Dear Brethren,
The Book of Job is an ancient writing that God saw fit to include among the canonized inspired Scriptures. The apostle John was instrumental in gathering and canonizing the New Testament writings, but who performed the same service with regard to the Old Testament writings? There were many books that were not included because they lacked divine authority and spiritual integrity.
Ezra, who was the priest in charge of all priestly and Temple affairs at Jerusalem is the man who was responsible for canonizing the Old Testament Scriptures in the fifth century before Christ. Ezra had the authority to select which books would enter the divine canon of the Hebrew Scriptures. He selected various books to be placed alongside the Law in the Holy of Holies within the Temple. Jeremiah, who was also a priest, was also authorized to canonize Scripture.
The Book of Job was chosen, but today it is difficult to understand and little used, even among the people of God. Actually, Job is a remarkable book. Peter and Paul were moved and inspired by Job—as was King David. Job is often quoted in their writings.
Ancient Job was an amazing man. Job was a brilliant scientist, an engineer,
geologist, agriculturalist, mathematician, and architect. He was a manufacturer
and a merchant in the mercantile industry, and a faithful husband.
He lived between the time of Noah’s flood and the calling of Abraham. He lived to be approximately 250 years old. Unfortunately, today we most commonly hear him being referred to as, self-righteous Job. Satan and the demons constantly accused Job of wrong-doing, for which Job defended himself. The truth is thatJob was the epitome of human righteousness:
Job 1:1 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.
But, Job had a lot to learn. One of the incredible things we will look at in today’s sermon is the abundance of Christian principles that Job understood so well – so early on – even before Moses codified the Law. The Book of Job is about how God ultimately brought Job to conversion – Christian conversion. Jesus once told Peter how Satan desired him.
Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you.
In the same way, Satan sought the destruction of Job.
Job 1:7-9 The Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 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? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nothing?
Job was an extremely rich man – more so than Donald Trump or Bill Gates is today. And, yet, he did not trust in his riches and wealth. He said:
Job 31:24-25 I have not made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; I did not rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much.
But, Job continuously attempted to justify himself. What follows is how God worked with Job to bring him to the point where he finally humbled himself and learned that he must be judged and God justified.
Job 32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because Job justified himself rather than justifying God.
The Book of Job is an interesting story that brings to light how God was working in olden times with certain men exactly as He is working with us today.
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