Sunday: The Man from Uz
Read Job 1:1 and Job 1:8. What does this tell us about the character of Job?
Though Job had been told all through the dialogues that he must have done something wrong in order for all this evil to come upon him, the opposite appears to be the case. It was his goodness, his faithfulness, that made him the special target of Satan.
Job
How good and how faithful was he? First, the text tells us that he was “perfect.” This word does not have to mean “sinless,” as was Jesus. It comes, instead, with the idea of completeness, integrity, sincerity, but in a relative sense. The person who is “perfect” in the sight of God is the person who has reached the degree of development that Heaven expects of him or her at any given time. The Hebrew word for “perfect,” tam, “is equivalent to the Greek word teleios, which is often translated ‘perfect’ in the [New Testament] but which is better translated ‘full grown’ or ‘mature.’ ”—The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 499. Job’s later experiences revealed that he had not reached the ultimate perfection of character. Though faithful and upright, he was still growing.
Second, the text says he was “upright.” The word means “straight,” “level,” “just,” “right.” Job lived in a way that he could be called “a good citizen.”
Third, the text says he “feared God.” Though the Old Testament portrays the idea of “fearing” God as part of what being a faithful Israelite was all about, the phrase was also used in the New Testament for Gentiles who faithfully served the God of Israel (see Acts 10:2, Acts 10:22).
Finally, Job “eschewed,” or shunned, evil. This characterization of Job was affirmed by the Lord Himself, when He said to Satan, “Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” (Job 1:8).
In the end, Job was a man of God whose faith was revealed by the kind of life he lived; and thus, he truly bore witness “to angels, and to men” (1 Cor. 4:9) about what a person can be in Christ.
| If the book of Job were about you, how would the opening line read? “There was a ____ in the land of ____ who was _____ and _____ and who _____ God and _____ evil.” |
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Job was upright and blameless. God himself affirmed this about Job. God challenged Satan about Job and He really knew very well that he can stand or be faithful to Him. Can we also be recommended by even any human personality like our parents, siblings, working colleagues, people in our community and the angels of God whom they term to be guiding us always?
if no man on earth can recommend you base on your uprightness, then how much more God the Almighty? My brethren we ought to devote our whole being to God and be faithful to God.
What was Job's life like?
He faithfully performed the work of a priest for his household--
he offered sacrifices for each of his children, interceding for them. (Job 1:5)
He was a faithful husband to his wife, avoiding even the thoughts of adultery. (Job 31:1)
He treated his servants with fairness (Job 31:13)
He helped the poor, the needy, the widows, the fatherless. (Job 31:16-21)
He lodged the strangers so they won't have to sleep in the street (Job 31:32
He was a good family man, and also used his wealth to help others-- he was an unselfish, and godly man, who served the God of heaven.
The real question however is -- how did Job develop such a character?
Obviously he had a faith relationship with God, for that reveals itself in a godly life.
Yet when Job gives an account of his good works, does he give God the glory?
Why does God rebuke Job -- (Job 40:8) "Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?"
Was Job in danger of relying on his own righteousness instead of remembering it was only through his connection with God, that righteousness was part of his life? Was he charging God as being unfair?
"When the Lord gave to Job a view of His majesty, Job ceased to vindicate his own righteousness. He felt his sinfulness, and humbled himself before the purity and holiness of God." {ST, August 11, 1898 par. 6}
It was then that God "turned his captivity" --
Job, prior to his trials, was living an upright life of integrity, serving God to the best of his understanding. He was "perfect" in his stage of growth in sanctification, but he still need more growing to do.
Job, by humbling himself before God, and realizing his reliance upon God for righteousness, reached a higher level in the sanctified walk with God.
We will need to distrust ourself and our righteousness right to the last drop of being on this planet, just as Jesus did.
Thanks and well said Ulrike! Great summary Robert!(Philippians 3:1,3; Lk 20:19-20)
In commenting about the word perfect, in Job 1:1, the NIV and the New King James Next Millennium Edition with HMS Richards study helps and Dwight Nelson Introduction, use the word blameless rather than perfect. There is a notable difference in the interpretation as mentioned when Matthew 5:48 is read as perfect and refers to God the Father. Some have compared Job as an upright good person that shuns evil, in other versions. Matthew 5:48 has been discussed at length for many years as to how perfection is achieved. Opinions still vary.
Paul, we tend to agonize over what constitutes "perfection". Be reminded that human salvation is entirely a work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit working on behalf of the fallen (1 Jn 5:1,7). Humans were intended by their Creator exclusively for "good works" (Eph 2:10; Tit 2:11-12), which was why all humans (in Adam) were created "in His image" (Gen 1:26,31; Mk 10:18).
Job calls his three friends "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2) because of the accusations they level at him, but in his distress (Job 10:1) he searches for an answer when he lacks God's insight and that of the reader. It is while in this state of unrest and ignorance, that he ironically adds to his own mental distress by erroneously ascribing his situation to God's action (Job 19:21-22; compare Job 2:6-7). It is here that, despite their differing circumstances, that "blameless" Job (Job 1:8; 2:3), despite his lofty declaration (Job 19:25-27) takes on a Peter-like appearance (Mt 16:15-23). While God rebukes both His servants (Job 38:1-2; 40:1-2; Mt 16:23), neither is cast away (Lk 22:31-32; Job 42:8).
Could Job's experience be offering us a view into the practical workings of human salvation (Heb 12:6)? Job's list of his "upright" works in Job 31, while true, may have further constrained his "darkened counsel" from understanding what we should all now know through God's revelation (Philippians 2:13; Eph 2:8-9; Jn 3:21). God's people will come to the humbling enlightenment regarding "our" perfection (Lk 17:7-10; Job 40:4; Mt 16:24).
How good If we could be like Job. But degeneration has taken over! And sin too. Our hope in Christ's second comungar, wich is near! We shall wait in prayer for the light that is about to shine upon those who are expecting. Thank God for that!
But isn't the increasing degeneration simply a choice? Are not the promises of God still "exceeding great"? Has God's power to save diminished? There will be a people standing at the end in the perfection of Christ. God is "able to keep [any] from falling" and will present all who receive Jesus, and believe on His name as "faultless" in the presence of His glory "with exceeding joy". The remnant will "keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus". This is the work of God in man, and He is the creator of all things, still. He who created us will also sanctify every willing soul.
Its a pity that my christian life is no way close to that of Job. I can't fill I'm the blanks like God did for Job. However, I am willing to allow God to make me that way.
Amen.
Hey Kemchau,
You and I will need lay have what it takes to be like Job when we are going to face what Job faced. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Belonging to Christ as Job did means so much more than simply professing the faith or being able to explain its virtues. Becoming a literal example of living a 'blameless' life on this earth, as a human being in connection with the Holy Spirit, gives vindication to God's law, His justice and His character.
The Bible and God talk of Job a perfect,God-fearing and upright.And truly, he was.What does the word perfect portray in the light of the three phases to salvation? And,in which phase does perfection fall? Does it mean Job had reached the full stature of salvation? Is perfection an act that God declares upon an individual or an act that is practised and achieved by an individual?
We are told to be perfect even as our father in heaven is perfect. Well try that if you can. It obviously does'nt mean as capable as God is capable. It does point to being focused and committed to the cause as God is committed to the cause, as Job was. Accept a man forsakes not all that he has he cannot be my disciple.
Robert, the text that you are referring to is Matt 5:48 and as mentioned this text has been the source of much discussion and concern. When comparing or evaluating our lives with the life of Job, it is necessary to be where and when Job was alive. Several thousand years does make a difference. I am not questioning that all scripture is inspired, I am saying that application is not understood equally. Jesus is our pattern. Our struggles and failures are human, much like Job and his companions, and God is out refuge and strength. Ps 46:1.
We need only perfect faith and perfect submission. God does the rest in such a soul. "Commit your way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass" is a wonderful promise. Jesus bids all to "repent and believe the Gospel".
Robert of the requirements noted the one in 2Peter 3:9 seems to be the most important. Repentance, metanoia,a feeling of guilt, means to turn around. A reversal of a decision. How is that achieved? I would refer to a paragraph by EGW writings called "A NEW LIFE, Revival and beyond" page 20. Repentance is a gift from God and cannot be experienced in any other way. Repentance is often not thought of as a need. Interest in other directions often take precedence. Gods will is, or should be of prime importance to every living human being.
The first chapter of Job reveal four points about Job’s character. He…
was blameless;was upright;feared God;shunned evil
As a matter of fact, it was Job’s goodness that made him Satan’s target. Job’s friends had been so busy wondering what Job had done wrong to deserve such punishments, they overlooked the fact that the punishments came as a result of what Job had done right. So much for our human intuition about heavenly matters.
The word “blameless” is also translated “perfect”,and discussion abounds on what constitutes Christian perfection. Matthew 5:48 states, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Most agree that this perfection is a maturation process, and that imperfections may be noted along the way, but Jesus covers them, making us perfect in Him. (Remember the failings of Noah and Abraham, but they were nevertheless counted righteous.)Being “upright” means that Job was “straight, level,right, just”. In other words, he was a good citizen and neighbor.The Jews of Old Testament times were noted for“fearing God”, but there were some Gentiles in the New Testament who also feared Him as well. It is part ofbeing a faithful, believing man or woman.Job also turned away from evil. Most of us are attracted to it, but Job’s life of righteous living caused him to look the other way when people enticed him to do wrong. Repeated successes in overcoming evil result in this same aversion to sin for ourselves.
Scripture says; "that Jesus learned obedience by the things that he suffered." He none the less had to learn. But we mostly learn by falling and getting up again and by leaning top heavy on his righteousness.
Then, I think 'perfection' as stated by the author of the lesson up there as relative is true. Job's vertical relations influenced his relations with people in his neighborhood. He fought for the vulnerable in the society,housed the strangers and fed them.Our good relations with people in the society by touching and meeting their felt common needs,doing justice,being faithful,respectful,kind and showing them Jesus I think can make us be counted perfect before the Lord in a relative way despite the sinful nature of humanity.
My life is nowhere near as "perfect" as Job's life and his character; I sincerely know that I have a long way and a lot of work to do on my character, or in surrendering my character over to God to work on. However, if I had to fill in the blanks about my life, it would reads, “There was a __woman__ in the land of __America__ who was _Honest____ and __Helpful to everyone she met___ and who ___loved__ God and _discouraged____ evil.”
Over the last three years, being in true leadership role, as a manager on my job, I\'ve learned that even if the world around you is cut-throat, you can not allow it to change who you are, to change your character. I have lived through the worst cut-throat evils in the business world during this time; people schemes and manipulations to get into positions or to get an advantage for their own careers. I went through all that and I did not allowed it to change me or my character. I am still loving, honest, and helpful; however, I can say that I'm a little bit wiser. I am no longer naïve to the fact that other people do not strive to be honest; truth be told, most of the people are only thinking about themselves. (I say "true leadership" because nowadays leadership in the church is not what it use to be; church leaders are walking away from their church responsibilities or don't want to be in leadership at all. However, those same people have not left their jobs or occupations as easily).
Because I am an honest and helpful person, there have been people, especially in the business world, that wished they could find anything negative to say about me, but they couldn't. People that tried to openly humiliate me, but they could not find any tasks that I had left undone. Even it seemed that my next level upper management was not happy when they had to present me with an award publicly for my office being #1 in the entire district for product sales.
Like Job, no matter how the world, or the characters of the people around me, I have always strive to be the one that stands out as different, a peculiarly honest person. God's word says that "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light", Ephesians 3:10. I may not be where God's wants me to be at this time, but no man can say that I am not honest and helpful in all that I do.
I love God the Father, and Jesus my Savior, and I have no problems discouraging evil, in a loving and tactfully way, and encourage others to do what is right in the sight of God. I presently encourage all the young people in my church every week to live honestly before God, to help spread His word, and do community service to help others less fortunate then they are. The young people in my church love me for my honesty and sincerity.
Dear Toni, thank you for your testimony that it is still possible to live by God's standards in the business world, even if people around you don't like it. Your testimony also reminds me of Daniel, because people around Daniel tried to find fault with him and couldn't.
May our Lord continue to bless you and uphold you as you seek to honor Him.
Thank you Inge, for your encouragement. May God bless you too. I hope to meet you in Heaven soon!!
You sound much more like Daniel then Job. I found that the best time to witness is when others are putting on the pressure on me. I always said; " this is my cue."