Rabbi’s Reflections – Thursday, February 1, 2024
Shalom *|FNAME|*,
The Lessons Of Job, part 8
Suffering in the here and now.
Oh, how I hate to write this RR. These days there is an increasing reality, as followers of Yeshua, we have a “target” on our backs. We might as well put the sign on our own backs that says, “Kick me!” To write about suffering is to invite the enemy to test me in suffering. Who wants that? As my children used to say, “1-2-3 not me.”
As we study Job, we see a man who becomes our example for enduring suffering. Likewise Yeshua… Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, One from whom people hide their faces. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. If we follow Yeshua, we will likewise be “despised and rejected.” Yeshua told us as much… John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before you.”
Job suffered the loss of both his wealth and his family, yet he maintained his integrity and did not open his mouth. Then, the injury of false accusation by friends was added to his pain. Eliphaz accused him falsely, saying… Job 22:6 “For you took pledges from your brothers for no reason; you stripped the naked of their clothing. 7 You gave the weary no water to drink and from the hungry you withhold bread,… 9 You sent widows away empty-handed and crushed the arms of orphans. 10 That is why snares surround you, and why sudden fear terrifies you.” Not one of these accusations is true.
The Lord is building a body of believers who will stand with Him and fight in the day of battle. Psalm 110:3a Your people will be a freewill offering (volunteers) in a day of your power (as Your army in battle). But, does this apply in modern times too? Ephesians 1:4 He chose us in the Messiah before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love. In the day of Yeshua’s crucifixion, most ran away and lost their courage. Not so when He returns for His Bride.
We must prepare to suffer for His sake. 1Peter 4:12 Loved ones, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal taking place among you to test you—as though something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, rejoice insofar as you share in the sufferings of Messiah, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be glad. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Messiah, you are fortunate, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Yes, “may the Spirit of glory and of God rest on us all.” Now and forever, in Yeshua’s name and for the sake of His kingdom. Amen.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
22 Sh’vat Thursday 1-Feb-24
Exodus 19:7-19 1 Kings 11 Psalm 102 Luke 24:28-53 2 Thessalonians 2