THREE GREAT MISTAKES IN JOB

Job 1:1

Morning Meditation 5/28/2013

"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."

Satan is a mystery but we find more about him in the Book of Job than almost anywhere.

It is believed that Uz was somewhere in the Arabian desert. This book is reputed to be the first book of the Bible. While it may be that, it is where it should be in the cannon of Scripture.

This man was paid the compliment that could be paid by the LORD Himself. In a conversation with Satan, after the fall of man, God pointed out Job as being "perfect and upright" and one who feared God, and eschewed evil." God did this. Satan's response is enlightening. He said Job 1:8-10, "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 nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land."

The truth of God's protection of His children is clearly seen and developed in this Book. There are three great mistakes in Job.

SATAN'S MISTAKE

This is seen in verses 9-10, "Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." Satan realized that God had blessed Job and that he could not contend without God's permission.

His first mistake: He thought that Job served God for what he could get. God requires that we serve Him because we love Him; Matthew 22:35-40, "Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

If Job served God for what he could get, this story would have ended differently. He made a mistake. To think that Satan was once Lucifer and a guardian over the throne of God, that He is now the chief enemy of the Saints is amazing indeed. We need to recognize that we are targets of Satan and he will do all he can to neutralize the work of God through the human agency. Don't let Satan use you. He is able to turn you from your faith and He can also bring bodily harm to a person. Satan said to God about Job, "Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou has blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land."

Satan knew where Job's blessings came from. He made a mistake when he suggested that Job served God for material gain. It was not so and the Lord proved it.

JOB'S WIFE'S MISTAKE

She was wrong in thinking that losing earthly possessions that all is lost. She had lost her children; she had lost her wealth and the social standing and friends that go with that. She had lost the security of a healthy industrious husband. Don't be too hard on Mrs. Job. Let's notice her mistakes:

1. Her attitude revealed a misplaced confidence in the material world.

2. Her attitude shows one of bitterness. Hebrews 12:15, "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;"

3. 1 Peter 5:5-9, "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

4. She made a terrible mistake when she said, "Curse God and die." Job 2:9-10, "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips."

THE MISTAKE OF JOB'S FRIENDS

The four miserable comforters of Job were guessing and gave him their personal opinion and it was wrong. It is true some maladies are caused by sin. John 5:14, "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." However, when one catches the mumps or measles, he does not need a hireling preacher running to his bedside saying, "You have sinned in some area, confess it and the Lord will forgive and restore you."

Jesus healed an un saved man in John 9 and later on in the chapter you will find he came to know Christ as Lord and Saviour.

Job was a righteous man under trial. But Job's friends believed that if you are sick, it must be God punishing you for it.

Don't make the mistake of thinking a sick person has some sin they are hiding and it will take no less than open confession before forgiveness and restoration can be effected.

In Christ

Bro. White