Truth Magazine

By Aude McKee

When we speak of the devotion of David, we have reference to his attitude toward God. Devotion (devoutness) is an internal quality that motivates and regulates external conduct. Nothing that is said here should be taken to mean that we should feel less concern for external compliance with God’s Word, but we do hope to impress on the minds of each of us that without devotion, whatever we might do externally would be unacceptable to God. W.E. Vine, defined the word eulabes to mean “taking hold well, primarily, cautious, signifies in the New Testament, careful as to the realization of the presence and claims of God, reverencing God, pious, devout” (Vol. 1, p. 307).

R. C. Trench, Synonyms. of the New Testament (p. 163), speaking of a number of words in this family, said, “If we, keep in mind that, in that mingled fear and love which combined constitute the piety of man toward God, the Old Testament placed its emphasis on the fear, the New places it on the love (though there was love in the fear of God’s saints then, as there must be fear in their love now), it will at once be evident how fitly eulabes was chosen to set forth their piety under the Old Covenant, who like Zacharias and Elisabeth, ‘were righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless’ (Luke 1:6), and leaving nothing willingly undone which pertained to the circle of their prescribed duties. For this sense of accurately and scripulously performing that which is prescribed, with the consciousness of the danger of slipping into a careless negligent performance of God’s service, and of the need therefore of anxiously watching against the adding to or diminishing from, or in any other way altering, that which has been by Him commanded, lies ever in these words. . . when used in their religious signification.”

A form of the word eulabes is used in Hebrews 11:7 to describe the attitude of Noah toward God. He prepared the ark, we are told, because he was “moved with fear.” His faith in God and his devotion to Him, motivated him to give his life to a project that was as opposite to f4common sense” (human reasoning) as anything possibly could have been. But, without doubt, all those who observed his preaching and his building could see his devotion demonstrated. The purpose of this lesson is to encourage each of us to examine our own service to God. Is it a heartless, cold, formal service and worship performed because it is required, or does our conduct reveal a heart that is truly devoted to God? Let’s look at the life of David and see his devotion demonstrated time and time again.

David’s Devotion Evident Early In His Life

Our readers will recall that David was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse, and while he was still a “youth” he was anointed to be the new king over the nation of Israel at Saul’s death. After his anointing, David went back to his job of keeping sheep while three of his older brothers were fighting against the Philistines in Saul’s army. After a time, Jesse asked David to go to the battle area and check on his brothers. Upon arriving, he found a distressing situation. Goliath, a Philistine at least nine feet tall, would come out every day and defy the Israelite army by challenging them to pick out a man to fight him, and the Israelites were terrified. But David said to Saul, “Thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17:32). Saul didn’t think much of the idea and tried to argue with David on the basis of his age and experience. David then related how he had been able to kill both a lion and a bear that had threatened his sheep, and the same God that had provided that deliverance would deliver him out of the hand of Goliath. In preparation for the encounter, he refused Saul’s armor and sword, and chose instead his sling and five smooth stones from the creek. In a moment we see Goliath on the ground and, to finish the job, David took Goliath’s own sword and cut off his head. He was able to accomplish the task because, as he told Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou has defied.

David’s Devotion To God Can Be Seen In The Psalms

“The heavens declare the glory of God;, and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalms 19). “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 the 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 my 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 forever” (Psalms 23). In Psalms 27 he said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” We know these words were penned by inspiration, but as you look at the overall life of David you can know that these Psalms (and a host of others) expressed the sentiments of his soul.

David’s Devotion Was Revealed By His Respect For, Sacred Things

When David was near death, he charged his son, Solomon, with these words: “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord thy God to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses. . .” (1 Kings 2:2-3). David had a high regard for the Word of God! Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and in those 176 verses, God’s Word is mentioned in all but five. Statements like, “Forever, 0 Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven,” “Through Thy precepts I get understanding,” and “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my pathway” (89, 104, 105) are precious to all of us, and they show David’s respect for the Word of the Lord.

To this writer, David’s attitude toward Saul is one of the most impressive things in the life of David. After David killed Goliath, David’s name became a household word. He was loved by women and praised by men. Saul became insanely jealous. He made several attempts to kill David but David never retaliated. Later David had to flee to the wilderness of Engedi to protect himself from Saul. Saul then went looking for him with 3,000 chosen men and on one occasion went to rest in a cave already occupied by David and his men. When they were asleep, David’s men told him to “do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. ” So David slipped up near Saul and cut off a piece of his robe. David would not allow his men to kill Saul, and his “heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.” Later he showed Saul the piece of garment and reminded him that he could have killed him, but, he said, “I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed” (1 Sam. 24: 10). David would not lay a hand on Saul, to harm him, because David was devoted to the God who anointed Saul to be king.

David’s Devotion Is Manifest In His Ability And Willingness To Repent

Repentance, by its very nature, must spring from a heart devoted to God. Repentance is a change of mind regarding sin, and sin is a violation of divine law (1 John 3:4). Without a proper regard for the author of the law, there could be no change of heart when the law is broken. It’s a fact that no person lives above sin (1 John 1:8) and David was no exception. In 2 Samuel 24, we are told of David’s numbering the people and of the Lord’s displeasure. David, without doubt, had the thought of relying on numbers and not on God. Then it seems that almost immediately after the numbering was completed, David had a change of mind. “His heart smote him,” we are told, and he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done. I beseech thee, 0 Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done foolishly.”

The best known of David’s infractions of God’s laws was his affair with Bathsheba. In that episode, that scholars say may have extended over at least a year, David broke at least five of the Ten Commandments. He lusted for and coveted his neighbor’s wife (# 10), He committed adultery (# 7), he attempted to bear false witness to Uriah (# 9), he stole another man’s wife (# 8), and he murdered her husband (# 6). The last verse of 2 Samuel 11 says that “the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” But David had three things going for him. First, he had someone in heaven who was concerned for his soul; second, he had a prophet who was willing to tell him the truth about his spiritual condition and his relationship to God, and third, he had a conscience that was still tender enough to be pricked – he was still devoted to God. When Nathan had told him the story of the rich man who, instead of killing one of his many lambs to feed a guest, sent a servant to the house of a poorman who had but one ewe lamb but he loved like a daughter, stole it and killed it to feed his guest, David’s reaction was, “The man that hath done this thing shall surely die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity” (2 Sam. 12:5-6). Then came those famous words of Nathan, “Thou art the man.” David then replied, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

Psalms 51 was probably written by David following the sin with Bathsheba. We ask that you read the entire chapter carefully, but then note especially verse 15-17. “0 Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” David could have offered animal sacrifices to the day of his death to no avail, but with a heart (spirit) broken by a knowledge of his violation of God’s law, he could then approach God through the means provided under the law of Moses. How true are the Words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Every sin is a tragedy of immense proportions, but the tragedy becomes an eternal one when we fail to repent. In Hebrews 6:4-6, the Holy Spirit did not say that “it is impossible for those who were once enlightened. . . . ” to sin ‘ but He did say that “if they shall fall away (it is impossible) to renew them again unto repentance. . . . ” Surely it must be correct to say that any person who finds it impossible to repent, has lost his devotion to God. He no longer stands in awe of God, he no longer has a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, and he no longer recognizes God’s claims on his life. His loss of devotion must mean a loss of love and respect for God. David never lost his ability to repent – regardless of what he did, there was always that desire to be restored to God’s fellowship.

The writer of the Hebrew letter sums up what we have tried to say in this lesson on the devotion of David. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence (devoutness, NASV) and godly fear” (12:28). Devotion (devoutness) is an absolute necessity in our service to God.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 519-521
September 1, 1983

By Donnie V. Rader

The life of Joseph sets many beautiful examples for the people of God to follow. This is obvious from the fact that the story of his life occupies so much space in the book of Genesis. Joseph was a man who overcame. He did not forget God while facing temptation or unpleasant circumstances. Neither was he a man to sink into a pool of self-pity. Rather this great man of God had faith, courage, and determination; he overcame his trials. Let us all take heed to his example.

He Overcame Temptation

Temptation will come. It did to Joseph. As he was assailed with such trials he was victorious. Potiphar’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and requested that he lay with her. This was nova one-time request, but day after day she continued her plea (Gen. 39:7, 10). It would have been a great temptation had he just been tempted to commit fornication. But the temptation is greater when his woman begged him day after day to be with her. What would you have done under like circumstances? I hope and trust you would react like Joseph, who “refused” and remained pure in the sight of God (Gen. 39:8).

There are a number of things about Joseph’s refusal that we must notice.(1)

1. He remembered that his master trusted him. “But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand” (Gen. 39:8). We need constantly to realize that others are trusting us to behave ourselves. Young people, don’t forget that while you’re out on a date, your parents trust you to behave as a Christian should. Men and women, you too need to realize that while you are at work or home, your mate has faith in you. As Joseph didn’t want to do anything that would betray that confidence that Potiphar had in him, so we also ought to conduct ourselves properly so as to fulfill that expectation others have in us.

2. He recalled that such an act was wickedness. Joseph asked the woman, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God” (Gen. 39:9)? No doubt, had he given in, there would have been some pleasure for a season. Far too often it is not until temptation has already overtaken someone that they realize that sin is involved. They let the pleasures of the moment overshadow the real facts. Whether there be enjoyment -or not it is still sin! Oh, how I would that while in time of temptation, men and women would take just a moment to realize that if they yield, it is -a sin against God.

3. He said, “No! ” The text says that he “refused” (Gen. 39:8). One of the greatest lessons that parents can teach their children is how to say a simple but often difficult word, “No.” Oh yes, if you say “no” your date may never ask you out again. Sure, it may cause hardships at work or school. Because Joseph said “no,” Potiphar’s wife then lied about what he had done which resulted in his being cast into prison. However it was because he did say “no” that he continued to maintain a right relationship with God, which was far more important than anything he might have gained by yielding to the temptation.

4. He was aware ‘of bad situations and how they looked. Joseph told his master’s wife, “My master wotteth not what is with me in the house” (Gen. 39:8). As Joseph went into the house, “there was none of the men of the house there within” (Gen. 39:11). Joseph realized that his being in the house alone with this woman was dangerous and would cause others to wonder what was taking place. I am amazed sometimes at how thoughtless some “Christians” are about how some situations look. Though nothing may go on, we can’t afford to be careless in matters of this kind. Our reputation is at stake. Too often I see or hear of some secretary going to lunch with some man in the office, of some preacher meeting some lady alone in his study or meet her at some restaurant. How often do parents leave the house for their son or daughter to invite their boyfriend or girlfriend over. Who can’t see the danger of such situations?

5. He fled and got away. When the woman caught Joseph by the garment and begged him to lie with her, “he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Gen. 39:12). That means he literally got out of the house. Friend, there may be a time when in great temptation, you may have to literally get out of the house or car and run from the enticement,,and call someone to come and get you. You will be glad you did.

Joseph overcame his temptation. “Though robbed of his coat, he would not be robbed of his character. He could get another coat but not another character.”(2)

He Overcame Circumstances

Joseph was ill-treated by many. The circumstances about him were not good. He was hated by his brothers (Gen. 37:4). They wanted to kill him but Reuben said, “Let us not kill him” (Gen. 37:18-22). His brethren took his coat of many colors that he cherished so and cast him into an empty pit (Gen. 37:23-28). He was then sold to a band of Ishmaelites from Gilead for twenty pieces of, silver. Being brought to Egypt, he was sold to Potiphar (Gen. 37:36). How do you suppose a man would feel after such treatment? Would you think he would be tempted to turn from God? Would there not be a little temptation to give up and feel sorry for one’s self? But that’s not all. After fleeing from his master’s wife, he was lied about and cast into pnson for something he hadn’t done. After showing kindness to Pharoah’s chief butler, he was forgotten (Gen. 40:23).

How would you have reacted under like circumstances? Would you have forgotten God and turned to a life of sin? Would you have cried about how bad the world was treating you? Or would you like Joseph overcome by a faith in God? Paul said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We as Christians will face trying and difficult times. We will be ill-treated by our brethren as well as the world. There will be times that it seems that everything is against us. Yet, we like Joseph must overcome.

“There was not anything he could do about his circumstances, but he could do something about himself.”(3) Though a stranger in a foreign land, rejected by his own brothers, yet he refuses to turn to a life of carnality.

1. He remained humble and patient. The trials that he faced would produce even more patience. James said, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (Jas. 1:2-3). Paul also said that we glory in tribulations knowing that the same worketh patience, and patience, experience (approval). That is, when we come patiently through the trials of life, we stand approved of God (Rom. 5:3-4).

2. He returned goodfor evil. He didn’t treat his brethren the same or worse than they had done to him. He spoke kindly to his brothers that had treated him so badly. When they came to buy corn, he returned their money (Gen. 45:24). Joseph nourished his father and his brethren (Gen. 47:12). We too must learn to return good for evil. Paul said, “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). Paul goes on in the context to say we are to destroy our enemies. Yes, whip our foes. But how? Do so with kindness. “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:20-21). When you make a friend out of your enemies, you have destroyed your enemies. They are now your friends.

3. Joseph maintained purity of life though he lived in a corrupt nation. He refused to let evil influences about him overtake him. We can be deceived into thinking that association with evil will have no effect on us. However, Paul warns that it can (1 Cor. 15:33). Jesus prayed for His disciples as they would be living in a corrupt world saying, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). They would be kept from that evil by an adherence to the truth of God (John 17:17).

4. Joseph recognized that God was with him during all his trials and tribulations. “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man … the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand” (Gen. 39:2-3, 21). He told his brethren, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5). Later he said, “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good . . .” (Gen. 50:20). “This is not to say that Joseph thought that Jehovah approved that which his brethen did, or the motive, which prompted their action; but rather that God was able to overrule that which, they did to his glory and the good of the family of Jacob.”(4) As Joseph remained content with his circumstances, realizing that God was with him, he too should be content recognizing that God has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). And “if God be for us, who can be against us” (Rom. 8:31)? Hence the people of God need to remember that God can overrule anything in their life, great or small, to their ultimate good.

5. He didn’t sink into a pool of self-pity. One thing this man of God didn’t do is fret and worry about how badly life had treated him. He could have very easily just given up and thought that neither God nor anyone else cared about him. But rather than feeling sorry for himself, Joseph overlooked the bad circumstances and counted his many blessings. Paul urges that we should not be careful (anxious) about our lives but rather center our minds upon things that are good, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:6-8).

Yes Joseph overcame. He overcame temptation and his circumstances. Obvious from this is the fact that one can remain faithful in the worst of situations. Since God doesn’t require the impossible, it can, be done.

Endnotes

1. Some of the points in this section were taken from an excellent outline by Hiram Hutto, Preach The Word (Guardian of Truth Foundation: 198 1), pp. 27-30.

2. Franklin Camp, Old Truths In New Robes (Roberts and Son Publication, Birmingham, AL: 1970), p. 174.

3. Ibid, p. 173.

4. Guy N. Woods, Annual Lesson Commentary 1959 (Gospel Advocate Co., Nashville, TN, 1958), p.. 270.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 517-518
September 1, 1983

By Earl E. Robertson

About two thousand years after the creation of the world Abraham was born in “Ur of the Chaldees” (Gen. 11:28; 15:7; Acts 7:2-4). It seems that he lived here about seventy years, after which he lived in Haran – “then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran” (Acts 7:4). Terah, Abraham’s father, went with his son into Haran which was a few hundred miles from Ur. It was here that Terah died at two hundred and seventy-five years of age (Gen. 11:32). Through this time Abraham built altars and worshiped God.

From the mountain region between Bethel and Ai he moved southward. Finally the long famine in Palestine forced him into Egypt where food was plentiful. How long he stayed there we are not told. It is doubtful, however, that he dwelt in Egypt very long, because his fears concerning his beautiful wife were soon materialized. This forced his exodus and he returned to the place he had been before between Bethel and Ai, a very rich man (Gen. 12:17-13:4). From this it was God and His faithful Abraham with his posterity.

After this, many disturbing events and situations were experienced by this worthy patriarch. But God blessed him and continued to tell him of his future by a covenant.

This historical period, some four hundred years after the flood, was characterized with infidelity toward God and did, therefore, necessitate divine interposition to keep the knowledge of God in the people and faith in their hearts. Abraham was God’s man for the job. He went forth with God’s promise: “In these shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3).

The outward conditions touching Abraham’s life were not conducive to pleasure. Economically his life was somewhat nomadic; he lived in tents and his wealth consisted of animals and servants. He bore the social pain of casting out his oldest son when Isaac was born (Gen. 21:10-12; Gal. 4:22-30). His faith was in God because God had spoken to him. The character and behavioral patterns of his wife were conducive to his faithfulness to God. She was very much aware of his headship over the home and was subordinate to him, calling him lord (1 Pet. 3:6). This worthy woman’s faith in God helped stabilize Abraham in his fidelity to his Maker. She judged God faithful in His promises affecting them, and they staggered not in those promises which appeared impossible to be fulfilled (Rom. 4:16-22).

By Faith Abraham Obeyed

The apostle says, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; he went out, not knowing whether he went” (Heb. 11:8). What faith at the beck and call of God! This was not just faith, but obedient faith that committed its possessor fully to God. The obedience of Abraham is the first real evidence of the patriarch’s faith. God called him, and he responded positively to go to a land of which he did not know. The place into which he should go was to be received “for an inheritance.” From personal knowledge Abraham could not know at this time whether this would be a good move for him monetarily or not; his obedience to God was never determined on such conditions. God called him involving him with a place and time of which he possessed absolutely no knowledge. But he went; he obeyed!

Abraham became a sojourner, dwelling in tents! This promised land was to him “a strange country” (allotrios, “belonging to another”). Yes, this very land that Abraham was promised to receive for an inheritance he came to with Sarah and Lot – “and into the land of Canaan they came” (Gen. 12:5). In this land at the “plain of Moreh” God said unto Abraham, “unto thy seed will I give this land” (Gen. 12:7). The remainder of Abraham’s life was lived in pure and complete trust in God and His word, dwelling as an outsider in the very land of God’s promise. Making his faith more noticable is the use of the two verbs, which, apparently is a play on words; disojourner – dwelling in tabernacles.” Temporary and permanent residency in the promised land! Abraham died believing what God promised him, but “not having received the promises” he confessed that he was a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth (Heb. 11:13). He sought a country, a better country (Heb. 11:14, 16)! The shifting and moving tent was the nearest approach that Abraham ever found in that land to be home. Time element in God keeping His promise was not a determining factor as to whether Abraham would believe and obey God.

The patient waiting for the fulfillment of the promise was not for one generation only. Abraham sojourned in that land dwelling in tents “with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise” (Heb. 11:9). Abraham’s faith was in things hoped for and not seen. He understood God’s promise and had expectation for the future which embraced a city that had foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Of this the apostle said, “he hath prepared for them a city” (Heb. 11:16). The inspired writer shows why Abraham could patiently wait, “For he looked for a .city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11: 10). The preposition “for” introduces the reason. This city had foundations, the foundations that Abraham’s tent never had or could have had. The tent of the pilgrim was temporary, whereas, the city God had designed and built had permanency. Abraham could, therefore, look beyond the temporary and shifting tent, which was his home in Canaan, to a city that abides and changes not. In similar language, Paul, surrounded with struggle, conflict and affliction said, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which, are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).

The Christian must always be aware of the temporal and fleeting “tent” (cf. 2 Cor. 5:1-10) in which he now dwells and not allow himself to be satisfied with such things that one sees (cf. Lk. 12:15). The Christian must “walk by faith,” desiring to be “clothed upon with our house which is from heaven” (2 Cor. 5:2,7).

Believed God Was Able and Faithful

Abraham could not know the future, and neither do we know it. However, what appeared to him from a human standpoint to be impossible was possible because God made the commitment. The very words of God commit God! If God spoke there were to be no doubts of shadows in Abraham’s trust. Abraham counted God faithful, because God commited Himself (Rom. 4:20,21). He believed that God was both able and faithful in the performance of His word. It seems so difficult for some to have faith in the non-tangible and unseen even though God has spoken. There is not the slightest indication in all the divine record that Abraham ever experienced such a problem.

When Abraham was called upon by his Maker to “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest -and offer him there for a burnt offering -” (Gen. 22:2), he rose up early in the morning and took Isaac to do exactly what God told him to do. Evidently running through the heart of this worthy patriarch were many ideas as to just what might be involved in this demand for sacrifice by the Lord. From the smoldering embers of that burning sacrifice Abraham reasoned “that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure” (Heb. 11: 19). Whether the anxiety created in any human heart experiencing such an ordeal could be softened by the thought expressed in Hebrews 11: 19 we do not know. Anxiety or no anxiety was not a determining factor with this godly man. His faith was in his God – the God of creation and leadership of the human family. Oh for faith like this in the churches today! The will of God would be obeyed and the world evangelized!

Though man cannot know beyond the present, God knows all things before they happen (Isa. 48:3-5). There was no way Abraham could know the future; he just knew the God of the future. The voice of that God this man had heard and believed without reservation. This is the ultimate in trust in God. The entire journey of Abraham, embracing every heart-throb and fateful event was motivated by his complete acceptance of God’s judgments spoken to him. He could not argue with or doubt the God who had commanded him! This way of life – a life of yielding to every expressed mandate of deity – is somewhat demonstrated by Peter in his call to the apostleship (Lk. 5). Early one morning the Lord told Peter to “launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught” (5:4). The immediate reaction of Peter was, “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing. ” However, he quickly yields saying, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” The fisherman yields to the advice of the one who had no reputation as a fisherman. It was his trust in the Lord who knew all things. From his experiences as a fisherman he could not think the daytime fishing would be productive of any good; neither could he foresee himself failing at the feet of Jesus confessing himself a sinful man when the boats were filled with fish to the extent they began to sink. His confidence in the Lord moved him to do exactly what the Master had bidden him to perform.

What a blessing it is to any one who can, like Abraham, look beyond the present that is filled with frustrations, problems, pain, disappointments and sorrows to a permanent abiding with the God that made man and sustains him with all the essentials both material and spiritual to make man complete. He desired a heavenly country, and so do we. He believed God rewards those who seek him (Heb. 11:6).

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 515, 535-536
September 1, 1983

By Harold Fite

If a man ever had it made, it was Job! God had blessed him with seven sons and three daughters, seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred she-asses, and a very great household. “He was the greatest of all the children of the east.” Then boom! It happened. The bottom fell out of his little world: he lost his sons and daughters through death, he lost his possessions, his friends, and his health. One day he was sitting on top of the world, he had it all. The next day he was reduced to the nakedness of his being. How does a man handle a thing like that? Does he take his own life? Does he become bitter with the injustice of it all? Does he blame God?

The Suffering Of Job

Few men have suffered the mental anguish and physical pain as did Job. He was tormented by “sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown,” and sat among the ashes and scraped himself with a pot sherd (Job. 2:7, 8). His wife called on him to “renounce God, and die.” The nights were long, without ease and rest. His bones clave to his skin. Worms and dust clothed his flesh. His skin would close up, and then break out afresh in running sores. He was in constant pain. His “face was red with weeping,” and his “eyelids where the shadow of death.” He was isolated from his brethren, his acquaintances and kinsfolk.

He must have been a grotesque and pitiable creature. His three friends had to look twice to recognize him. Young children despised him; familiar friends hated him; and those whom he loved dearly turned against him. In his pain and misery he cursed the day he was born, and like many on beds of affliction wished he had died at birth, or had been the victim of a miscarriage.

The questions that frustrate the suffering 20th century man plagued Job: “Why can’t I die now?” and “What purpose or profit is there in my continuing to live in such a pitiable and despicable state?” Yet, to his credit in his bankruptcy and bereavement he did not renounce God.

Now this doesn’t mean he would accept his suffering graciously and without questioning over the entire period of pain. Sure, he would become depressed, frustrated, and would be bitter at times and upon occasions would question the justice of God. There would be times when he would become irritable, his words sharp and cutting. He would agonize over why these things befell him. “Why me Lord?” He would want answers. But this helps us to identify with him as a human being.

Why Did Job Suffer?

Job’s three friends thought he was suffering because of sin. Eliphaz’s thesis was that trouble only comes through personal sin, and the solution is to get it out in the open, seek God, and commend his cause to God. He accuses Job of presumptuous words and pretentious claims, and with brutal bluntness charges him with being abominable and corrupt, “A man that drinketh iniquity like water?” (Job 15:16). He tried to refresh Job’s memory by enumerating sins which he thought Job could have possibly committed (22:5-9), and advised him to “acquaint now thyself with him; and be at peace” (22:21).

Bildad reasoned that God does not pervert justice, and if Job were pure and upright “surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous” (8:6).

Zophar rebuked Job for what he considered boasting and mockery when Job declared his doctrine was pure and that he was clean in his own eyes (11: 1-6). He spoke of Job’s ignorance and God’s wisdom, and of the wonderful possibilities if Job would repent, but warned him that “. . . the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall have no way to flee” (v. 20). Zophar reminded Job that the triumphing of the wicked is short and that punishment is certain.

All three thought the worst of Job, charged him with sin, and would not consider his defense. They believed he was lying and was insensitive to his problem. Their minds were made up. That “men suffer because of personal sin” was set like concrete in their minds. To them, Job’s appeal to his righteousness came off as being arrogant, egotistical and self-righteous.

Job knew he wasn’t being punished for personal sins. But why? Job was not aware of the conversation God had with the Devil when times were good. The Devil had made the charge that Job served God, not from love, but for reward. That God had protected him, blessed the works of his hands, and increased his substance. “But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face” (Job. 1: 11).

When Job confounded the Devil by not renouncing God for the loss of his possessions, the Devil proposed taking away his health. “But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face” (Job 2:5).

In both instances God accepted the challenge. Job became a battleground. The purpose of the Devil’s work was to get Job to “renounce God and die,” and to prove the point that man serves God only for what he can get out of Him. The loss of possessions; the loss of family; the loss of health and the persistent charges of his friends were all designed to this end. The Devil was responsible for his suffering, and the suffering was the test of his faith. But Job didn’t know that! We can look back over the centuries and see the plan and its unfoldment, but Job had no explanation.

Job Seeking Answer From God

Job agreed with Eliphaz’s advise: “acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace.” But the problem with Job was finding him. “Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!” (Job 23:3).

Job felt confident that if he could have audience with God he would be vindicated from the charges made against him. “Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?” Job asked. “Nay; but he would give heed unto me” (Job 23:6). Job knew when he had been tried, he would ‘come forth as gold.” It is one thing for our friends to misunderstand our misery and suffering and to be insensitive toward us, and quite another to get the impression that God is uncaring and inconsiderate of our plight -that God is not listening. It seemed to Job that God was hiding from him (Job 23:8, 9). We see him spiritually struggling, groping for a solution from God. His argument finally took the form that he was just and God was unjust! Then he charges God with cruelty and persecution (30:20, 21).

In his confusion and pain he began to express an erroneous view of God. Job felt God counted him as an enemy; had taken away his right; that his righteous life counted for nothing. “I am innocent,” he said, and the things happening to him seemed unjust and unfair. But God often acts beyond our own reasoning and understanding. “I am God and not man.” Job spoke out of ignorance. God humbled him by asking him questions concerning his knowledge and his power in relation to the oceans, the rising of the sun, the realms beyond life, the common things of life, the influence of the stars, atmospheric conditions, the providential care of animals and their distinctive nature, etc. Then Job recognized he had said too much, and of something he knew nothing about. “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer then? I lay my hands upon my mouth” (Job 40:4). But God did not let him off that easy. He poured salt in the wound by asking, “Wilt thou even annul my judgment? Will thou condemn me, that thou mayest be justified?” (v. 8). 1 am sure that hurt. Job admitted that he had said things of which he did not understand. “I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear,” he said, “But now mine eye seeth thee.” He was now a much wiser man, and looking back over his words and actions, he said, “Wherefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job. 42:6).

Job questioned the justice of God, but he didn’t renounce God, and proved that the man of faith serves God out of love and not just for the rich and abundant blessings. He justified God’s confidence in him and was vindicated from the charges the three friends made against him. God blessed Job by giving him twice as much as he had before. Such faith and patience will be rewarded.

The Lesson For Us

The lesson is, regardless of the situation we may find ourselves in – trust in God!

In our suffering may we never blame God. There are various reasons for suffering (which is a lesson within itself) but all suffering originated with the Devil. We need to lay the blame where it belongs. God allows suffering but does not arbitrarily inflict it upon us. May our pain of suffering never cause us ‘ to irrationally charge God with being unfair and unjust.

We must look on our suffering as the testing of our faith, “. . . knowing that the proving of your (our) faith worketh patience” (James 1:3). Peter said, “ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6, 7).

When we have the faith and patience of Job, we can have the confidence that “when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 514, 516-517
September 1, 1983