GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE:
VICTIMS or VICTORS, Part 2
EVILS, UNFAIRNESSES, AND INJUSTICES
“... they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den ...” (Daniel 6:16-18 NIV). “… the most mighty men ...[bound]... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and ...cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (DANIEL 3). “...the Sabeans attacked and made off with them...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house ...they are dead...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV). “...he proceeded to seize Peter also ...[and]... Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV). “...they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. y…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “...And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD...” (Job 1:12 KJV),
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THEN we come to JESUS. “...Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them...Away with him, away with him, crucify him...And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).
One of the reasons God allowed JESUS to DIE upon the CROSS was to provide an ATONEMENT for mankind’s SIN. “…HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God’s son, Jesus]... [GAVE]... His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given ...you...[Jesus]... to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).
“...[God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus]... did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us....” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…the just for the unjust, that he might bring ...[mankind back] to [himself] …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “..[Mankind can NOW choose to be]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV). “…He restoreth [their]...SOUL[s]…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “….Jesus Christ [can]...maketh [mankind]... WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).
God is a God of JUSTICE even when God’s “OWN” children are the victims of EVILS, UNFAIRNESSES, and INJUSTICES. God “…spared not his own Son, [from going through evils, unfairnesses, or injustices...] but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…Christ … suffered for us …” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV).
If his people are honest, they DON’T need to DEFEND God, the Holy Spirit, especially when they are going through and experiencing their OWN trials and tribulations; he ALREADY told them to EXPECT trials and tribulations while upon earth. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
The STORY of JOB is a biblical truth about HOW God, the Holy Spirit, ALLOWS and CHOOSES his “own” children to GO THROUGH difficulties and troubles. However, he HELPS them through it all! “…He helps [his children]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God is for [his children], who is against [them]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against [God’s children] shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his children]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “… THE LORD … is [thei]r... rock and [thei]r... fortress, [thei]r... deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
His children, themselves, don’t UNDERSTAND why God, the Holy Spirit, has allowed or chosen them to be hurt or injured by various events or actions “…ye are a chosen generation…” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). “...For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth...” (Deuteronomy 7:6). “...you are a chosen people…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). “…The God of our fathers hath chosen thee…” (Acts 22:14 KJV).
"…You did not choose me but I chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV). "... I (God, the Holy Spirit) chose ...[his “own” special, righteous children], and appointed ...[them]... that ...[they]... should go and bear fruit...” (John 15:16 ASV).
Like any other human being, upon earth, trials and tribulations disrupts his children’s lives, rock their HOPE, make them question God, the Holy Spirit, as a JUST God, and they, themselves, wonder how to reconcile their “own” HARDSHIPS with his GRACE and LOVE. “...He careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… he remains faithful [even during the trials, testings, and tribulations of his children], for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…The “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “...Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
How could ALL this EVIL, UNFAIRNESS, and INJUSTICE, his “OWN” children are experiencing, be a reasonable part of the Christian journey. “..In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity (trials, testings, and tribulations) consider-- God has made the one as well as the other…” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NASB).“...This is the day (whatever day it is) which the LORD hath made; [his children]... will rejoice and be glad in it...” (Psalm 118:24 KJV).
During these difficult times God’s children OFTEN wonder is God, the Holy Spirit “AGAINST” them rather than “FOR” them. . “…If God is for [his children], who is against [them]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…...Who [or what]... will separate [God’s children]... from the love of Christ? …”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).
“…Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword …”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...[NO] …But in all these things [God’s children HAVE]... overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).
“…[Nothing]…will be able to separate [god’s children]... from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).
Apostle Paul said: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).
A CLOSER look, at JOB’s STORY, “reveals” his difficulties and troubles (deaths of his children, loss of his wealth, and physical sickness) were MORE redemptive and loving rather than damning or hateful. “...the Sabeans attacked and made off with them (job’s stuff)...“The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants ...“The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. ...“Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house ...they are dead...” (Job 1:13-20 NIV).
“Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (grew more respectful of God’s sovereignty)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (grew in revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (grew in humility)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).
The BOOK of Job is in the bible for a reason. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).“...Now all these things happened unto them (Job and others) for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).
Job was an upright man and God’s child who was full of integrity. God, the Holy Spirit, even complimented him. Job may have, even, had RENOWN as an upright man all over the land. In addition, Job, most likely, identified himself as an “upright” man too.
In fact, compared to other humans, upon earth, at the time, there was no person as upright as Job, even God said so. “…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?...” (Job 2:3 KJV).
Job may have thought he’d arrived at some righteous pinnacle of piety. Yet God, the Holy Spirit, KNEW he STILL needed to grow and develop spiritually. Righteousness is a GIFT of God and wasn’t meant to become a prideful thing; whether intentional or unintentional. “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble...” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “...if anyone thinks he(SHE) is something when he (she) is nothing, he(she) deceives himself (herself)...” (Galatians 6:3 NASB).
Job thought being a righteous child of God should have PREVENTED and PROTECTED him from certain trials and tribulations. However, he SAW trials and tribulations as well as his righteousness through his OWN eyes. “…So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes…” (Job 32:1 KJV).
Elihu, one of his friends, inspired by the Spirit, questioned Job about his attitude. “…The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life...” (Job 33:1-9 KJV). “...Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me (Elihu heard Job’s image of himself). Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths (Elihus heard Job’s attitude about his “season of suffering”). Behold, in this thou art not just (Elihu said this about Job): I will answer thee, that God is greater than man (Even in “seasons of suffering” God’s righteous ways are STILL JUST over man’s, including Job’s). Why dost thou strive against him? (Elihu asked Job) for he giveth not account of any of his matters (God is ALWAYS righteous and JUST even when he allows his people to go through “seasons of suffering”)...” (Job 33:8-13 KJV).
Elihu didn’t accuse Job of any secret sin like his other friends had, but he saw Job striving (fighting) against God, the Holy Spirit. Job didn’t AGREE with the EVIL, UNFAIRNESS, or INJUSTICE God was “allowing” him to go through or experience. Job had an opinion about it, especially because God allowed it “...without cause...” (Job 2:3 KJV).
“…Christ … suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…” (1 Peter 2:21 KJV). “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT).
“...But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable (praiseworthy, admirable, etc) before God…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV). Therefore, “…[entrust yourself] to him who judges JUSTLY…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV).
Elihu also informed Job he was justifying HIS “OWN” righteousness over the righteousness of God, who is immutably JUST. God, the Holy Spirit, doesn’t STOP being JUST when he allows and chooses his children to go through “trials and tribulations.” “…God is not human (he is not a body, the flesh, or a soul)…” (Numbers 23:19 NIV). “…“My thoughts are nothing like your [human]...thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine … my ways are higher [than human ways] … my thoughts higher [than human thoughts]…” (Isaiah 55:5-9 NLT).
“...[Mankind has often, mistakenly,]...thought that...[God, the Holy Spirit, was human like them]....” (Psalm 50:21 KJV). God SAYS: “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). HE IS GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
…everything [God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE]... does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “...all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“...[Thus, Job’s attitude is what]... kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job..., because he justified himself rather than God…” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).
Elihu saw Job’s attitude or opinion, which held his uprightness and integrity in a higher place than the uprightness and integrity of God, the Holy Spirit, of JUSTICE, who picked him out and allowed him to go through these particular “trials and tribulations”. “...Elihu spake moreover, and said (to Job), Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?...” (Job 35:1-2 KJV).
Throughout chapters 36 and 37 Elihu witnesses and ministers to Job about the presence of God, the goodness of God, the sovereignty of God, the wonderful working power of God, and the divine greatness of God’s character, who is full of integrity and uprightness, and JUSTICE ALL the time. God NEVER changes. “...The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds...” (Psalms 145:17 NASB). “....As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him...” (Psalms 18:30 NASB). “...The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion...” (Psalms 116:5 NIV). “...You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right...” (Psalm 119:137 NIV).
“…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “ ... in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
JOB’s other friends debated with Job by saying he was experiencing God’s JUSTICE by reaping something he’d sown. Satan is the enemy of God’s people. “...Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).
God SAID Job was a RIGHTEOUS man, meaning he was BLESSED in ALL ways and in EVERY area. However, his RIGHT STANDING with God, the Holy Spirit, did NOT put him in the position to accuse or judge God of being unfair or unjust. “...You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me...” (Job 42:3 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit, let Job know he was both sovereign and in control, which meant he had the right to allow or choose his children for particular trials and tribulations “without cause” or explanation (Job 2:3 KJV). “…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? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause...” (Job 2:3 KJV).
. “…He (God, the Holy Spirit) does as he pleases (not mankind) with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth… (Daniel 4 NLT). “… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?...” (Daniel 4 NLT).
Earlier, I wrote that a VICTIM is someone who SUFFERS from or is HARMED by events or actions that are violent, destructive, injurious, heart-breaking, and life changing. But, a VICTOR is someone who ends up DEFEATING their enemy and becoming the WINNER.
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE ARE “ALWAYS” VICTORS NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH; God, the Holy Spirit, the secret of their strength and victory. “...overwhelming victory is [ALWAYS THEIRS]... in christ ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
“... the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 NLT). Therefore, “...No weapon that is formed against thee (GOD’S RIGHTEOUS CHILDREN) shall prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).
Elihu ministers to JOB in a WAY that reveals to the READER that God, the Holy Spirit, is truly a God of JUSTICE who “is” JUST in “all” his WAYS, which includes what his allows into the lives. His JUST WAYS are loving, harmless, and redemptive to his righteous children. “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just...” (Daniel 4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
Satan and his evil followers “…intended to harm [God’s chidlren], but God intended it for ...[their]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love does NO HARM to his neighbor …” (Romans 13:10 NASB).
Job was initially unaware of God’s redemptive work in allowing the deaths of his children, the loss of his wealth, or his physical sicknessws. Job felt his was being punished and unfairly, since he was so devoted to God, the Holy Spirit. Job inadvertently accuses God, the Holy Spirit of being unjust toward him. “…all things [are NOT good, but they]... work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLED to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).
Nonetheless, Job GROWS spiritually. He learns God, the Holy Spirit is utterly SOVEREIGN, his gains a GREATER revelation knowledge of HIM, and he further HUMBLES himself under God’s mighty hand. “...Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (grew more respectful of God’s sovereignty)...” (Job 42:1, 6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (grew in revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1,6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (grew in humility)...” (Job 42:1, 6 NLT).
It is AT THIS POINT - of spiritual GROWTH that Job surrenders to God’s WILL in obedience and intercedes for his accusatory friends - that God, the Holy Spirit, DELIVERS and BLESSES him. Job was considered “…blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:7-12 NIV). Yet, he still needed to grow and develop spiritually. thus, he was allowed to go through “trials, testing, and tribulations.”
Job’s story is a classic example of the EVILS, UNFAIRNESSES, and INJUSTICES people go through, upon earth, but it also an example how those events and actions can TURN out VICTORIOUS too. “...overwhelming victory...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).
The bible says all things work together for good: He didn’t say the things WERE good, but they work together for GOOD. “…All things work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD (by keeping commandments), to them who are THE CALLED (chosen by God) to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). Job’s experiences were ALWAYS going to “...work together for his good....” and he would have “...overwhelming victory...”
It is obvious that Job was pruned, disciplined, corrected, changed more and more into the IMAGE of godliness through his “trials and tribulation. He actually received a double, double blessings for all he had loss. 1. HE BECAME TWICE THE SPIRITUAL MAN HE ONCE WAS (DOUBLE): “... Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (respect for God’s sovereignty). I..” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1, 6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (humility)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).
2. HE RECEIVED TWICE THE MATERIAL BLESSINGS (DOUBLE) “…Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…” (Job 42:10, 12 KJV).
These REWARDS were NOT consolations prizes God’s GIVES because his children EARNED it for UNFAIR treatment, but they are part of the INHERITANCE of BLESSINGS promised to THEM. “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
Job SURRENDERED to God’s will through obedience and God BLESSED him as promised. “…everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return ....And in the world to come ...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
IN THE END Job BENEFITTED and GAINED “MORE” than he lost. Job was TRANSFORMED inside and outside. God, the Holy Spirit’s, redemptive work in Job’s life became a TIMELESS lesson for the past, present, and future generations, of God’s righteous children, to come. . “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).“...Now all these things happened unto them (Job and others) for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).
1. JOB BECAME TWICE THE SPIRITUAL MAN HE ONCE WAS (DOUBLE): “... Then Job replied...“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (respect for God’s sovereignty). I..” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).“...now I have seen you with my own eyes (revelation knowledge)....” (Job 42:1, 6 NLT). “...I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance (humility)...” (Job 42:1,6 NLT).
2. JOB RECEIVED TWICE THE MATERIAL BLESSINGS (DOUBLE) “…Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…” (Job 42:10, 12 KJV).
“...The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his (her) way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). Job said, “...Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord…” Job 1:20-22 NASB).
“..though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).
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