Acts 9:26-30; 15:35-41, New Testament Teamwork

Let’s think today about “teamwork” in the NT.  “Teamwork” is probably not the term any theologian would select to describe the relationship of God the Father and God the Son.  But it actually illustrates “teamwork” at it’s best, with the Son submitting Himself to the will of His Father at all times.  1 Cor. 11:3 on the various “headship” relationships allows us to study the Trinity for truth about “teamwork.”

Let me just briefly note a few other of these relationships.  There was Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:38-42).  Joseph had the tomb and brought the linens; Nicodemus brought the spices.  These two members of the Sanhedrin who believed Jesus to be the Christ cooperated as a team.

Peter and John, in Acts 3-4, is a great study.  Both were together; both arrested; both were threatened by the leaders.  But Peter is the talker and John is not recorded to have said anything.  Perhaps he was the “prayer.”  For sure, he encouraged Peter.

Paul and Silas were partners (Acts 16-18).  We don’t get much of a picture of Silas’s role.  Again, in Philippi, both were together, both arrested, both singing in jail, both miraculously released, and both stood up to the city fathers.  But Paul was the talker when they were together. 

The team we get the best look at is Paul and Barnabas.  There is no question that Barnabas is the primary driving force in the creation of this team (humanly speaking, not to discount the Head of the Church who places people where He desires them to be, or the Holy Spirit whose gifts and fruit make fruitful relationships possible).  We meet Barnabas first in Acts 4:36-37 as the generous brother re-named by the Apostles because of his gift of encouragement.  Next we see him in 9:26-30 taking Saul before the Jerusalem Church.  The last time we see him, at the time of the splitting up of the team, he takes his nephew John Mark, the one who had left the team earlier, and heads for Cyprus for ministry (15:39).  His continued encouragement of Mark resulted in the young man’s spiritual growth so that Paul later found him desirable in ministry (2 Tim. 4:11).

Consider how this team changed over the course of time.  First, Barnabas was the leading figure; but on the first missionary journey Paul became prominent (from “Barnabas and Saul" (13:7,) to “Paul and his party" (13:13.)  Paul had become the lead speaker (14:12).  Not many “teams” can stand this kind of transition; but it worked for these two.  Undoubtedly Barnabas’ gift was a lot of the reason.  What you see, in all the relationships we have mentioned, one member of the two is more prominent, either as the One making the decisions (God the Father) or the one who is more out in front than the other.  The humility of John (with Peter) and Barnabas (with Paul) is essential in teamwork.  It is interesting that both these men went on to take the lead in ministry in other settings.

To my way of thinking, Barnabas’ “encouragement” was at the heart of the splitting up of the team.  He refused to just drop Mark.  Even as he had been willing to come alongside Saul at the beginning, so he stood with Mark.  I also have no doubt that Paul’s gift and calling was at the core of the division.  His desire to get the gospel to the nations made him reluctant to have team members whose loyalty or stick-to-itiveness might be iffy.  His task was too critical.  In the end, we never hear again from Barnabas (not a bad thing, just a fact) but, as we noted, we do hear of Mark.  And it is Paul, from prison, who has a positive word to say concerning the one he believed should not be part of the team on the second journey. 

Concerning the team, after the sharp contention (15:39) here is something we can say: neither Paul nor Barnabas quit the ministry over the matter.  That is something we often cannot say when there are divisions in ministry.  It means that pride was not at the basis of the argument.  Teamwork in ministry is essential and the best way to work.  Contrary to what you might think: the keys to this teamwork are not compromise and taking turns.  The keys are always Spirit-led headship and Spirit-led submission.

Job 40:3-5; 42:1-6, A Letter to Edna (10)

Read Job 40:2

This just reiterates the above.  God says, "Job, you have been contending with me, correcting and rebuking me."  God allows us time to struggle but eventually He stands before us to call us to simple faith and trust in Him.

Read Job 40:3-5 and 42:1-6

These are Job's 2 responses to God's Words.  Here you see the integrity of Job.  In the first passage he is quick to confess sin, to confess his arrogance.  "I am vile."  He sees the sin in his character.  We are all sinners by nature.  "I spoke once, even twice, but now I will not answer."  He confesses the sin of his words and actions.  We are all sinners by choice.  Remember, it was not some sin that led to his suffering, but once in the suffering sin became evident.  There is nothing like a fiery trial to uncover the "corners" of pride in our souls.

42:1-6 is similar.  There is true repentance from Job.  He has seen God and in that meeting with Holiness his sin has been uncovered.  That is always the way it is with God's people.  When they meet with God they are exposed by the light of His Holiness.  Read Isaiah 6 and Ephesians 5:8-14 for more on this critical thought.

With all of the above, I'm finally finished.  Nothing like having your own personal long sermon.  Well, forgive my word-i-ness.  Remember, I have been preaching to myself all along the way.  This tragedy of yours has uncovered arrogance in my own life and heart.  I hope you find this helpful. If not, don't worry.  I know it has helped me and that is enough for me.  Be assured of our prayers for you and your wonderful family.  With all the trials I must say, Edna, you are a wonderful woman of God.  May Jesus Christ be praised!

Pastor Ron

* * * * * * * * *

I hope this has been helpful in thinking through some of the issues involved in the “tragedies” of life.  By helpful, I don’t mean printing this off and giving it to someone.  I realized as I was working through this again that the words on paper were sounding more and more like preaching.  A letter should be personal.  Face to face conversations have far more potential when it comes to ministering comfort to those in a time of trial.  So, as I say, I hope it has been helpful in thinking through some issues.  By the Spirit and by God’s grace let us be ready to minister to those around us. 

Job 36:26-33; 38:1-3, A Letter to Edna (9)

Read Job 36:26-33

This passage accurately portrays God's greatness, though it is mis-used by Elihu, another of Job's antagonists.  Elihu is saying: "Job, you must repent of sin because who are you to stand up against this great God."  Elihu has the same idea everyone else had: Job suffered because of sin in his life.

But when we just take the picture of God here, I find it to be the "start of the end" so to speak.  Job is about to come face to face with this great God (Chapters 38-41) but for a different reason.  For the moment, meditate on these verses.  Think about God in His Majesty.

Read Job 38:1-3

It is not surprising that we have struggles in dealing with the trials and sufferings of life.  Especially when they are of the magnitude of Connie's death.  Job's story makes this clear.  He is a righteous man (Chapters 1-2) and yet he struggled with "why" God brought all this on him.  So, struggle is not abnormal for Christians.

But at some point, the Christian must expect to be confronted by God, to be questioned by God.  And that is what happens here.  God is speaking.  Job has asked for a "conference" with God so he can explain his plight or get an answer.  He has been "questioning" God.  But now he, and we, find out that the great God was there all the time.  He apparently had a time-table that was different than Job's and has only now decided to talk to Job.  The struggle is normal but we must expect that we will eventually have to come to grips with (submit to, James 4:7) God.

Notice that God does not begin by saying "Oh poor Job.  Your life is so hard."  No pity.  Nor does he say, "Job, you are a man of integrity.  Congratulations!  You did not deny me."  No rationalizations.  Instead, God hits Job hard with truth: "Who is this who darkens counsel, by words without understanding."  The truth is that Job is man, finite, limited in knowledge to what is "under the sun."  God is God, infinite, unlimited in knowledge.  But Job has not been thinking or acting like man.  He has taken the role of God, seeking to question God and to press God into the image Job has of what "God" should be and how He should act.

Further, Job has not only thought it unfair that he suffer; he has felt that God must change his circumstances.  Job has a certain dis-satisfaction with the life God has given him to live.  In other words, he does not trust God.  God has made a mistake in Job's eyes.

Now in spite of Job's pain and tragic situation we must call this what it is.  Job is arrogant and proud; he is dis-believing.  I say we must call this what it is because we must come to see the same thing in ourselves.  Struggle is normal but our trials must reveal who we are so we can turn from dis-believing and put our full trust in the Sovereign God.

Our trials must also bring us to see God for Who He is: the Sovereign Lord!  And that is the subject of God's words in Chapters 38-41.  You may want to read them now.  In essence they are a series of questions designed to show Job his limits and to show Job God's Sovereignty.

You will note one other thing God does not say.  He never, never says, "Job, here's why I did this.  Here's the explanation you've been looking for."  The point is clear: we must come to that point where we will deny self, where we will deny our curiosity, and follow Christ only.  We must come to let God be God.  We must be satisfied -- not with answers -- but simply with God (read Psalm 73:25-26).  Anything else is an attempt by me to be God instead of allowing God alone to be God.

Job 23:10-12; 30:16-23, A Letter to Edna (8)

Read Job 23:10-12

Here is assurance for the believer that he will eventually end the struggle of grief with success.  There is much to be said.  First, note that the success is dependent on God. "He knows the way I take."  I have kept HIS way and treasured the words of HIS mouth.

Notice too, the goal.  Connie's death is certainly a time of testing.  And the goal is to come forth as gold.  Testing reveals impurities in our lives, dross, that which must be removed.  Job has some impurities.  He doubted that God knew his situation.  He questioned God's sovereignty.  Yet he knew he would eventually come forth as gold.  Peter said the same thing.  I encourage you to stop and read 1 Peter 1:6-9 and take to heart its truth.  The goal is to be for the praise and glory of God and only testing can uncover the selfishness or self-reliance or self-glory that is tucked away in my heart.

 

One other thought: note how important it is to be in the Word of God.  Job treasured God's Word more than his necessary food.  Perhaps his grief was so intense at times that he meditated on God's Word instead of eating.  That Word is the source of perfect comfort.

Read Job 24:22

A simple thought that I'm sure has hit home: "no man is sure of life."  If nothing else we must learn that from Connie.  Remember the simple prayer of the Psalmist: "teach me to number my days" (Psalm 90:12).  Each day has its opportunities and we must "redeem the time" (Ephesians 5:16).  We are not permitted to count on tomorrow -- we can only count on God's will (James 4:13-16).  There’s an old bluegrass song entitled, “Short time here, Long time gone!”  Thus, as Paul put it, The night is far spent, the day is at hand (Rom. 13:12a).

Read Job 30:16-23

This passage in Job's final discourse is an expression of human frustration when the human cannot understand the ways of God.  You may feel the very same things Job feels.  He feels that God does not listen to him.  He believes God has made life unsuccessful.  Passages like this help us to know that God understands our feelings.

But note what is underneath this!  Job's feelings are based in the idea that because God did not answer when or as he wanted that therefore God was not listening.  God spoiled his success according to Job's definition of success (for us a successful life is one that is relatively free of trouble, comfortable, etc.; but that is not God's definition).  Job has, in essence, taken a place superior to God.  They are true feelings but they are revealing feelings.  Let us be careful lest our feelings become the gospel by which we live.  They are not.  They express where we are and reveal what God must yet do for us.

Psalm 70

Here is a simple song of “remembrance” (as the title says).  It seems to have no specific event in mind; it’s just the basics.  And it is written in simple Hebrew poetic form.  Note the rhyming of ideas.

Hurry     Deliver me         Help me (v1)			Hurry     Deliver me Help me (v5)
	Against those who seek my life, desire my hurt and say “aha” (v2-3)	For those who seek you, love your salvation and say “Let God be magnified”         (v4)

We have seen in countless of the Psalms the prayer for God’s help and deliverance from the wicked.  These prayers comes from a wide variety of situations, some of the Psalmists own making and others where he is the innocent party.  But the prayers are similar: help me against those who are against you, and for the sake of your people as well as for me.

So Psalm 70 is for those of us who need it short and sweet.  Five verses to MEMORIZE that will fit in any situation in life.  Remember we face a terrible foe, a roaring lion who would love to devour us (Eph. 6:12; 1 Peter 5:8).  And ultimately our problems are bigger than us.  They involve those around us that they might not be hurt should we stumble.  And ultimately it is all about the glory of God.  His Name will be magnified if He is the one we call on in trouble.

Job 19:13-27, A Letter to Edna (7)

Read Job 19:13

Here we see another false hope removed from Job.  He cannot trust ultimately in family and friends.  Now we count a lot on those close to us.  But the issue is hope: do they take the place of God in my life?  We must consider, as Job, "Who is our source of comfort -- God or those close to me?”  But also this touches on the death of one close to me -- such as a daughter or wife or sister!  That loss can do more than most to point out the inadequacy of our hopes.  We lost a friend or a distant relative and we say, "Let God be God."  But when the death is as close as Connie's we then discover corners of the soul not yet yielded to God that could otherwise never be known and presented to God.  And yet they must.  If He is to be God and we are to be His creation there can be no corners reserved for my deity.

Read Job 19:25-27

With this passage, the issue of hope has its greatest positive expression in Job.  Notice how everything is tied to Christ. HE lives; HE will stand in the last day.  Because of HIM Job is assured that he will see God.  Job could not begin to understand the depths of this truth the way we can since Christ has come.  I encourage you to ponder this.  Understand that your daughter’s joy now is the result of Christ: Who He is and what He did.  Christ is all in all!  But it is true for you too.  In our grief you and I must be driven to Christ, for our tomorrows must be lived in Him.  Here are a few New Testament statements of this -- see how Jesus is all-in-all.  Nothing depends on us!

{       John 14:1-4.

{       John 14:19: Because I live you also will live.

{       John 15:5: Without Me you can do nothing.

{       John 11:25-26: He who believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.

{       Galatians 2:20: I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me.

{       Philippians 1:21: To live is Christ, to die is gain.

{       Philippians 3:8: I count all things loss that I may gain Christ.

{       Colossians 3:3-4: For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, Who is our life appears, then you all will appear with Him in glory.

Read Job 22:21

These are words of Job's tormentors.  "Acquaint yourself with Him and you will be at peace."  The tormentor means: "get to know the perfect God and confess your sin and be at peace."  But Job knows his struggle is not with a sin that caused his suffering.  Thus, the words to him and to us should be taken at face value: in this time of grief the best thing is to get to know God better.  Grow in your relationship with Him.  Pray more.  Study the Word more.  "Acquaint yourself with Him."  Peace of the best kind will come.

Job 16:11-22, A Letter to Edna (6)

Read Job 16:19-21

Here is comfort while we struggle.  It is the assurance that in Heaven there is a witness (One to speak on my behalf), one to plead for me.  To Job this was comforting even though he spoke before Christ.  For us on this side of the cross and resurrection this is real help!  Christ is our witness, our Advocate.

{       1 Timothy 2:5: He is the Mediator between God and man.

{       1 John 2:1,2: He is the Advocate (Defense Lawyer) for believers.

Think about it!  As this One Christ intercedes for us, He represents us.  And He does it perfectly.  He truly knows us better than we know ourselves, and thus asks what is infinitely best and relays to the Father what is infinitely correct.  Praise God for this One, for Christ Jesus, our Advocate.

Read Job 16:22

This comfort is followed immediately by a sobering fact: "I shall go the way of no return."  Our dealing with death now is only preparation for dealing with our own death.  And what comfort it will be then to know that we have this Advocate.  How hopeless to face God when we die and not have One Who has prepared for that meeting.  Yet this is Christ.  He himself has conquered death -- he experienced it, descended into hell, and then powerfully defeated death by his resurrection.  As Paul says (1 Cor 15:19-20) "If in this life only we have hope we are to be pitied.  But no, Christ is risen and is the first to precede in resurrection all other believers who died."

Read Job 17:14-16

These may be difficult words but they are important.  Job seems to say that if death is the end -- if death is all there is -- then where is my hope.  2 things strike me about this.

  1.  First, there are many people today who believe this.  They deny an afterlife.  Thus, they try to make death a beautiful thing (as Job says, "make corruption my father and the worm my mother and my sister).  But this is silliness.  Death is not something beautiful.  Death is tragic -- all death.  It is the result of a good creation gone to sin.  It is horrible, not what God intended in the beginning.  Resurrection is great, but death is horrible.

  2.  But that leads to a second thought about your daughter.  Her death is horrible but there is One Who in fact went down to the gates of Sheol (verse 16) and that is Christ.  The death of a saint/believer/Christian is filled with hope because it is the necessary prelude to resurrection.  She is at rest, not in the dust, but in the presence of Christ (2 Cor. 5:6).

Job 16:1-10, A Letter to Edna (5)

Read Job 14:1

I mentioned this passage before but here is another thought: trials are an expected part of every life.  There is just no room for the self-pity that says, I am being singled out, picked on.  Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation/trial taken you but such as is common to man.  Though we feel that none has ever gone our way, we must not give in to that snare.  So often a person’s sufferings are much more private than yours have been.  Or they are of a nature different than ours.  Sometimes people suffer through situations that would not cause us to grieve.  Yet their grief is real and intense.

Read Job 15:31

This passage again speaks to the issue of hope.  My translation says, "Let him not trust in futile things, deceiving himself, for futility will be his reward."  In grief we must come to a deeper understanding of God and a deeper relationship with Him.  If Job would have soothed his sorrow in beer and wine, beer and wine would be his reward.  If he just gathered around friends and partied to forget his dead children, then the feast would be his reward.  Instead, he struggled, and then learned to be wholly trusting in God and this became his reward.

Read Job 16:6

A simple thought occurred to me here.  It is important to talk about our grief and sorrow, though even that is not the ultimate answer.  There are at least 2 reasons why I think talking is important.

  1.  First, the soul/inner man needs expression of itself for a certain degree of release and relief -- though as Job says, "my grief is not relieved."  It is just helpful in the struggle not to keep things bottled up.

  2.  Second, speaking keeps us from the danger of being "wise in our own eyes."  We are sometimes silent because we are arrogant, thinking we know the answers and need no help.  But this denies the Proverbs (Prov. 12:15; 16:25, etc) as well as what the Lord has in mind for brothers and sisters in Christ.

ƒ       Romans 12:15: weep with those who weep.

ƒ       Galatians 6:2: bear one another's burdens.

ƒ       1 Thessalonians 4:18: comfort one another with these words.

Pastors are supposed to be good at and available for this.  I'm not all that good but desire to be available.  Look also to other believers with whom you share your Christian life.

Job 10:1-12, A Letter to Edna (4)

Read Job 9:27-28 and 27:8

Job addresses an important issue here.  Sometimes in grief we just cover our sorrow by pasting a smile on our face instead of truly dealing with issues.  Now this can be complicated.  For example, Edna, I saw you during the days immediately after Connie's death and at times you appeared quite strong.  As mother/matriarch it seems that you felt the need to lead your family.  But I also know from what you said that you had periods of weeping and deep sorrow.  We need to understand that grief has an important role in our lives and we must not be content to just cover it with a smile.

The issues of grief have to do with our hope (in whom do I really trust?) and our understanding and acceptance of Who God is.  Job struggled in these areas.  But look at what he says: "If I just cover them with a smile I am afraid of my sufferings."  We must be concerned that our sufferings could leave us angry or bitter or self-confident, etc.  Though it involves struggle, we must deal with our grief-issues head-on.  It's hard but we are praying for you all and stand ready to help.

Read Job 10:8-12

These verses are comforting in the struggle.  It is a reminder that God, our Creator, knows us and our limits.  In the struggle we can ask Him to preserve our spirit.  You may feel at times that your "share" of suffering is more than you can bear.  But that is a temptation -- a trap -- from the enemy who desires to sow bitterness against God.  The beauty is that God will sustain us -- all the way to the cross if necessary.  Consider these words of comfort:

{       1 Corinthians 10:13

{       Psalm 103

{       Hebrews 12:1-4

Read Job 13:15

These are words of confidence in God that are often quoted.  Remember that he says this in the midst of his struggle to understand what God is doing and why.  As a matter of fact, we seldom quote the last half of this verse but it gives context.  Job is saying: "I will defend myself -- God is not doing me right.  Nevertheless I will draw the line -- I will not deny God, even though He slay me."

The truth is so important.  One must guard his or her spirit against crossing the line of denying God.  Remember that even Jesus struggled in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He would rather not go through with the suffering.  BUT He was always quick to say -- "Not my will but Thine be done."  That's why we know He understands our human weakness (Hebrews 4:14-16).  But do we also see and experience His strength to say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him?"

Job 3:1-10, A Letter to Edna (3)

Read Job 2:10

Job has a great insight.  Shall we accept good from God and not adversity.  In all his suffering Job has not forgotten the blessing of God Whom he had thanked for his possessions and his children.  When we suffer intensely it is important to remember the joys and blessing we have thanked God for in the past.

Another thing: even as God's blessings are undeserved, so we might say that adversity is not about what is deserved.  I said earlier that "it seems" you have had more than your share of suffering.  The fact is: there is no such thing as a "share of suffering."  Some seem to suffer more but it has nothing to do with deserving. 

Read Job 3:1

Job curses the day of his birth.  Verses 2-19 expand this.  The thing I see here is that Job is expressing his deep pain.  He is not suicidal -- he's just expressing what is true -- I wish I did not have to endure this, that I had not been born.  This deep despair CAN be the doorway -- no, MUST be the doorway to total hope in God alone.

Read Job 3:20

This is the perplexing question.  WHY must this suffering occur?  But it is the natural human question.  It is not the real issue as Job will find out.  He will not really see the answer to this question.  But it is human to ask.

Read Job 4:6-7

This verse, the words of one of Job's so-called friends, raises the major issue in our trials.  It is one of hope.  The opposite of the despair of Job in 3:1 & 3:20 is hope.  Hope is a form of trust/faith.  It is faith applied to the future.  "In this despair how can I go on?  How can I live with joy and enthusiasm and confidence when such terrible things can happen without warning?"

And note that Eliphaz raises false hopes.  He says Job can hope in his "reverence" and the "integrity of his ways".  In other words, if Job's religion is adequate, he will not suffer.  If his life is righteous or true he will not suffer.  But this is just not true.  People who become Christians because they think it will reduce their pain in fact do not know Christ, the ultimate “Man of Sorrows.”  They do not know that man is born for trouble (Job 14:1).  As a matter of fact, for us who know the story, it was Job's integrity and reverence that got him into trouble, so to speak.  Back in Chapters 1-2 God pointed out Job's integrity to Satan, who then sought to show how shallow Job was.

Read Job 6:9

Job expresses his desire that God would crush him, that he would cut him off.  This is an expression of Job's despair -- all he has hoped in is failing him.  But note something so very important -- Job is trusting God.  He wished GOD would crush him.  He is leaving with God the time of his death.  Job did not take this to himself (suicide) nor did he give it to Dr. Death (assisted suicide or euthanasia).  There is a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:2) but that time is in God's hands (Job 14:5).

I realize that this issue of time of death is difficult.  We live in a world of tragedy ("She's too young to die."), accidents, untimely death, etc.  All we can say in the end is that while Satan holds the power of death (Hebrews 2:14), God places limits on Satan so that "our times are in His hands" (Ps. 31:15).

Job 2:1-10, A Letter to Edna (2)

Read Job 2:3

"to destroy him without cause."  This is an intriguing statement.  We almost always think in terms of suffering always having a cause.  But here there is no cause -- the only purpose has to do with some unseen conflict between God & Satan -- a conflict which will show God's power, sovereignty and glory.

I think it is always proper, when we face a suffering situation, to ask first if God is trying to tell me something.  Do I need to change?  Is there sin in my life?  1 Corinthians 11:27-32 indicates this.  We must judge ourselves.  BUT this must not become an obsession.  IF God makes our sin clear to us, we must repent, accept his forgiveness and then move on with Christ. If he DOES NOT make this clear we must not engage in deep and long-term introspection.  This is Job's situation.  God did not reveal some sin to him because sin was not the "cause."  And yet Job's friends thought the way we often think: suffering is always caused by sin.

And further, about "cause," there are 2 perspectives.  From the human perspective, Job's children died because a tornado struck the house, and he lost his possessions because of the wicked Sabeans and Chaldeans.  BUT we must admit to a different and critical perspective.  Truly God was involved in all of this.  Job did not know how or why. God is involved in your suffering.  You likely do not know how or why -- except to say that it's part of Satan's attack and God’s glory.

Edith Schaeffer said it something like this: every trial is like a battle in a war.  It is the Christian's opportunity to "take a piece of territory," so to speak, for the Lord.  This is your opportunity.

The disciples in John 9:1-3 made the same mistake Job's friends made -- assuming that suffering is related to the afflicted person's sin.  Jesus' answer fits every trial.  Suffering happens that the works of God might be revealed.  Cindy shared this with me from Oswald Chambers: God puts His saints where they will glorify Him, and we are no judges at all of where that is.

Read Job 2:9

"... curse God and die."  For Job this would be the easy way out.  1:22 shows Job's integrity -- "he did not sin or charge God with wrong."  Both Job and his wife realized that God was involved in this.  In light of this cosmic conflict, the easy way out is to cave to Satan -- then it's over.  But of course...

  1.  This dishonors God which Job will not do.

  2.  This results in a sad eternity.  Read Hebrews 11:35-38 about those who would not give up the struggle that they might obtain a better resurrection (v35).  Of these the world was not worthy (v38).

You may be struggling with all that has happened -- don't give up the struggle by, so to speak, "cursing God and dying." Wait on the Lord and His comfort will come.

Psalm 69

What a magnificent Song!  A Psalm of David who, probably unbeknownst to him, was writing of his Lord and Son, the Messiah!  We NEED this Messianic Psalm to understand the nature of Christ’s suffering, the depth of Christ’s suffering, and the concerns and desires of our Lord in the midst of His suffering.

There are numerous references in Psalm 69 to the Messiah which make clear its Messianic message.  Note the following.

·         69:4, “those who hate me without a cause” was quoted by Christ of Himself (Jn. 15:35).

·         69:8, the estrangement from family, was true of Jesus (e.g. Mark 3:21).

·         69:9, both parts of this are true of Christ.  His disciples remember His “zeal for Your house” when He cleansed the temple (John 2:17).  Paul spoke of the "reproaches” of Christ in Rom. 15:3.

·         69:19 reminds us of Heb. 12:2 which speaks of Christ “despising the shame.”

·         69:21 speaks of two incidents fulfilled on the cross in which He was offered gall (which He refused) and sour wine (vinegar) (Matt. 27:34,48).

Some might object to this Messianic attribution on the basis of a reference to “my sins” (v5).  But careful thought reveals the accuracy and power of this statement.  The “foolishness” (v5) and the shame and reproach (v5-12) spoken of here is the result of the true identification of Christ with our sin.  He became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).  This is not just a symbolic statement; it is true.  Jesus died.  His Father turned His back on Him.  None of this would have happened to Jesus, the sinless and holy One.  He truly bore our sins in His own body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24).  We are not saying David understood all this when he wrote.  But we are saying it is perfectly true of our Redeemer!

Others might object on the basis of the imprecatory prayer (a prayer calling on God to judge others, as in 69:19-28).  After all, didn’t Jesus pray Father, forgive them on the cross?  To pray that His enemies be blotted out of the book (69:28) seems inconsistent.  But again, think carefully.  Jesus did pray for forgiveness for those nailing Him to the cross, who knew not what they did.  But remember He offered no forgiveness to the ones who rejected Him, blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12:31-37).  The disobedient nation would be destroyed in the near future; Jesus declared that Himself (Luke 19:41-44).  Remember also that within the Nation that did not receive Him, there were individuals who did receive Him (John 1:11-12).  The Sanhedrin voted to condemn Christ; but at least two were not complicit (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea).  Paul speaks of himself as part of a remnant of believers within the unbelieving nation (Rom. 11:1).  In the same context (Rom. 11:9-10) Paul quotes Ps. 69:22-23, applying it to Israel.  Again, the Psalm fits well with the Messiah, the Son to whom the Father said, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool” (Psalm 110:1).

Once you recognize the Messianic character of this Psalm, you can see:

·         The deep agony of Christ on the cross (v1-4);

·         His concern for the elect, “those who wait for you,” that they not turn away because of His shame and reproach (v5-12);

·         His own prayer for deliverance (v13-18);

·         His accurate prayer for His “mighty” adversaries (v19-28);

·         And His call to praise, both for Himself (v29-33) and for all of heaven and earth (v34-36).

Perhaps you will want to re-read this Song of the Savior, with the crucified Lord as the focus.  But then we must say, this Song is for us to sing as well.  Jesus said that those who follow Him will be despised as He was; it must be!  So we too have a standing before God, in the name of Jesus, to cry out, “Save me, O God!  For the waters have come up to my neck.”

Job 1:13-22, A Letter to Edna (1)

Several years ago, in the church where I was the pastor, there was a woman who experienced a series of sad losses in her life.  The last was the death of a married daughter in a horse-riding accident in the nearby National Park.  I, myself, was moved by these events, though certainly not as much as Edna.  I had several conversations with her.  As it happened, about that time I also read the book of Job as part of my regular Bible plan.  So, as I read, I sought to hear what the Lord might be saying, not only to Job, but to this dear lady, and to myself.  I wrote this for her in what I called “A Letter to Edna” and asked her permission to print the letter and share it with others. 

I am going to share it with you in a series of posts.  It is not like our recent journey through Job as part of the OT Survey.  The passages are just those that the Lord used to guide my thinking about my own journey as a disciple of Christ.  I’ll be the first to admit that it comes across more as a disjointed sermon than a personal letter. 

* * * * * * * * *

Dear Edna:

Well, we are on vacation which may seem like an odd time to think about suffering.  But one of the things I did on our way through Eastern Montana and North Dakota was to read Job.  (Even while driving you can get a lot of reading done -- the roads are long and straight.)  Anyway, while reading I couldn't help but think of you and your family who have had, it seems, more than your share of suffering.

I should say too -- I don't mean to bring back cruel thoughts unnecessarily -- but on Wednesday I hiked up to Ptarmigan Tunnel and saw where your daughter had her accident.  It is a beautiful spot with a tremendous view -- I can see why they stopped to take in the view.  It is also a seemingly safe place -- plenty of room for horses and riders behind the rock retaining wall.  In spite of the steep drop-off on the other side of the wall there would be no reason to be overly-concerned about an accident.  And yet, of course, it happened.

So, I hope you don't mind -- but as I said I thought of you all while reading Job.  I want to pass on some observations that I hope will be encouraging to you.  The thoughts are related but yet each stands on its own.  You may want to read one and think about it yourself.  Then you could return to the next at a later time.

Read Job 1:13-22

I was struck by the frequency of Job's suffering -- 4 major catastrophes in one day.  You too have had one "hit" after another: your husband’s passing, your grandson’s father-in-law who I believe you said had just recently died, your grandson’s difficulties.  And now your daughter.  And who knows what may come tomorrow?  For Job in Chapter 2 the suffering became more personal when he was afflicted with painful sores.

2 Cor. 12:1-10, Do all things work together for good? (5)

(Concluding the third, and then the fourth of four truths from Rom. 8:28 that give better understanding.)

DO ALL THINGS REALLY WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD? (5)

Dr. Vernon C. Grounds, President Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary

God is holy love, and therefore in holy love He sometimes uses the lash, and He uses the lash to make us leash our hearts unto Himself in faith.  And He uses the lash, moreover, in order that for all eternity we ourselves may bear the likeness of His holy love.

Hence, buoyant health, good as it seems to us, may be a hindrance to the only true and abiding good.  And, accordingly, God may send lingering sickness and even a shattered body for our good.

Success in business, good as it seems to us, may be a hindrance to the only true and abiding good.  And, accordingly, God may drive us into bankruptcy and failure for our good.

Pleasure, good as it seems to us, may be a hindrance to the only true and abiding good.  And, accordingly, God may compel us to live out our days under circumstances which are tedious, annoying, and distressing; and He does it for our good.

Power, good as it seems to us, may be a hindrance to the only true and abiding good.  And, accordingly, God may keep us in some insignificant position, and He does it for our good.

The fulfillment of our lofty ambitions, good as that seems to us, \may be a hindrance to the only true and abiding good.  And, accordingly, God may cause all our dreams to break like bubbles, and He does it for our good.

Some day, however, if not in this life then in the life to come, we will realize that like children we were really grasping after bubbles in our pursuit of what we regarded as good.  And we will see from the perspective of eternity that behind the apparent harshness and cruelty of God was the logic of an unsentimental love, a love that is not a mere flabby amiability, a love that is akin to the love of a wise human father who is willing to discipline his children for their good.  Yes, when at last we bear perfectly the likeness of Jesus, we will confess that the logic of divine love was infinitely above and beyond our human logic.  To be like Jesus, we will understand eventually, is the only true and abiding good.

THE RESTRICTIVE PHRASE

Notice, finally,  one other fact implicit in this text.  Paul's confident assertion is not so unqualified and inclusive as at a first glance it may strike us.  It embraces only those "who love God" and are "the called according to his purpose."  Thus, before any of us attempts to appropriate this shining guarantee, he must be utterly sure that he comes within the category Paul lays down.

And how can we determine whether or not we are embraced within this blessed category?  Very simply!  Have we as yet in the simplest trust accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, acting upon the gracious invitation, "Whosoever will may come"?  Have we as yet looked to Calvary and beheld there the convincing demonstration of divine love?  If we have done this, then the promise applies to ourselves - but not otherwise!

Perhaps you have been embittered by some of your experiences.  Perhaps you have hardened yourself against Jesus Christ.  Perhaps you have resolved to live in icy defiance, refusing to obey His pleading.  I would beseech you to lift your eyes to Calvary, where on a bloody cross your Creator in agony and brokenheartedness perished for you sins and mine.

2 Tim. 4:6-18, Do all things work together for good? (4)

(The third of four truths from Rom. 8:28 that give better understanding.)

DO ALL THINGS REALLY WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD? (4)

Dr. Vernon C. Grounds, President Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary 

WHAT IS GOOD?

Notice, in the third place, just what Paul says in our text.  "All things work together for good."  But the good as we ordinarily conceive it may be entirely different from the good about which the apostle speaks.

We tend to interpret good in terms of animal comfort.  If we are exempt from disease, that we consider good.  If our bodies are never stabbed by pain, that we consider good.  If we always have money in our pockets and a reserve at the bank, that we consider good.  If we can dress well, take long vacations at the seashore, and, in general, exist like the smug bourgeois against who Karl Marx poured out his scorn, that we consider good.  Unfortunately, we find ourselves victimized by a materialistic civilization, and, despite our Christian faith, we subtly equate comfort and goodness.

In the same fashion we tend to equate success with goodness.  If we are always out in the front, a winner in our highly competitive society, that we consider good.  If we own more gadgets than our neighbors, that we consider good.  If politically or ecclesiastically we exercise a considerable influence, that we consider good.  If we are men and women of prestige, that we consider good.

Or, yet again, we tend to equate pleasure with goodness. Or we tend to equate good with power.  Or we tend to equate good with the fulfillment of our fondest dreams, and some of those dreams may indeed be extremely lofty.  And such equations are, of course, a million miles removed from Paul's basic teaching.  And because all of these are false equations, we have trouble with Romans 8:28.  Our failure to grasp Paul's concept of the good changes what ought to be a soft pillow for our hearts into a hard problem for our heads.

You see, according to the New Testament, goodness is not to be interpreted in terms of comfort or success or pleasure or power or even the fulfillment of our fondest and most praiseworthy ambitions.  Goodness is nothing whatever like that.  Goodness, as Romans 8:29 brings out, is Christlikeness, and therefore the goal which God has in view for us is conformity unto the image of His own dear Son.

Perhaps this concept of goodness strikes us as being somewhat novel, and consequently it may prove helpful for us to read the entire twelfth chapter of Hebrews.  The theme of that passage is God's fatherly chastisement.  Why does He discipline us, and do it often so painfully?  Why does He allow not only minor vexations but also major catastrophes in our lives?  He does it - this it the apostle's amazing and illuminating answer - because He loves us.  He longs that we shall be like Himself as He has been revealed in Jesus Christ.  He hurts us for our eternal profit in order that "we might be partakers of his holiness."  He does it all not for our comfort nor for our pleasure nor for any such reason.  He does it all for our good, striving to conform us unto the image of His Son.

Gen. 50:14-21, Do all things work together for good? (3)

(The second of four truths from Rom. 8:28 that give better understanding.)

DO ALL THINGS REALLY WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD? (3)

Dr. Vernon C. Grounds, President Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary INGREDIENTS MIXED TOGETHER

Notice, secondly, the truth implicit in another fragment of this text.  Paul writes:  "All things work together for good."  Together!  Do not overlook that seemingly unimportant word.  In point of fact, it embodies a profoundly significant thought.  Our experiences, when you take them in isolation, are frequently very bad; yet when you take our experiences as a whole, they are radiantly good.

The ingredients which constitute a three-layer chocolate cake are not good when you taste them in isolation.  A mouthful of flour is not especially savory.  A spoonful of spices is not in the least delicious.  Shortening as shortening is none too palatable.  But let a skillful cook mix them together, and the result is superbly good!  And thus it is with our lives.

Very strikingly the experience of Joseph illustrates this principle.  Jacob's excessive and unwisely partial love for the son of his old age was bad.  The priggish conceit of young Joseph was bad.  The understandable hatred of his brethren was bad.  Their conspiracy to kill him was bad.  The sale of Joseph into Midianite slavery was bad.  The lie told to Jacob was bad.  The heartbreak of the bereaved father was bad.  The temptation which befell Joseph in Egypt was bad.  His imprisonment, though an innocent man, was bad.  And thus the components of his experience, taken singly, were unquestionably bad.  Yet what was the outcome of all those evil things?

As Joseph finally faced his brethren, having by his God-bestowed foresight preserved them and the whole nation of Egypt from starvation, he could testify:  "As for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Gen. 50:20).  Yes, indeed!  Where men intend evil, God intends good, and in His love and wisdom and power he makes human wrath to praise Him, and out of the black components of our experience He brings a shining result.  All things work together for good.