Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Shalom,
The Lessons Of Job, part 1
We all have trials, and trials have a purpose.
Yesterday, we concluded our 54 week (265 part) study of the Book of Romans. Today, we start something new, but not nearly as ambitious. I anticipate a 14 part study of the Book of Job. However; as always, we remain open to the leading of the Lord. It seems good to study Job, because every one of us will be tried, tested and tempted; hopefully not to the same degree as Job. Even so, God gave us the instruction provided in the Book of Job to prepare us, especially as the day of His return approaches. So let’s see what God has for us here.
Disclaimer: I want to thank Bob Sorge, who wrote “a prophetic interpretation of the Book of Job” titled “Pain, Perplexity and Promotion” © 1999, published by Oasis House. Reading it inspired me to write this series, but nothing of what I’m writing has been plagiarized.
Rabbi Trail: Plagiarism is stealing. It is taking what was someone else’s creation and calling it our own. I said a moment ago, that reading Bob’s book inspired me. If I quote from His book, I’ll be sure to let you know. The same is true of God’s book, the Holy Bible. When I quote from it, I’ll let you know. End RT.
God’s trials or testing are also known as Satan’s temptations. God wants to strengthen us in our faith, while Satan wants to weaken us. God wants to build us up, Satan wants to tear us down. For Job (and also for us) the circumstances are the same, the choice is ours just as it was for Job.
We all know the story. Everything in Job’s life was taken away, his material wealth and even his children. Note Job’s response Job 1:20 Then Job got up, tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground and worshiped. That’s right, he worshipped. Job’s suffering can be likened to Yeshua’s suffering.
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter, like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
When Job did speak, he blessed God. Job 1:21 Then he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. Adonai gave and Adonai has taken away; blessed be the Name of Adonai.”
Yeshua also spoke blessing in humility in His hour of trial. Luke 22:42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
We also must remain unshakeable as we keep our confidence that God is for us. Job 1:22 Through all this, Job did not sin nor did he cast reproach on God. This brings to mind the profession of the Shulamite in Song of Songs. Not the popular one of Song 6:3, but the less popular one of Song 7:11(10) I am my lover’s, and his desire is for me.
Yeshua is our beloved… In Hebrew, “beloved” is “Dod” (where we get the name, David). Yeshua sits on David’s throne. Luke 1:32 He will be great and will be called Ben-Elyon. Adonai Elohim will give Him the throne of David, His father. He is going to return to receive His Bride. Each of us is being tried by God. These trials are purposed by God to draw us closer to Him. Go ahead, ask Him now, “How are you drawing me closer to you today?” Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
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