’s wealth, in the good times he had enjoyed telling people that he and Job were tight, but now all that has changed.  

 

One would be wise to take heart to the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-3, “Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure, you use it will be measured to you.  Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” 

 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

A desire to be heard - To make a Statement - Not asking Questions

 

Job 15:1-6

 

 “Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:  “Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?  Should he argue in unprofitable talk, or in words with which he can do no good?  But you are doing away with the fear of God^[ and hindering meditation before God.  For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the tongue of the crafty.  Your own mouth condemns you, and not I; your own lips testify against you.”

 

When someone asks a rhetorical question, they are not looking for a reply and in this case, Eliphaz questions were asked in order to create a dramatic effect and to make a point rather than to get an answer.  Eliphaz is implying that Job is full of hot wind, that his defense was empty and self-serving.  He is suggesting that Job does not fear God and such a person cannot have wisdom.

 

This so-called friend has been insulted that Job did not take the counsel of his three friends, and his only conclusion is that Job is guilty of many sins and is doing his best to cover up his miss deeds.

 

Job 15:7-16

 

“Are you the first man who was born?  Or were you brought forth before the hills?
Have you listened in the council of God?  And do you limit wisdom to yourself?  What do you know that we do not know?  What do you understand that is not clear to us?
Both the gray-haired and the aged are among us, older than your father. Are the comforts of God too small for you, or the word that deals gently with you?  Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash, that you turn your spirit against God and bring such words out of your mouth? What is man, that he can be pure?  Or he who is born of a woman, that he can be righteous?  Behold, God puts no trust in his holy ones, and the heavens are not pure in his sight; how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks injustice like water!”

 

It may be that Eliphaz is being sarcastic, once more asking questions that he does not expect to be answered.  What I believe is Eliphaz is very prideful and arrogant and came with no knowledge or understanding but may have already made a judgment before he even saw Job sitting in the ashes.  He is implying that if Job’s father was there he would also condemn his actions.

 

He has claimed that Job's own words have shown his anger against God and then Eliphaz tells Job if angels are not trustworthy how much less a man.

 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

 

September 9, 2020

 

Ecclesiastic 5:8-9

 

The Vanity of Wealth and Honor

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.  But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields. 

On December 15, 1791, the Congress of  The United States of America added amendments to the Constitution, they are titled the “Bill of Rights.  There were 10 amendments, at that time, and today I’m only addressing the 1st and 2nd amendment.

Amendment I “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of  religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The Constitution and those 10 Bill of Rights have been the foundation of our Nation that has been used by God to bless many Nations and defeat evil governments, such as Germany under Adolf Hitler, and set free the nations grabbed by Soviet Russia after WWII.

Solomon hit the nail on the head in his assessment of government, and that is why we have the Second Amendment.  “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

In 2020, we have seen the mayors, governors and some in Congress both state and federal want to do and doing in regard to the freedom to Worship as Solomon has stated.  Nowhere in our Constitution does it give any government leader the right to stop worship in public or private homes for any reason, yet those haters of good and God, have done so.

Now we have a political party that has stated they will ignore the Second Amendment and take away our rights to own guns, just like Hitler and Russia and other governments have done.

But we have weapons that are more powerful than guns, they are offensive weapons, and they are the Word of God, and Prayer, it is time to choose whom you will serve Government or God?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

 

When Hope is gone

 Job:16-22

 

“For then you would number my steps; you would not keep watch over my sin;  my transgression would be sealed up in a bag, and you would cover over my iniquity.”

 

“But the mountain falls and crumbles away,  and the rock is removed from its place;
 the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so, you destroy the hope of man.  You prevail forever against him, and he passes; you change his countenance and send him away.  His sons come to honor, and he does not know it; they are brought low, and he perceives it not.  He feels only the pain of his own body, and he mourns only for himself.”

 

 

In verses 16 and 17, let's sum up what Job is asking of God, forgiveness, and grace; this side of the Cross it is something a follower of Christ often takes for granted.  Job was a very wise man in regard to his observation of nature in verses 18-19, but very ignorant in regard to God’s love.  When a man like Job walks in integrity before God and man as God as so stated, they are pleasing to God.  Job had no understanding of the affairs taking place in heaven!  You may be thinking, it did not work for Job, but it did, you just have not finished the story of Job.  Now at that moment, it looks as if this statement in verse 19 is true in Job’s life; “you destroy the hope of man.” 

 

 It is important to state that anytime you or I as followers of Christ ignore our Father's commandments He will not allow us to do so long term, and if you do not experience discipline then Scripture states you are not a member of His family.  Look at Hebrews 12:4-6,  ^“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son?  It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and everyone he accepts as his son.”

 

In my short life on planet earth, I’ve discovered there is more I’m ignorant about than I know and understand.  I’m learning to judge not the thoughts and words coming from a person in pain and depression.  In Job’s state of depression, he saw God as oppressive, not as merciful and good.  He had lost all hope of any good that might come to him and only looked to a painful future.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

 

Job's Hope

 Job 14:7-17

 

“For there is hope for a tree if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease. Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stump dies in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put out branches like a young plant.  But a man dies and is laid low; man breathes his last, and where is he?  As waters fail from a lake and a river wastes away and dries up, so a man lies down and rises not again; till the heavens are no more he will not awake or be roused out of his sleep.
Oh, that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would conceal me until your wrath be past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!  If a man dies, shall he live again?  All the days of my service I would wait, till my renewal^[b] should come.  You would call, and I would answer you; you would long for the work of your hands.  For then you would number my steps; you would not keep watch over my sin;  my transgression would be sealed up in a bag, and you would cover over my iniquity.”

 

We need to be aware to whom Job is addressing, his Creator, and his God, and with that reminder shall we explore these eleven verses.  Being a person who likes to grow plants and trees, Job’s analogy of the tree being cut down and its stump dies and begins to deteriorate, and yet though the stump is almost gone if it gets the water its roots bring twigs like a sapling.  Job wants his Creator to know that he has an understanding of mankind and their time on earth is like a mist, here one day and gone the next. They are not coming back for a second chance.  It seems as if Job has no hope of eternal life, but in the next verse, he has a hope that death may not end for mankind.  

 

In verse 14 thru 17, Job begins with this question to God; “If a man dies, shall he live again?”  Job wonders could I rise from the grave, could I have fellowship with God?  We must recall that Job is on the other side of the cross and is looking forward to a Messiah that would take his case before a Holy God.  In that, you and I are this side of the cross and have had Jesus take our place we find rest in these words of Jesus. In John 14:1-3, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice 

Consumed by the Past and the Future

 Job 14:1-6

 

“Man, who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.  He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.  And do you open your eyes on such a one and bring me into judgment with you?  Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?  There is not one. Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass, look away from him and leave him alone, that he may enjoy, like a hired hand, his day.”

As a person who made a living in sales, it was imperative to know whom I was addressing, for my message to the warehouse or counter person was very different from the manager or owner.  Who is Job addressing, is it not his Creator, and how important is it when the created talks to their Creator?  I am fearful that often we the Church of the Living God enter into those conversations in the same way I talked with the person stocking the warehouse.  I have heard men in leadership say let us have a quick word of prayer as if to say let’s get this out of the way so we can do the important thing.  What a dangerous and foolish thing to say.

 

I believe Job gave a lot of thought to his words, for he had a fear of addressing a Holy God.  Now we are on this side of the Cross and Jesus has made it crystal clear that in this world we will have trouble.  The wonderful news is Jesus also told us He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  But Job before the Cross has insight into that truth.  

 

I visited my employer of over 40 years, and I’ve been gone only 13 years and only a handful of people knew who I was, yes we show up like a flower and soon wither, Job said like a shadow.  In verse four Job wonders why God would waste His time with mankind in that we are here today and gone tomorrow.  Why bring him to judgment, Job never claimed he was without sin, no his question was why am I in this mess?  Job had no clue what was taking place in heaven, but it would be rare for you or me to not know the why.  Blaise Pascal lived in the 1600s and gave us many insights, this is one of them; “Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.”

 

Job understood that God has set a date for life on earth to end, and that is an absolute, but then eternity, and that is why one must seek Jesus in this life so that eternity is with God.

 

Let us end today with this quote from Blaise Pascal, “If we examine our thoughts, we shall find them always occupied with the past and the future.”  The past is history, and yes we can learn from it.  The future has not been promised and we have little control over it.  Wise people will put their hope in Christ and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit.

 

 

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice

Job's request for a time of Silence

 Job 13:13-28

 

“Let me have silence, and I will speak, and let come on me what may.  Why should I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? Though he slays me, I will hope in him;  yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.  Keep listening to my words, and let my declaration be in your ears.  Behold, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be in the right.  Who is there who will contend with me?  For then I would be silent and die.  Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from your face: withdraw your hand far from me and let not dread of you terrify me.  Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me.  How many are my iniquities and my sins?  Make me know my transgression and my sin.  Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy?
Will you frighten a driven leaf and pursue dry chaff?  For you write bitter things against me and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth.  You put my feet in the stocks and watch all my paths; you set a limit for the soles of my feet.  Man wastes away like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.”

 

Many a person has pulled a con on another person, but God cannot be conned, and Job is asking for a time of quiet from his so-called friends.  I have had a few friends at any time in my life.  So that you understand my definition of a friend: “it is someone I can call at 3:00 in the morning, and they will answer the phone and listen to what I’m saying.  They will give me counsel and I will listen because I’m aware they have my best interest at heart.”  What they will not do is attack my person, and I have faith that they will be there for me, Job’s so-called friends were there, but they became his prosecutors and judges and showed little mercy or respect for his loss.

 

Job told them that he understands he is in a very dangerous place asking for a one on one with God.  He was willing to risk his life because he is confident of his integrity and uprightness, so he is asking God to allow him to defend himself.  Job states, “Even if He kills me, I will hope in Him.”  A mere man who is not upright cannot say, nor will he put it on the line, especially at the cost of his life.  In verse 16, Job is declaring that if God allows him to come into His presence that will be proof of his uprightness.  But Job also knew that God had to allow it and that’s why he asked God to remove His hand from him.

 

Often, in times of trials, we feel as if God cannot be found, but that is a lie from the pit of hell, we are told in Act 7:27, “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”  Never forget you are on this side of the Cross, and the Spirit of God lives in you if you pass the test. (2Corinthians 13:5)  Job longed for the fellowship he had with God; many a follower of Christ has let the world and its desires steal the joy and peace that is ours as God has promised.

 

Aren’t you glad, that when you entered into Christ and He entered into you,  His blood cleans all your sins from birth till death, all one has to do is confess?  Job is asking God not to hold him guilty for the sins of his youth.  This side of the cross, we who have Christ living in us are righteous because of the blood Jesus shed on the Cross for our sins.

 

From the Back Porch,

 

Bob Rice