THE FLESH
It seems to a spiritual observer that most christians operate in the sphere of the flesh with all its attendant problems. There is that lack of dependence on the Lord and His word, which has been replaced by the energy of the flesh. This is evidenced by the government of assemblies being in the hands of committees. It does not matter what you call the committees, elders, oversight, women's, men's, young peoples, or any other name, they are conducted in the energy of the flesh.
We see assemblies which were once scriptural now gone the way of the flesh, and become denominational with all kinds of unscriptural practices. This being so the question must be asked, what has happened over the years, and is there any remedy? The remedy is only a maybe, "If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth", 2 Tim.2:25.
The path of self will leads to destruction, the destruction of the spiritual life, which destroys everything it comes in contact with. It is the Devil's trap, and it is one to keep out of. That is one of the purposes of these notes.
What is The Flesh?
In the first place the flesh is defined as the nature with which we were born. The Greek word is (sarx) and has both a literal and metaphorical meaning. In this case the meaning is metaphorical and refers to the "seat of sin in man" WEV. It is interesting to look up all the relevant references, and to discover that there is nothing in the flesh (the old nature) which is acceptable to God.
This statement is simple, easy to say, but very few ever come to experience its total corruption with a conviction that it applies to them. Every christian has heard of the flesh, which is contrary to God, but the carnal ones never see it as applying to them. To walk in the Spirit is a completely foreign experience, and they are unable to differentiate between the flesh and the spirit.
The Works of The Flesh
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and the such like," Gal.5:19. You may say, “I was not like that when I was unsaved”. The scripture says untrue, that is a perfect description of your unsaved nature.
Did you continually exhibit those gross effects? No not necessarily, but neither did it produce anything of any value whatsoever for God. The whole and sole motive was to please self one way or another, but irrespective of that our real nature described in Gal.5:19 above is alive and well. One may have a veneer of sophistication, but as the old saying goes, just scratch the surface and all the evil is there.
"Even when we were dead in sins", Eph.2:5, we were sinners by nature and practice, without hope and God in this world.
But I am Saved Now
Well if you are, we all thank God for that. What a marvellous thing. Free from the judgement of the broken law, no hell for you, but an eternity with the Lord in the heavenlies. Furthermore you know you are born again, you know with absolute assurance, "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation) behold all things are become new." 2 Cor.5:17. Now you know this, not because someone told you, but "the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" Rom.8:16.
Now this transformation is a living experience, we know it, we feel it, and we joy in it. It is ours and no one can take it from us. We are able to say with the apostle Paul, "for I know in whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day", 2 Tim.1:12.
The Old Nature
Not long after those glorious days when the Lord meant everything to us the old nature reappeared. No doubt that was a shock to us, but it is common to all the saved ones. It is at this point, however, when things begin to go wrong.
The Accuser
It is also at this point when Satan, the accuser, comes in to destroy. He accuses you of not being saved; you in turn know that you have been saved, and that you are the Lord's. Some fall at this point and go back. You will read the scriptures and see the Lord speaking to you in the scriptures and saying, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee", "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish". It may be at this stage you can not sing,
"I hear the accuser roar
of ills that I have done
know them well and thousands more
Jehovah findeth none."
You cling to the Lord, and not have assurance of forgiveness, but in due course that comes, and with it great joy, and the song above.
More Subtle Attacks
One may be unfortunate when first saved to fall into the hands of those who teach sinless perfection, and travel down that path. The honest christian soon realises that the more he tries to effect perfection in his life the worse it seems. Should any be in that position, the scriptures declare that God counts the old nature dead and buried, Rom.6:3. You see that from the scriptures, but still no relief from the torment of recurring sin. You confess your sin and He is faithful and just to forgive you your sin, if you are still troubled. Then read on. These notes are for you.
Another Attack
In the subtle attack above, the believer is trying to do something about it, albeit in the flesh, and therefore is not successful. This new attack is deadly. Its wrong message is; do not worry about sin, that is the normal thing. This is evil beyond imagination, and destroys the believer who henceforth will walk in the flesh pleasing himself. This is where most christians are.
The Way Out
By this time we should know we need deliverance from the power of the old nature which is continually producing sin. The sinless perfectionist can become so deadened to sin that it no longer worries him, as he has deluded himself to believe that he has eradicated it from his experience. This is indeed a most pitiful sight.
The one who has gone to sleep and thinks that sinning is normal has usually gone off into some bypath in denominationalism, and can be fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, entangled in the world, and short sighted. They may not be recognisable from the so called "good" people of the world, and they feel thoroughly at home there.
Worse still such a one can be found in assemblies, and unless checked will soon run to excess. They will have their own way, and nothing will stop them except the power of the Word applied by the Holy Spirit. They are there at the beck and call of the evil one and teach the doctrine of demons. You will find them endeavouring to form and run sectional meetings, most particularly Young Peoples Meetings, for these are the ones most vulnerable to evil doctrine.
Should the Holy Spirit, through the word, convict you of your position then there is a way out, a way of deliverance. The way is twofold; firstly one must have the appropriate knowledge of the scripture, and secondly by way of experience.
APPROPRIATE SCRIPTURAL KNOWLEDGE
We will start from the position where one has been convicted that the old nature is still resident, but is a problem and may even be predominant. His conviction is that these expressions of the flesh are dishonouring to the Lord, and rightly so. We will see what God has to say about it all.
Romans Chapter 5
In this chapter we have been justified by faith. Justified means that we have been made the righteousness of God in the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only have our sins been forgiven, but also thanks be to God we are made the righteousness of God in Him. We also note the fact that, the very faith with which we believed the gospel was given to us.
The wondrous position into which we have been brought comes to us through the grace of God; and what a grace! A grace which has found us dead in trespasses and sins and lifted us up so that we now look forward to seeing the glory of God, and be in His presence for evermore.
Now, what grace? I was once without strength, I had no way of finding God, and even if I could I was ungodly. I was not fit for His presence, and I was convicted of my terrible plight. There was no way for me to ever satisfy God, I was lost. Then the Spirit of God through His Word opened my eyes to see that Christ died for me. There He was hanging on the cross, head bowed under my load, my sin, bearing my punishment. I could hardly believe what I saw, Christ dying for me! I was broken, tears came to my eyes, I knew He loved me and gave Himself for me. Surely that is the testimony of all saved ones, Eph.2:8-9. At this point the real meaning of grace dawns on us, and one comes to realise by experience the truth of these wonderful scriptures in Romans 5. We can all say with feeling, I know that there is not much chance that someone would die for an upright man, and it may be a possibility someone would die for a good man, but Christ died for me.
Infinite grace it is that sends His Son to die for us. Who are we? We are the violent enemies of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are the ones who hated Him without a cause. We are such as those who nailed Him to the cross; we would have railed on Him as He hung there. Yet we read, "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us". Rom.5:8. Now that is infinite grace.
Chapter 6
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Rom.6:1. The answer is, of course we can not! Our sin nailed Him to the tree, it caused His agonizing death, the pains of hell took hold of Him, and we would do that which did this to Him? No never!
The knowledge of this wonderful truth, however, does not seem to help us. In fact it seems to make things worse. The Spirit of God shows us the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and we are determined to do something about it. What we usually do is endeavour to improve the flesh.
Now we also know that our old nature has been crucified with Christ. We read that we have been baptised into His death, and we see, "likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom.6:11. We know we should not let sin reign in our mortal bodies, we know we are not under law, but all this is to no avail.
If we rightly judge ourselves we are as dead corpses. Not only dead, but also rotting! God says the old nature is like a dead body, and on that truth He considers it buried with Christ. He also considers us risen with Christ in newness of life. That is the spiritual fact as it stands. Now that new life is also an accomplished fact. Yes the old nature is there, we turn our back on it and consider it dead also, and our new life turns us to Him. Sin shall not have dominion over us.
Chapter 7
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Rom .6:14. Chapter 6 really gives us most of the answers, but they are rarely seen. There is an inbuilt desire in the old nature to improve itself. Chapter 7 now tells us that we are dead to the law. What does that mean? It means that although the law still exists we are not in any way bound to strive to keep it’ simply because we cannot.
Before we were saved we saw the law as the right standard of God, and we knew that we should reach that standard. We were utterly helpless to do so. Now we are delivered from the law by the death, and burial of the old man or nature. We have been raised in newness of life to serve in newness of spirit.
What We Have Learnt By Experience
In chapters 6 and 7 we have learnt two very striking things.
1. We still have the old nature, and
2. By the conviction of the Holy Spirit who dwells within, that sin the expressions of the old nature, is
dishonouring to God.
We have learnt by way of conviction by the Holy Spirit dwelling within that "Be ye holy as I am holy” is a command which the believer must attain. At this stage, however, he does not know how to achieve it. Herein lies the purpose of this paper: to describe the experiences which bring us to that point, the point of deliverance from the law and from the flesh.
Now a carnal christian, or just a professor has no interest whatsoever in anything spiritual, but continues along happily in sin knowing nothing of the awful experience described from verse 5 to 24. For the spiritually awakening christian there is this heartache and searching for true holiness.
If left to ourselves when we are first saved we will put ourselves under the law with the express purpose of improving ourself, a course of action which is doomed to fail, but whilst we have confidence in the flesh we will try. The fact is that the new believer has not arrived by experience at the position in verse 18 of chapter 7.
The Sum Total of The Flesh
The sum total of the flesh, the old nature, is zero. Or a better description is, a complete negative, as there is nothing good about it at all. In the writer's experience this conclusion can only be reached by hard experience, and very few seem to attain it. One supposedly may arrive at this conclusion by pure faith, but such a person the writer has not met.
A Journey of Discovery
It is good to note in the scriptures that we are not the only ones who needed to discover the true nature of the flesh. We will look at three of these great characters, and study their experiences in life which brings them to the right conclusion. It will be interesting to see their behaviour, and character, and one will be amazed how similar their experiences are with ours. The flesh is the flesh however it is dressed up.
The three characters are diverse, but we note they all learnt the same lessons, that in the flesh dwelt no good thing, and that their God was a God of grace. That is one reason why God in His great mercy has given us these records in His word, and we note that whether in the Old or New Testaments human nature is the same, and we all have to learn the same lessons. God, who has great affection for His own, treats us as children who He would have conformed to the image of His Son. The three men are Jacob the self sufficient, Job the self righteous, and Peter the self confident. When we look at these three men we will feel as they feel, and we will understand why they did what they did. We will see some of the results of their decisions, but in the end we will see them as worshippers close to their God.
JACOB
The value of this character is that he commenced with the name Jacob, the "Supplanter", but ended up named Israel, a "Prince with God". We must note, however, much water passes under the bridge before Jacob becomes Israel, and we will follow Jacob's experiences in discovering the worthlessness of the flesh and the exceeding sinfulness of sin.
We must also be aware that, irrespective of the dispensation, mankind will only ever be saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It does not matter whether it is an Adam who believed the message when the animals were slain to provide a covering, or one today who accepts by faith the fact that Christ died for their sins. Before the crucifixion people looked forward to the One who would be their Redeemer, and could say, "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth", Job 19:25.
Jacob's Birth
It is important to note what God said to Rebekah, "Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; The one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger." Gen.25:23. This statement of God was to become the major factor in Rebekah's and Jacob's life, as their actions are governed by this great motivator. One thing is certain; however, neither of them fully understood the character of God until near the end of their lives.
It is so sad that so many believers of today follow the same pathway, and in effect waste almost a lifetime before discovering the purpose of God for them. These notes are also written so that we may not make the same terrible mistakes. These things happened unto them for our learning.
His Formative Years
It is in this period that a world of difference between Esau and Jacob are noted. They had different interests. Esau was a hunter, and would have been preferred by the world to Jacob as he was a man's man, whereas Jacob was a homely man. Their characters differed greatly; Jacob was a sharp business man who would get the better of a deal by craftiness. He lived up to his name "Supplanter". Not really a nice character at all, whereas Esau was an outdoors man.
This difference is noted in the incidence of the red lentils when Esau sold his birthright. Esau was more concerned about the here and now, and could say "Behold I am at the point to die; and what profit shall the birthright do to me now" Gen.25:32. What a mistake! All the blessings of God came with the property, but to the man of the flesh future uncertainties are nothing compared to the present need.
Now Jacob, on the other hand, recognised the value of the hereafter. He was determined to use all his skills and determination to obtain the promises of lasting value. If necessary he would virtually stoop to any level to obtain them. One thing is certain, although Jacob esteemed the promises of God; he had no idea whatsoever of the character of his God with whom he had to do. Unfortunately Isaac throughout this time had a natural preference for Esau regardless of the word of God stating, "The elder shall serve the younger". Jacob believed God, but he was determined to act in his own strength
Jacob Sinks Lower
"Yet I have loved Jacob, and hated Esau," Malakai 1:3; Rom.9:13. If ever we learn anything about this statement it is that the blessings of God are based upon pure grace. Jacob will be blessed, and Esau is not approved. Here we see the sovereign will of God in action. He chose Jacob, but we may add that Esau did not choose God. From the natural point of view, who was the better person?
The world's choice would most emphatically be Esau, definitely not Jacob the twister. What was God's choice? Jacob, with the terribly deformed character! We will see, however, his God takes him in hand, and put him through the fires of purification, as does a refiner of gold and silver, Mal.3. Jacob is going to be pressed out of measure, but praise God, he will discover what he is in the flesh, and be conformed to the image of His Son.
Jacob's Deception
We have previously noted that Rebekah loved Jacob rather than Esau, but in ch.27, Isaac, at the end of his life, decided to bless his eldest son and give him the birthright. This led to the infamous incident where Rebekah overheard Isaac giving Esau instructions to prepare a meal prior to blessing him. It is at this point that we see the depths to which both Rebekah and Jacob would stoop in carefully planning the great deception to rob Esau of his birthright. Both were equally guilty.
Before we proceed with the study of this incident we will note that Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Isaac was about to give it away for savoury venison, in direct opposition to God's will, and Rebekah and Jacob are planning to deceive them both. Not a united house. It behoves us to clearly see the picture presented here otherwise the full implication are not understood.
Rebekah is determined that Jacob should be blessed, Isaac is determined to bless Esau, Jacob is determined to get the blessing as he had a sense of its value. As events transpired Rebekah is really the instigator of the deception, with Jacob a willing accomplice.
The Scene
Rebekah immediately went to Jacob, her favourite son, and told him of Isaac's command to Esau. In her mind were two main thoughts, first her favourite son was to miss out on the blessing, and second she valued the undertaking of God, so the two schemed.
Rebekah's Strategy
She advised Jacob to go immediately and kill two of the young goats in order that she could cook an equivalent meal to deceive Isaac, and get the blessing for Jacob. We must ask ourselves now; just who did Jacob take after? It certainly looked as if it was his mother.
Jacob made a statement that he did not relish the idea of being found out, and be cursed by his father when he saw an obvious flaw in the plan. Esau was hairy and he was not. Rebekah's remedy was simple, dress in Esau’s clothes, put goat skins on hands and neck, take the food in and receive the blessing. Let us note Rebekah immediately had a plan, but before outlining the plan she said, "let thy curse be on me", only do as I tell you. We will see that the curse indeed fell on her. She prepared the dish, Jacob carried out her plan, and they deceived Isaac.
The Grossness of Jacob's Actions
There is no doubt that Jacob was a saved man. He knew salvation by faith in the coming Redeemer, and like Abraham “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Heb.11:10. Jacob has a determination to follow the Lord, but he was equally determined and confident that he could do it in his own strength.
In his conversation with his father he lied three times, twice he said he was Esau, and once he said God provided the meat. On the evidence of the scripture Jacob was a liar and a thief. Yet we say he was a christian? Yes he was, but one who had complete confidence in himself. Yet he had no remorse? Apparently not, he must have believed God had given him the intelligence to outsmart Esau. One notices that he never made an approach to Esau to explain his actions.
Results of the Deception
The ultimate results of Rebekah's and Jacob's cunning plans were:
1. Jacob fled for his life
2. Rebekah never saw her son Jacob again
3. Jacob is deceived himself by relatives and family.
"Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth that
shall he also reap", Gal.6:7.
Let us now read from CHM'S "Notes of the Pentateuch"; "whoever observes Jacob's life, after he had surreptitiously obtained his father's blessing, will perceive that he enjoyed very little worldly felicity. His brother purposed to murder him, to avoid which he was forced to flee from his father's house; his uncle Laban deceived him, as he deceived his father, and treated him with great rigour; after a servitude of 21 years, he was obliged to leave him in a clandestine manner, and not without danger of being brought back, or murdered by his enraged brother. No sooner were these fears over than he experienced the baseness of his son Reuben in defiling his bed. He had next to bewail the treachery and cruelty of Simeon and Levi towards the Shechemites; then he had to feel the loss of his beloved wife; he was next imposed upon by his own sons, and he had to lament the supposed untimely end of Joseph; and to complete it all, he was forced by famine to go into Egypt, and there died in a strange land. So just, wonderful, and instructive are all the ways of God."
The mills of God's government grinds exceedingly small, but in spite of all this God is the God of all grace. Jacob is yet to learn from experience what he is in the flesh, but above all he is yet to learn who God is, and to become a true worshipper of Him.
Jacob's Dream - God's Blessing
Jacob in his dream saw a ladder set up on earth! What a beautiful picture, a ladder set up on earth. A picture of the Son of Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified at Golgotha, providing a way up into the very presence of God. A means provided by infinite grace through the person and work of God's Son. No only does he see the ladder, but also the Lord stood above it, and blessed him.
What a blessing! "I AM the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest to thee WILL I GIVE IT, AND TO THY SEED; and thy seed SHALL BE as the dust of the earth, and THOU SHALT spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north and to the south: and in thy seed SHALL all the families of the earth be blessed. And behold I AM WITH THEE, and WILL KEEP THEE in all the places wither thou goest, and WILL BRING thee again into this land; for I WILL NOT LEAVE THEE until I HAVE DONE that which I HAVE SPOKEN of" Gen.28:13-15.
Look at the emphasis which the Lord put on what He says He will do. The "I ams" and the "I wills", and not a thing about Jacob, and what he had to do. How very, very sad that Jacob had no understanding of the character of God whatsoever. Let us note the grace of God's blessing "I am...I will give...I will keep... I will bring... I will not leave thee, until I have done...", not one single if or but. It is all unconditional grace.
Jacob's Response to God's Blessing
Now look at Jacob's response, "IF God will be with me, and will keep me in the way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall Jehovah be my God", Gen.28:20-21. What a shocking reaction to the unconditional grace of God. Out came all the depravity of Jacob the twister. If you do this I will do that! He can not resist following all the dictates of his terrible nature. As he bargained with Esau he wanted to bargain with God; unbelievable!
What can mortal man give God? What can an infinite almighty God need that we can give him? Absolutely nothing! There is no doubt that Jacob thought that he had to do something for God. We will notice that after the vision he woke and, "he was afraid, and said, how dreadful is this place! This is none other than the house of God and this the gate of heaven", Gen.28:17.
Now perfect love casts out the fear of judgement, and is arrived at by knowing the true character of God, and Jacob had not arrived at that state or knowledge of God. The person who is emptied of self, and loves God can say, "How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord", Psa.84. Jacob's God is yet to teach him this valuable lesson.
JACOB AND LABAN
Jacob left Bethel and proceeded down to Haran where his mother's brother lived. No doubt Jacob was on a downward journey away from the house of God to the people of the east.
It was a journey that was to lead to the end of the flesh. Each one of us has to make this journey, one way or the other. We may make it a short or long journey, that all depends on us. If we fail to recognise what we are in the flesh, and if we have a will to do His will, circumstances will be brought to bear until we discover what we are in the flesh. Jacob had another twenty years or so to go to reach that end.
Jacob's Knowledge of God
The self sufficient Jacob probably thought he was well off. He had got the best of Esau; he had better legs than Esau, and had no problem in making his escape. He had God's blessing which he valued greatly, and was now on his way to his uncle in Haran. What did he know of God? Precious little, He was the Almighty One in the heavens who had given him a blessing. He was his Redeemer who at Jacob's death would take care of him, and that was about all. In fact Jacob entertained some dread and fear of his God and at that stage in his life that mattered little to him.
He was perfectly capable of looking after himself; he had a keen brain, and a good pair of legs to make his way. So far as Jacob was concerned he was on his own, and had to look out for himself as no one else would. Poor Jacob had no idea of the grace of God, and therefore probably thought He was a great man much as himself, but One who must be obeyed. However he was running headlong into strife. He was about to meet his match, no doubt his mother had been his teacher in craftiness, but just wait until he meets Laban, a master in the art.
Laban
Laban was a picture of a man of the world, one who had no knowledge of God whose ways were totally foreign to him. One can understand Laban. He had no God of infinite grace to bless beyond measure, he definitely had to look out for himself, and so far in life he had done fairly well. He will act according to his status as an unsaved person. Jacob suffered from an ignorance of the character of God, and he should have been an entirely different man from Laban. Unfortunately they were indistinguishable one from the other.
Who Are We Like?
How sad when believers act so today. Each one has been given a new nature, the Holy Spirit within, a bible to light the way, and opportunity to hear suitable ministry. We like Jacob, however, must be brought to the end of ourselves!
Sadly, how very sadly, so many have no desire to be like their Redeemer who loved them and gave Himself for them. Let us here and now make a resolve to cling to the Lord with purpose of heart, and let us keep in mind what we owe Him. Let it be our earnest desire to be like Him, the One who could say, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father", Jno.14:9. Let us all say "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death", Phil.3:1.
Then leave it there, call on the Lord and He will take you in hand. We believers should not look like the Labans of this world, but should manifest the nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us look at the lesson of Jacob and be warned thereby.
Jacob's Descent Continues
In the three chapters, Genesis 29, 30, 31, we have a very sorry story indeed. Here we see all the attributes of Jacob's nature in full view. He was a deceiver, and was deceived.
We see his shiftiness, craft, and cheating, as he sank lower and lower. After twenty years of kind of life God commanded Jacob to return home, and in his own cunning way, he left Laban deceitfully. He had complete confidence in himself, the self sufficient one, to flee unnoticed, and make his escape, but Laban caught him red handed. So far as Laban was concerned this was the last straw, and unless God had warned him to leave Jacob in one piece Jacob may well have lost his life. God was now beginning to put pressure on Jacob with more to come. He had to learn the lesson concerning the value of the flesh, and one big test lay in front of him. That was Esau.
Jacob's Big Test
"And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of the Lord met him". Gen.32:1, which meeting had little effect upon him. His mind was concentrated on what he considered to be his major problem. He had yet to face Esau. >From this point we see the true and full cunning of Jacob in action. No doubt he acted from a guilty conscience, but first he must test the waters by sending a friendly message to Esau, as he must discover Esau's attitude to him
He was terribly distraught as the messengers returned with the news that Easu was coming to meet him with four hundred men. Jacob sincerely believed that Esau was out to kill him, and yet God had said return. His problem is to reconcile both. Hitherto Jacob had been cunning about making a living, but now it was simply living. It was a matter of life and death, he had robbed Esau, and he fully expected he was about to be rewarded for his deceit, by the sword.
His Plan
All his cunning is set to work, and he devised his plan:
1. Form two bands
2. Ask God to bless his plan
3. Divide his goods into three groups and send them one after another with presents for Esau
4. Send the family in front of him.
It certainly was a brilliant plan, if Esau killed the first band Jacob would have been warned and so on. It also seems that he placed his wives and family between himself and Esau, and one might suppose that is about as low as one can get. Let us note one thing, Jacob asked God to bless his plan. This kind of thing God will never do. God will bless His plan and not man's. You see your plan depends on your cunning and your ability, which simply means that the one asking for the blessing is in fact totally relying on themselves. Not only do we see Jacob first planning, but also we note that, after the prayer for deliverance, he commenced to plan again. It is the equivalent of saying, "God, look how smart I am, just make sure it comes off", or worse still it may just be a superstitious act of something I think I ought to do to please God.
Be absolutely certain about one thing, you either trust God or you trust yourself. The latter shuts God out of the equation and you are left to your own devices, or you trust God implicitly and watch Him act for you.
It is either one or the other. Trust God, this is the recommended course of action because, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer.17:9. The answer is "I the Lord". Even putting the best interpretation on Jacob's actions we may say he thought he was trusting God, but in fact he trusted his own plan.
The Purpose of The Plan
Now the purpose of Jacob's plan was wholly and solely to save his own skin. You must remember that Jacob originally easily outran Esau, and he was certain he could do it again. He must have thought he was the Middle East sprint champion as He had total confidence that he could successfully repeat the running exercise.
God's Plan for Jacob
Now God had a totally different plan for Jacob. “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day." Gen.32:24. Please note Jacob did not go and wrestle with the man. This is an action entirely at God's initiative; he will deal with Jacob in his dire distress, for it is only when a man comes to the end of himself that God can operate.
It was not a picture of Jacob wrestling with God in prayer, but he was left alone, left alone with God who is going to reveal to Jacob his true nature of the flesh. So it is with us, it is when we are left alone with God that the true worth of the flesh is revealed to us as God sees it. It is totally corrupt and a constant source of trouble, something which can never be trusted. This revelation can only come from God, and must of necessity do so ere we can ever differentiate between flesh and spirit.
It is God wrestling with Jacob, and as a man who goes to wrestle another goes to gain an advantage, so it was with God. Next we must conclude that Jacob was desperate and would not let Him go. Now note what happened:
1. No word was spoken
2. Jacob desperately holds on till day break
4. Jacob is crippled.
Now at the break of day the man crippled Jacob, note carefully, He crippled Jacob. What tremendous implications! What marvellous grace and wisdom in the crippling! Perhaps one might say, "Don’t be silly, how could being crippled be marvellous grace and wisdom?" From the natural point of view, of course crippling is not a blessing, but for Jacob, in the spiritual sphere, he was blessed eternally there and then.
You see the Lord says,”He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.” Psa.147:10. Look at that! Isn't that wonderful! The very thing which had sustained Jacob all his life was his legs, he fled from Esau, and they had carried him withersoever he wished. The legs represented the will and strength of the flesh. The strength of the flesh was now crushed, no longer could he depend on them, no longer would they carry him wherever he desired, and above all they could no longer get him away from Esau's wrath. He was a dead man, he had nothing in which to be confident, and his strength was gone.
All this is instructive, and as we look at the scene we hear the man “And he said, let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Gen.32:26. How can Jacob possibly let him go without a blessing? No legs with which to run, and unable to carry out his schemes, hence the Jacob says, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me". In fact God has already blessed him by crippling him. However there remains yet a confession by Jacob when in reply is asked, “And he said unto him, what is thy name? And he said, Jacob”. Gen.32.27. Jacob is forced to confess, "Jacob", the supplanter, the cheat, the deceiver, the twister. On his confession Jacob is given a new name, “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Gen.32.28
Israel, means a prince with God. From this point on Jacob begins to learn what and who God is, and finally we see him having learnt to worship, leaning on the top of his staff. "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me", was Jacob's attitude in spirit. He saw himself for what he was, and then walked with his God.
Our Lesson
Whether we like it or not we must leave Ammon (the flesh) behind, and cross Jabbok (emptying). What an appropriate picture as the flesh must be left behind, and there must be an emptying of self. How can we possibly leave behind that in which is all our confidence? The self that has been so cherished, and nourished up to that point in our life. Simply have it revealed to us, and we see what we are, only vile ugly sin and only sin.
All this is accomplished alone, face to face with God, and is indeed a crippling experience. Yes, and what a crippling experience to discover that our "beautiful" nature can produce nothing but sin, and only sin. We are capable of committing the most heinous crimes ever committed by man. How very humbling it is when we actually see what we are when convicted by the Holy Spirit in the light of God's holiness.
Now we see why God reckons us dead and buried with Christ. We see why Christ had to die, because there was nothing in us that is not totally corrupt. We agree with God that we needed to be crucified with Christ as we have learnt, and know by experience, bitter experience, and can in reality say, "in me, (that is in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing", Rom.7:18.
Have we arrived at this point? Have we left Ammon, and crossed Jabbok? If not, then we are a thorn in the side of spiritual believers, a tool of Satan, and a destroyer of ourself and family. If we sow to the flesh we reap corruption. If we have arrived at this point, then we must keenly judge every outbreak of the flesh, we must cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart, we must completely trust Him for everything and place ourselves in his hands. So that in the end we will be found worshipping, leaning on the top of our staff like Israel.
JOB
Is Jacob so bad that he is the only one who had to learn the lesson of the flesh? Most certainly not, "for there is no difference, for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God", Rom 3:23, "from the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores, they have not been bound up, neither mollified with ointment" Isaiah 1:5-6.
That describes our old nature, and had there been one atom of good in us then God murdered His Son for nothing; He could have improved that good in us. What terrible blasphemy! That is, we would not dare think it let alone say it, and yet we act it when we think there is some good in us. What a God of infinite grace! He has put up with us to this very day, yes and continued to bless us. But we all must learn the lesson of the flesh. Now let us look at Job's lesson.
God's Description of Job
"There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil", Job 1:1. What a wonderful testimony God has given of His servant Job. Listen again to the Lord, "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil", Job 1:7, now this was the description of Job which God gave to Satan, the adversary.
Now Job's character is settled on the statement of God in His written Word. He was an upright man with integrity, had a reverential fear of God, and shunned and avoided evil. There is no doubt about the sincerity of Job for he was a believer, and yet we are about to witness him going through the most severe trials.
The Veil Drawn Aside
As with Job so with us, we are all the objects of scrutiny by the unseen hosts of heaven. We are noted, our testimony is considered, and it may so be that we may find Satan himself our personal opponent. Satan had marked out Job for attack.
Never let us forget that Satan is observing us, therefore, "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1Pet 5:8. Satan hated Job because God had blessed him, but God will yet bless Job notwithstanding Satan's accusations. At this point God permits Job to be tried in order that he may shine as gold purified through the furnace, as there is a need for Job to be exercised thus.
Satan's Attacks
In effect, Satan also attacked God by saying, that He had protected and blessed Job in abundance, therefore it was no wonder he was upright and feared God. “But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face." Job.1.11 was Satan's accusation. Let us be clear about one thing God did not permit Satan to scourge Job to prove Satan wrong, that was a settled fact with God. He allowed Satan to sift Job for Job's own good. Nothing, but nothing ever happens to a believer unless it is for his blessing. "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose", Rom 8:28, and so it was with Job.
Satan's Accusation and God's Reply
Satan said, "Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?” Job.1.9. Of course God had blessed Job, put a hedge around him, and protected him, but this was not Job's reason for fearing God. As we proceed we find out Satan has misjudged both God and Job. Remember he said to God, "But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” Job.1.11
In reply to Satan, God says, "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” Job.1.12. The terrible result of this permission given to Satan was that Job lost all his goods, and all his family except his wife.
It is almost impossible to imagine just what a crushing blow that must have been to Job. Note the very first thing he did when he received the news, "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,” Job.1.20. Now further see the man of integrity, " And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” The record goes on to say “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." Job.1.22. Satan failed dismally in his first attempt to discredit Job, but as a result of that most savage attack, Job worshipped! Here we see Job's faith in his ultimate place with God, but we see his misunderstanding of his present position. I wonder if we have his standard of integrity, and fear of God?
Job's Second Trial
Once more Satan appeared before God, and again he hears God's testimony of Job, "And the LORD said unto 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? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job.2.3.
Satan's vicious hatred of God and God's people is highlighted when he said, "And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.”Job.24-5 In reply to which God said, "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” Verse 6
Satan caused Job to be covered with boils from head to foot. Job has had to suffer extreme personal grief and now he suffers bodily agony, and extreme agony at that. Now we must keep in mind the end God had in view for Job, something which Satan knew nothing about, something which would purify Job. There was something which had to be exposed to Job about himself which he was not aware of, and had to be eliminated from his life. Similarly there are things in all our lives which must be exposed, and set aside if we are to go on with the Lord. We have just seen that Satan's direct attacks failed, and now let us go through the history of Job, and learn from this great pattern. We now must be made aware of Satan's indirect attacks which can be just as vicious and hurtful. It is at this point that Satan disappears from the scene, but his attack against God's man is carried on through the human agency of Job's wife and friends.
Job's Wife
Let us note her words, "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.”
Job 2:9. Perhaps she saw Job's terrible agony, but in her words we note that she blamed God for the calamity, but listen to Job's reply. "But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” Job2:10. Job attached no blame to God whatsoever. Is it no wonder that God called him a spiritually mature and upright man...that there is none like him in the earth? We have just noted Job's wife's insinuation that God was to blame for all the calamity that had fallen on the family, or what was left of it. An insinuation, no doubt, instigated by Satan himself with the purpose of destroying Job's faith in his God. One can be sure this charge against God hurt Job.
JOB'S COMFORTERS
We will have no doubt in our mind whatsoever that Job's three friends who levelled accusations against him without one word of consolation, one word of pity, and gave him no comfort were Satan's messengers.
Quite some year ago, among the assemblies, there was propagated the doctrine that God was a God of Love. Of course that is absolutely true, but in the minds of the carnal believers, who taught this doctrine of demons, the word love was misconstrued to mean sentiment.
This meant that God could not possibly keep any believer out of assembly fellowship because he had affection for them all. This false teaching was based on pure emotional sentiment, and meant that you must not offend wayward believers by telling them the truth.
They believed that God could not possibly chastise, or keep a sinning believer out of assembly fellowship according to His Word. They taught that you have to exhibit the character of God, by tolerating their offences. This is blasphemy! Now we will see in the book of Job that a loving God will expose sin, will chasten, will rebuke the errant son, and will put His people through the fiery trial, with the express purpose that the individual believer will shine forth as pure gold tried in the fire. Nevertheless He will comfort and sustain through every trial, and never test us above that which we are able. There is no sentimental emotion with God. He is holy, He is righteous, and the scriptures are abundantly clear as to how much He loves. We are to love like Him.
We are to speak the truth in love, Eph 4:15; to love with faith, Eph 6:23; love in sincerity, Eph 6:24; and we are to love in knowledge and judgment, Phil 1:9. To love, in this sense, means to do good to the person irrespective of who they are. The most deceitful thing one believer can do to another is to ignore, cover up, or condone sin, and to teach disobedience to God's Word. The erring one must be restored according to Gal 6:1 or discipline must be exercised as the word dictates, and obedience is mandatory to maintain fellowship.
The point is that God will chastise, God will permit the fiery trial, and we will feel the lash, but only, ever only for our eternal good, and Job is a pattern for us. Now it also seems that those who so easily overlook sin in the carnal believer are also the ones who Satan uses to trouble the spiritual ones. It certainly was the case with Job's friends. No doubt they had some sort of compassion, but in their words there was absolutely none. One supposes, in the final analysis, words probably express attitudes
Job's Calamity In Type
Job found himself covered in boils from head to foot, not one single sound piece of flesh, and he was in terrible agony. God has allowed Job to suffer this terrible pain.
It reminds us of the believer, who when first saved, finds everything seems perfect in his life, a new nature, and he is joyful all day and every day having a new centre, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then the terrible realisation comes that sin is still there with him. Not only is it a problem, but also it comes as a shock with terrible anguish. The last thing that believer wants to do is to offend his Saviour. In searching the believer finds no sound part in his whole make up. All he finds is sin and nothing but sin, “from the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isa.1:6. Now let us proceed with the history of Job, our type.
Chapter 3
It is hard to image how great was Job's suffering, and he began to reflect on it. Unfortunately he came to a wrong conclusion and "cursed his day". He is at a complete loss to understand why this has happened to him, and his closing statement in this chapter is "for the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Perhaps we have heard or expressed the sentiment that says "why me?" How alike it is to those of us who have found that sin is still with us. We may hate it, and fear it yet it is still makes it presence felt, and we have no rest or peace. If this is the case we have yet to learn Job's lesson.
Chapter 4 & 5
Now Satan began his attack on Job again, but this time through Job's so called friends. The sharp barbs were from Satan, but fired by Job's comforters. Instead of comfort and consolation he got criticism. All three were convinced that Job had sinned and got what he deserved.
The first of Job's comforters to speak is Eliphaz, and the name probably means “God is a dispenser.” In any case we shall soon see that Eliphaz was certainly able to "dish it out" to Job. Now he hurls his first dart, "Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.."Job.4:3-5. He is insinuating that Job had been a teacher of righteousness, but how could you explain the calamity that had befallen him. He obviously must have sinned. He had taught others why could he not teach himself!
Eliphaz struck again, Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.” Job4.7-9, This was actually calling Job a hypocrite. Obviously he had not considered Abel!
The above is the equivalent of "well, of course christians don't do anything wrong, but just look at you, how can you be a child of God?" Whereas we are primarily considering Job, we must take note that Eliphaz is sitting in censorious judgement on Job.
To do so, one must consider themselves to be blameless, and in a superior moral position to the one being judged by them. Job's friends were convinced that God had a serious charge against Job. Nothing of the kind! God was for Job, but at this time Job is unaware of it.
“His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them”. Job 5:4* Job has just lost all his children, and as far as he could see he had done nothing to warrant such judgement from God. Eliphaz stressed his point; judgements are not for the righteous, but fall on the wicked. It must have cut to the bone.
Chapter 6 & 7
Job answered Eliphaz and said, “Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.", Job 6:2-4. What a mistake on the part of Job. The arrows were from Satan, and fired by Eliphaz. This is the equivalent of thinking that God has something against me, I must have committed the unpardonable sin. This thought is totally untrue as the very opposite is the truth. He has loved us with an everlasting love, and that which is within us is a well of water springing up into everlasting life, and we are accepted in the Beloved. If we seem to be in the same position, hold fast to this truth, and all will be revealed to us as it was to Job.
When Eliphaz looked at Job it was not possible for him to properly judge the case as he did not have all the information, and hence the judgement is both superficial and wrong. The effect on Job, however is that he would have gladly died. He knew he was eternally saved, and he believed death would be an end to his suffering, "Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One." Job 6:10.
Now let us note in ch.6:10, where Job justified himself by stating, "I have not violated or hidden the words of the Holy One". Job could see that his comforters judged superficially, and that when he expected comfort he found none. He turned inward and began to rely on his own righteousness, that is to say he justified himself. As yet he had not learnt that righteousness in found is another.
In chapter 7 we see the terrible suffering of Job, and at the end of the book we see what God has against him as he was not conscious of any wrong he had done. He says, "I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be." Job 7:20-21. Job has not yet understood about himself or God at this stage.
Chapter 8
We are now introduced to Bildad (son of contention) who, in similar manner to Eliphaz fired more arrows at Job. His erroneous judgement was that all Job had to do was to plead God's forgiveness for his sin. Then God would remedy the situation. It was impossible for Bildad to conceive of the idea that God would pour out judgement without it being the result of unforgiven sin. Then he hurls a fierce barb at Job, “So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:” Job 8:13.
This could never be Job's portion, he has eternal life, and he would never perish. Many a believer, however, has had the same darts fired at them, and the first thought is, "have I deceived myself, I am now sinning, surely a christian could not do that". Do not listen to that message of Satan, hold fast to the Lord. He says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee", therefore cleave to Him, and He will carry you through every difficulty.
Chapter 9 & 10
Now Job made a most revealing statement, "I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?" Job 9:2. In these opening remarks Job agrees with his tormentors that it is truly the lot of the hypocrite to suffer judgement, but it did not apply to him. He does, however, have a problem. How is a man just before God? Job now places himself before God as his judge which can do nothing but make such a person afraid, and tremble as God is holy. No doubt Job has a good opinion of himself, but he knows he can not stand before God as his judge, and desperately looks for a mediator.
We thank God that we have found that “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". 1Ti 2:5* No one can stand before God as judge and claim to be innocent, for all are guilty. Then certainly judgement is the lot of all who would dare to hope a holy God would wink at sin. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and all deserve the lake of fire for eternity.
Chapter 10 still finds Job in much despair and misery, but we do get some more light on his thinking, "Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand." Job 10:7. He may have had a clear conscience, but he seems to have had some satisfaction in his own righteousness. Nevertheless he is able to say, "If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction; verse 15. Perhaps he is beginning to brake and humbled before his God.
Chapter 11
Zophar (Rough) spoke, "Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? Job.11.2-3. “But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?" Job 11:5.
Rough Zopha in his attack is quoted Job, "For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.” Job 11:4. Job did not say his doctrine was pure, and he said he was not a hypocrite. Well may Zophar have seen the self righteousness of Job, but he is totally incapable of showing Job how he can be justified. Rather he declared the majesty of God to Job which only had the effect of further crushing him.
Chapter 12 - 14
In these three chapters Job replied to his three so called comforters first by a mild rebuke, "No doubt ye are the people and wisdom shall die with you ... I am not inferior to you" Job 12:1-3. His friends were only using religious platitudes which everyone quoted, but did not in any way answer the question as to how a man could be justified before God. Furthermore Job realised that their accusations against him were baseless as he said, "the tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hands God bringeth abundantly", Job 12:6. How was it that these evil ones did not suffer at the hand of God as he did? To this they should have had no answer. We will now pass over the renewed attacks of Job's friends, and just mention a few highlights on the way.
Chapter 16
Here we find Job pleading for a mediator, "O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour", Job 16:21. He finds no way to come into the presence of God.
Chapter 20
In response to feeling persecuted by his friends, Job is able to make a wonderful statement, "for I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." Job 19:25-27.
He knew for absolutely sure he was saved, but justification and peace with his God alluded him.
Chapter 23
"Even to day is my complaint bitter: My stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat! I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments." verses 2-3. Job is still in darkness about the true position of things.
Chapters 26 - 28
In these six chapters we find Job very strongly justifying himself. What he really thinks now came out. This is particularly so from chapter 29 to 31.
Chapter 29
Here we see Job looking back at his past, "Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me...as I was in the days of my youth", Job 29:2-4.
This is a picture of those who see their salvation as the brightest thing in their life, and from that point of time life has just gone on the same way day after day, and year after year. This is in fact a declaration that they have not made a single step in knowing the Lord. No doubt there would have been good times and bad times, but there never seems to have been a fresh revelation of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ or of the Father.
They may even be able to point to success in this or failure in that, but as for the abiding presence of the Father and His Son there is really nothing. We may see such a one conforming to all the activities of the assembly, but not getting to know Him and the POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION. There is just that one bright spot in their life which was when they were saved, and since then just a plodding on. They continue on faithfully with never a new revelation of the grace wherein they stand.
In the good times they thank God for their lot, and in the bad times they are at a loss to understand why it should be so with them. Now let us notice what Job took pleasure in. "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widows heart to sing with joy. I put on righteousness and it clothed me, my judgement was as a robe and a diadem...", Job 29:13-14. Job was a good man, a very good man and better than most, but here we find him extremely satisfied with his spiritual condition: in effect, "look how good I am!" By just contemplating his good deeds he was elevated. Naturally of course, there was nothing spiritual in it. We might also consider the fact that a christian in this position is simply a legalist. They keep the commandments as it is the done thing.
Chapter 30
Job now laments. He sees himself as being derided by the very lowest of people which must have hurt him. What further hurt him was that people could not even go near him or even to look at him. Yet in all this Job did not understand God. "I cry unto thee and thou dost not hear me, I stand up and Thou regardest me not", Job 30:23. Not true Job. God does see, He does feel, He does not oppose thee. How wrong Job was, and soon he was about to learn that. Job has a good conscience as well as a good opinion of himself. Not only does he have a good opinion of his actions he also has a good opinion of himself in that he was not an idolater. In addition Job lists some of his admirable deeds of righteousness.
"Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book", Job 31:35. Job was confident that all accusations against him were false.
Chapter 32
"So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes", Job 32:1. There is very little the natural man can say to the self righteous, in fact there is very little a spiritual man can say either. It is God alone that can communicate to such a one.
So far as Job was concerned he could see nothing wrong with his position. Not so God, who was further to deal with him. Self had to be truly judged in the light of God's Word. His three friends had been silenced, firstly because they had little, if any spiritual understanding, and secondly because Job had rebutted their arguments. It is at this point that Elihu enters the conversation.
Unfortunately there is many a believer who has never come to understand the mind of God, has never come to learn what the flesh is let alone judge it, and as a consequence is carnally minded which we know is at war with God.
Now we must realise that Job's high opinion of himself was not changed in all these discussions, in fact he resented their insinuations, but the patience of Job breaks down at this point.
Chapter 33
Elihu (whose God is He) son of Barachel (blessed of God) the Buzite, who had been present throughout all these discussions, begins to speak. In his doing so we find that he is God's man and we will find he deals truly with Job in this situation. In addition it is refreshing when a young man comes on the scene who is in fellowship with the Father and The Son.