The following is a past post from the old H20 before the Skeptics migrated over to JWD for whatever reasons they had at the time. I was pretty much worn out at the time as I was just beginning my mission to proclaim the Creator and his existence. The time miraculous has come to resume that fight with new vigor for I no longer have to start from scratch. Being once again in the same situation gives me a great feeling of Deja VU. I'm exhilerated to once again be in this position. The Job Story: H2O Style
now JWD
It has been very fascinating recently to observe conversation here on the board recently. The fascination comes from seeing how closely matching the biblical account of Job these have been. As Shakespeare pointed out, the whole world is a stage and every man must play a part. I would imagine that the role of Job is perhaps the greatest reenacted historical role ever. Almost everyone involved in these conversations fell into one or more of three categories or parts in the Story. These parts and explanations are as follows:
The ones who play in the role of Job on the board are those who are bitter and angry because of the many things they have suffered innocently. The anger has caused them to have great mistrust and disrespect for the creator. They greatly criticize him for his seeming lack trustworthiness, mercy, intelligence, love, etc. They regard the Creator as being impossible to please and unjust. They seem to say in essence as Job did at Job 8:20 Even if I were perfect God would prove me wicked. (22) And even if I am utterly innocent I dare not think about it. I despise what I am. Innocent or evil, it is all the same to him, for he destroys both kinds. (23) He will laugh when calamity crushes the innocent. (24) The whole earth is in the hands of the wicked. God blinds the eyes of the judges and lets them be unfair, If not he, then who?
Those playing here the role of Job have made it clear they feel God has to be made responsible for the pain they suffer because it could not happen to them unless God has allowed it. These believe that the only thing anyone can count on is death. Very pessimistic, with a great deal of seeming justification. Does this sound familiar to anyone or maybe is it you?
==== Next we have the role of the three wise friends of Job who came to comfort him. These persons told Job and tried to convince him he was a sinner and therefore deserved the plagues he suffered. Just like those on the board that insist that God is very particular about fleshly standards and try to convince people that we still must live by the law and keep Gods righteous requirements (the law). Their message gets no where with Job because he clearly sees that if things were indeed that way with God then it is futility even trying to please him that way. This is even to the extent on the board of telling us how we must audibly hear God speak to us.
Lastly there comes along the young man Elihu with wisdom and proper perspective for everyone. There are many on the board that share that message that I am trying my best to deliver. The wisemen were wrong that Job was suffering because he was a sinner. Job also was both right and wrong in what he claimed. He was righteous only by his faith and not because of his moral sinlessness. He was not innocent of sin for all men sin in that fashion and are forgiven their sins as the free gift of God. Salvation is by faith alone. I will continue to deliver this message both here on the board and elsewhere for I believe it is still a much needed one. Let no man be presumptuous like Job for believing he can be righteous by means of his deeds. The most enlightening of Elihu's wise words comes from chapter 35 of Job. I quote:
ELIHU CONTINUED:
(2)(3) "Do you think it is right for you to claim, "I haven't sinned, but I'm no better off before God than if I had"?
(4) I will answer you, and all your friends too.
(5)Look up there into the sky, high above you.
(6)If you sin, does that shake the heavens and knock God from his throne? Even if you sin again and again, what effect will it have upon him?
(7) Or if you are good, is this some great gift to him?
(8) Your sins may hurt another man, or your good deeds may profit him?
(9)(10) The oppressed may shriek beneath their wrongs and groan beneath the power of the rich, yet none of them cry to God, asking, "Where is God my Maker who gives songs in the night,
(11) and makes us a little wiser than the animals and birds?"
(12) "But when anyone does cry out this question to him, he never replies by instant punishment of the tyrants.
(13) But it is false to say he doesn't hear those cries;
(14)(15) and it is even more false to say that he doesn't see what's going on. He does bring about justice at last, if you will only wait. But do you cry out against him because he does not instantly respond in anger?
(16) Job, you have spoken like a fool."
Chapter 36
(18) Watch out! Do not let your anger at others lead you into scoffing at God! Don't let your suffering embitter you at the only one who can deliver you.
(19) Do you really think that if you shout loudly enough against God, he will be ashamed and repent? Will this put an end to your chastisement?
(22) "Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him?
(23) Who can say that what he does is absurd or evil?
(24)Instead, glorify him for his mighty works for which he is so famous.
(25) Everyone has seen thse things from a distance.
Zechariah
Edited by - Simon on 24 September 2002 19:4:26