What God never told Job

The book of Job is, without question, one of the most interesting and enlightening books in the Bible.  It is, essentially, a handbook on trials and suffering.  It gives both the background information on what happens when we are tempted and tried, and shows how to and how not to respond as both the tested and the friend of the tested.  And, with the obvious exception of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, there is no other person in the Bible that provides a better character study on faith, struggles, temptations, etc., etc. than Job.  As one commentator put it, the book of Job does the best job of describing the Devil as the “accuser of the brethren”.  So, naturally, if you want to learn a few things about how to survive a fiery trial, Job is the first place to go.

Many things could be mentioned at this point, such as: the devil can’t do anything to you until he gets permission from God, God will not allow you to be tempted more than you can stand, you won’t ever, at any point in your life, know everything about your trial, and, if you are going through a trial, you might not want to tell your friends about it.  But, what interests me most is not what Job said, or what his friends said.  What interests me most about the story of Job was what was not said.  It contains one of the most dramatic and intense rebukes from God ever recorded.  In His rebuke to Job, God Almighty severely chastises Job for accusing Him of unfairness.  He corrects his ignorance of God’s loving care in the midst of our trials.  He asks Job in a most eloquent way to tell where he was when the earth was created and to describe the ways it is held together.  But, the reasons for Job’s trial are not ever mentioned.  They are not even alluded to.  God does not indicate in any way that He ever planned on telling Job why he was tested in such a way.  In fact at the end of the book, Job still has no idea why he went through that trial.  The message seems to be, “I am God, you are not.  I do what I want and I tell you what I want.  The fact that you don’t understand everything does not stop me from expecting you to have faith and trust in me.  I expect you to worship me in the good and in the bad.  And, asking why isn’t going to get you ANYWHERE.”

So, since “Why me” is always the question of the hour, it might behoove us to change course in the midst of our trials.  Look at past experience.  How many people do you know that have been through trials?  Many, no doubt.  How many of those know the reasons why they went through their trial?  Very few, no doubt.  So how do we respond?  The only way I know how to respond is to learn from the man himself, Job.  Don’t be quick to accuse a sovereign God of unfairness.  Don’t let your friends (or family) sway your emotions.  Worship God, even when you are hurting.  And, repeat these words as often as you need to: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him..”(Job 13:15), and “he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”(Job 23:10).

Spiritual Authority

My wife works at the cash office of Ross Clothing in downtown Seattle.  Her job requires her to count thousands of dollars and then take a deposit to the bank that has so much money, a policeman walks with her for protection.  One day she came home telling me this story:  She was on her way to the bank with her deposit, the experienced police officer walking  beside her.  There was a young man standing on the sidewalk they were walking down.  She said the policeman must have recognized him, or at least his type, because he just stopped and stared at the young man for a minute.  Sheree said she thought he must have been some sort of troublemaker, because the policeman looked right at the young man and said loudly, “Leave!”  The young man just stared for a few seconds.  When he didn’t move, the officer repeated louder, “I SAID LEAVE!”  With that, the young man turned and ran away never to be seen again.  Immediately, we both recognized the spiritual implications of this story.  You see, the picture painted with this incredible story was clearly Authority.  The police officer didn’t have to call for backup.  He didn’t have to pull his gun.  He didn’t have to flex his muscles, show off his badge, or tell how strong he was.  Everyone on the street recognized him as a man of authority.  What made the young man run away at the command of one word was the fact that he knew this man has power, strength, and the entire Seattle Police Force at his disposal, if necessary.  The officer knew he could walk with calm assurance and know that he has more than enough ability, and more than enough authority to do what needs to be done.  My wife’s boss asked the policeman what he would do in the event of trouble.  His response was, “Whatever it takes.”  My wife says it’s amazing how polite people are as they walk down the street together.  Everyone smiles and gives them a wide berth.  At first, Sheree said she was nervous knowing she would have to walk to the bank with so much money.  But now, she says she is totally calm knowing nothing is ever going to happen to her as long as her Authority stays with her.

I think you are getting the picture by now.  When the seventy came to Jesus from their preaching the gospel of the kingdom, they rejoiced that the devils were subject unto them through the name of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:18-19).   We have authority through the name of Jesus.  We don’t have to flex our muscles, brag about our pedigree, or give our list of accomplishments in order to see God do great things through us.  We simply have to pray or speak it in faith in the name of the Lord Jesus, and it shall be done.  He wants to see us victorious over all the enemy’s devices.  And, this will happen when God’s people starting exercising Spiritual Authority in their prayer lives and in their walk with God.

A Pastor friend of mine was telling me about an experience he had.  He said he was sitting in his car by the water relaxing and trying not to let his troubles get to him.  All of a sudden, a car came screeching to a halt right beside him with a man in the driver’s seat.  Immediately afterwards, several police vehicles surrounded both vehicles and police officers jumped out of their cars with their guns drawn at the man in the car.  My friend said he was completely surrounded and couldn’t get out if he wanted to.  He even went on to say that one of the police cars was merely inches away from the back of his car.  It was at this moment that God spoke to him and said, “When your problems are close to you, remember, my Authority is always closer.”  Wow!  What a revelation!

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1a).  “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”  (Romans 8:35, 37).

Walk in Jesus, pray in faith, and exercise the Spiritual Authority God has given you.

There is no “if” in Job 23:10

The subject of suffering seems to come and go.  But, it never really goes away.  It is, of course, directly affected by life’s ups and downs.  Right now, there seem to be many who are on the down side of things.  The housing market collapse, wall street, government bailouts, all of these have directly affected everyone.  I personally know of several churches and pastors whose finances have suffered greatly because of the economy.  What has been noticeably absent through this nationwide trial is the “Why me?” syndrome.  You know what I’m talking about, that feeling that God has singled you out, picked on you, unfairly put more on you than you thought He should.  This kind of feeling usually comes when you perceive yourself to be the only person in the fiery furnace.  Most are not alone in the furnace.  There are many others.  But, because they are facing customized trials and not shared burdens, everyone feels alone because of their specific persecution.  So, as a result of this nationwide crisis, most people know that they are not alone in their suffering.  They are facing what everyone else is facing.  For whatever reason, this seems to help people cope with their suffering.  They can’t blame themselves for this trial, the whole nation is going through it!  We know that whether we endure our problems alone, or with 300 million others, if we keep the faith, we will come forth shining.

So whatever happens from here on out, I want to always remember a little something God gave me.  In Job 23, Job, the classic example of enduring a fiery trial, says “But he (God) knows the way that I take: when he has tried me, I will come forth as gold.“  And, the point is, as the title of this post says, there is no “if” in this verse.  It doesn’t say, “if he tries me...” it says “when he has tried me…“  There is no, “I might be tried…maybe I’ll be tested…”  You will be tried, you will be tested.  That’s not the big question.  The big question is, will you endure to the end?

And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:21-22).

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12).

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matt. 24:13).

Starving Sheep

Imagine you are walking through the countryside.  You are the type of person who loves the outdoors, so walking for miles across beautiful hills and lush valleys comes easy to you.  You pass beautiful trees, animals off in the distance enjoying the green grass.  There is a lake off to your right that shows the reflection of the far-off mountains like a mirror.  You think to yourself, “This is the life.  What else could someone ask for?”  As you walk, you notice that the scenery slowly changes from green grass, tall trees, and well-watered plains to sparse brush, dead brown weeds, and tumbleweeds blowing in the wind.  This fascinates you, so you keep walking wondering about the change.  As you’re considering the reasons why things have changes so suddenly, your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of sheep.  “Could it be…” you think to yourself.  “There could not possibly be sheep way out here in the desert.”  But, against all odds, there they are, at the top of a hill, dozens of sheep just standing there bleating away.  As you wonder if this is a dream, you see one lone shepherd, with an obvious scowl on his face, standing guard with a small pack of growling dogs surrounding the sheep.  You stare in amazement as you take in this odd picture.  You can’t quite wrap you brain around what’s happening here.  “Why is the Shepherd unhappy?  He’s obviously posted these dogs around the sheep to keep them here on top of this bare hill for a reason.  But, why?”  Naturally, your curiosity gets the best of you.  So you meander over to the shepherd.  “Sir,” you ask, “Why are you keeping these sheep here?  And, why are you so unhappy?  What’s going on?”

“As everyone knows,” he answers, “Sheep are stupid.  And, they smell.  And, they don’t follow orders.  I’m tired of messing with them, so I leaving them here to die.  I can’t tell you how mad I am having to deal with these stupid animals.  I can’t take it anymore.  So, to answer you question, I’m starving these sheep.”

Well, this would all be so very interesting if any of this were true, even remotely true.  But, the fact is, this is just a horrible figment of a twisted imagination.  Would a shepherd actually do such a thing?  Of course not.  Here’s a bigger question: Would God ever do this?  We all know from Psalm 23 that He’s our shepherd.  Would God get that impatient with us?  Would he finally ever have enough of our disobedience and drag us away from green pastures and still waters over to dry desert where we would starve?  I mean, how much sin is too much sin?  Is it possible to mess up one too many times with God?

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lam 3:22-23).    “He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Mi 7:18b).  “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him.  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Ps. 91:15-16).

About the third paragraph, my two-year old daughter came up to me with a doll in her hand.  She was trying to get her dressed and she couldn’t.  She needed my help.  It was a small task, a meniel task.  I was busy.  But, it was important to her.  So, I stopped what I was doing and dressed her doll for her.  It won’t win me the Father-of-the-Year award.  But, maybe it’ll drive the point home: God is interested in us.  He cares about us.  Sometimes our problems are insignificant in comparison to all the mess the world is in.  But, He still takes time our for us.  He loves us with an everlasting love.

Stupid sheep? Maybe.  Disobedient sheep?  Sometimes.  Hard to shepherd?  Yes.  Starving?  Never.  “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” (Psalm 23).

New Everywhere

Here I am sitting at the computer and I’m thinking, “I’ve looked at a thousand of these and writing just one is not an easy task.”  My beautiful wife and I created a blog a while back, and while we were both supposed to blog, she has been the 0ne to be the primary blogger.  She does a great job.  So, why create my own blog when I am so unaccustomed to this kind of thing and my wife already is an expert blogger.  I don’t have a real great answer for that, except that there have been some major changes in my life lately…a lot of new.   We are moving to a new city, Seattle.  We are starting a new ministry, Home Missions.  We will be living in new housing.  We will become new people in a great metroplex.  New challenges, New faces, New thoughts…  All of this has got my brain a-thinking.  Sometimes all the new causes overload.  So, all this overload has caused me to create an outlet for my own thoughts.  If reading this does nothing for you, that’s okay.  It’s really helping me.  I felt the need to put my thoughts down so I, so you, and anyone else interested can read this and get a little insight into life.  Also, with all this new, I wanted to provide an outlet to let people in on our new adventures, let them know what’s happening in our new city, what new things God is doing.  My wife will continue to blog about our family.  If your interested, this is where I will post our thoughts, feelings, worries, and triumphs.

So, what new thought will I post today?  It’s very simple, really.  So simple that you probably overlooked it in the one-million times you’ve heard the story.  Noah built an ark.  God said it would rain and rain and then the whole earth would flood.  There would be no land anywhere for anyone to stand on.  Anyone not on a floating vessel was going to drown.  So, God did a new thing, he made the earth flood.  Noah did a new thing, he built an ark.  Neither had been done before.  You already know about the animals and the rainbow and how Noah’s family was saved.  Maybe you already thought of this.  Perhaps I’m the last one to think of this.  Here it is anyway.  Why didn’t anyone else have a boat?  Were there no other boats anywhere for anyone to use so they wouldn’t drown when they ran out of land?  Now, I’m sure you history buffs can readily answer my question.  But, I’m no history buff.  So, I want to know why, when something so simple as a boat could have saved their life, did they not have one?  Did boats not exist at this time in their life?  Another question for the history buffs.  Everyone drowned except Noah and his family.  The solution was easy, get onto a floating vessel.  Noah had one.  They had plenty of time to build one, 120 years to be exact.  Maybe God was giving mankind an opportunity to save themselves.  Either get on Noah’s ark, or build one yourselves.  They did neither.  They could have built one.  It didn’t have to be as big as Noah’s, just a simple floating vessel was all that was required.  This isn’t rocket science.  So, why was it so hard?

I don’t really have an answer for that one.  But, I do have a simple thought on the matter.  God does new things constantly.  Starting a church is not a new thing.  Starting a church in Seattle isn’t a new thing, either.  But, it’s new to me and Sheree and our two girls, Alyssa and Alivia.  So, when God does something new, are you prepared to launch out onto faith.  When you’ve never even heard of a boat, it takes faith to step onto one.  But,  if it’s going to flood, it might be time to take a step of faith.  God is doing something new in us.  God is doing something new in Seattle.  So, I guess it’s time to prepare for a flood.