Destruction Upon Destruction
Intro_
The account of Job found in the Bible is universally known as an example of patience. James 5:11. But not patience in the sense of tolerating delay. But what Romans calls “patient continuance” (Romans 2:7), or endurance through trial. And the trial that Job endured is indeed historical. Because it was not a single trouble that Job withstood, but what the Spirit calls destruction upon destruction.
The Man of Uz
Job 1:1-5. We see here the character of Job. Perfect, upright, God-fearing, and because of this he is blessed bountifully. This is the same character of the righteous man. Psalm 128:1-2.
A Day of Inspection
Job 1:6-12. This is as a parenthetical portion of the account. The Spirit records this occurring because it is teaching us of future events; how this day of inspection would come in the future. It is tying together the account to the full story of redemption. How someone, as Job, would have to undergo this inspection. 1Peter 2:12. The actual Greek word translated “visitation” here means “inspection”. And “visitation” is a faithful interpretation, because the day of the Lord’s visitation is the day He would inspect the church, and thereby inspect its members.
We must also note that if you read Job 1:6 and Job 2:1 in the YLT we can understand that what appears to be two separate days here is in fact the same day. It translates it as “and the day is.” It is important to understand that the day of inspection here in Job 1 and later in Job 2 is the same time. It is not a day in the sense of a 24 hour period. But it happens at the same time of trial and inspection.
Job’s Sorrows
Job 1:13-22. The time of trial for Job comes seemingly without mercy. He experiences one destruction after another. Each messenger brings harsh news of sorrow and devasting loss until in the end he is left desolate. Yet after having everything stripped away from him, he understands his constitution and blesses the Lord.
Job 2:1-10. Following the devastating loss of everything, Job must undergo even further trial. He must feel the scourge within his own flesh. From head to toe he is stricken with boils. He is so stricken that he sits in ashes, and his only relief comes from scratching himself with a potsherd. Job bares the full weight of this pain and sorrow himself. His wife is no help meet, but on the contrary, bids him forsake his integrity, to curse God and die. Despite his horrific state, Job refuses to disparage the Lord.
A Different Type of Sorrow
At times, in our personal life we may feel the weight of this world’s woes come crashing down upon us. And it may be that these waves compile one on top of another. And we relate to the desperation and despair of Job. 2Timothy 3:12.
While the sorrows of this world are difficult, God has given us comfort from these by means of His care for us, His salvation, and the love and compassion of our fellow brethren. And we can always look to Job as an example of patience and endurance during these times.
However, Job’s sorrow is a different type of sorrow. It is a very harsh rebuke. But why?
Pained At My Very Heart
The prophet Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet because his message for God’s people was full of sorrow. God revealed to him visions of despair, captivity and ruin.
Listen to the words of the prophet in Jeremiah 4:19-21, 31. Jeremiah proclaims the coming destruction upon the kingdom of Judah as they were conquered and brought in bondage. But he is not just speaking the words. He felt the pain and sorrow that was to come. In his most inward parts he feels destruction after destruction coming upon the entire nation. Job and Jeremiah have this in common. Jeremiah also adds to it the element of war. Putting these two passages together we can see that these devastations, come at a time of inspection which is also a time of contention.
The NT Parallel
As we have taught many times from this pulpit, the OT is a shadow that is cast by the body of Christ, which is the Church according to Colossians 2:17. Job’s experience, Jeremiah vision and the captivity of God’s people Israel all have their application somehow within His NT Church.
Most scholars who study the bible can tell you that the language found in Job, and his many sorrows can be seen in parallel to the great tribulation spoken of by the Master in Matthew 24, a time of sorrow without equal. Matthew 24:4-8, 21-22.
However, what Job and Jeremiah show us is that these multiple afflictions can fall upon a single person. A person of flesh and blood who feels the sufferings that afflict the church. Although the anguish felt by the believer is spiritual in nature, the individual is affected physically. That is, he or she feels the anguish of an entire nation firsthand.
Where in the NT gospel do we see messengers bringing news of destruction, one after another without respite, of death and war?
The Alarm of War
It is in the book of Jude where we see this all come together. It is here that the trumpet rings out, prepare for war! And here in Jude we see the many destructions come upon the church. Jude 1:3-15; Dan. 7:19-21.
This is the same picture we see in Job. It is as though (in the form of the voice of Judgement from the Father) that before one messenger is even finished uttering one condemnation, another messenger brings rebuke, and another judgement, and then another, and so on.
Jude represents the unmingled wrath of God coming upon the Church that forsook the right way, and went astray. Yet, it is a single person to whom this was revealed. One read the words of this book, whose application was hidden for centuries, but whose understanding was opened and understood. Just as King Josiah did in 2Kings 22:11-13. And alone felt the incriminating finger of God towards the church. Job 6:2-4. This single faithful servant of the Lord, sees the destruction upon the church and feels the anguish, knowing death is within the church and is devouring without pity.
A Remnant
The Lord’s judgement upon the Church was because of its stubborn rebellion against His word. It allowed the false prophets described in the book of Jude to lead them astray and to worship man (and their teachings) over God. He sent His judgement found in the book of Jude. The great polemic in the Church, this war, was a legal battle over the doctrine of Christ. Beginning with the commandment for the woman to cover in 1Corinthians 11.
Ezekiel 14:12-23. The Lord, however, is not without mercy. At the day of inspection, He found a single individual who, as Job, humbled themselves before the voice of God in obedience. This person cried out to the Lord and was heard, and acted.
The Lord, through His strong working arm, that faithful and righteous one, preserved a very small remnant from this destruction. And now we, the House of the Elect Lady are comforted knowing and seeing their spiritual ways and doings. Because now all things are done in accordance with the will of God.
Conclusion
Psalm 116:1-9. Through many sorrows, the Lord has delivered His people. And He will continue to keep those who walk with Him.
If you would like to walk before the Lord in the land of the living you may do so by confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.