We continue in Job with the introduction of Job’s third ‘counsellor’ Zophar. See what you think of his advice.
Job 11: Zophar Speaks: You Deserve Worse
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 "Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a man full of talk be judged right?
3 Should your babble silence men, and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in God's eyes.'
5 But oh, that God would speak and open his lips to you,
6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom! For he is manifold in understanding. Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
7 "Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than heaven---what can you do? Deeper than Sheol---what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.
10 If he passes through and imprisons and summons the court, who can turn him back?
11 For he knows worthless men; when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
12 But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey's colt is born a man!
13 "If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him.
14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
15 Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear.
16 You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
17 And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning.
18 And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.
19 You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favour.
20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last."
Job 12: Job Replies: The LORD Has Done This
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 "No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.
3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?
4 I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called to God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
5 In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; it is ready for those whose feet slip.
6 The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure, who bring their god in their hand.
7 "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
8 or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
9 Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
11 Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food?
12 Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.
13 "With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.
14 If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open.
15 If he withholds the waters, they dry up; if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land.
16 With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his.
17 He leads counsellors away stripped, and judges he makes fools.
18 He looses the bonds of kings and binds a waistcloth on their hips.
19 He leads priests away stripped and overthrows the mighty.
20 He deprives of speech those who are trusted and takes away the discernment of the elders.
21 He pours contempt on princes and loosens the belt of the strong.
22 He uncovers the deeps out of darkness and brings deep darkness to light.
23 He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
24 He takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth and makes them wander in a pathless waste.
25 They grope in the dark without light, and he makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Things to think about…
Context is everything! Look at the words of Job’s third counsellor Zophar in Job 11. If you take them at face value outside the context of being directed towards Job in his suffering they are right, true and noble. But when applied within the context of his suffering they are cruel barbs without sympathy. Zophar calls Jobs words babble, Job 11:3. These men were the true spiritual fathers of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. Hence the words of Jesus – do what they say and not what they do, Mt 23:3. May we never show the same attributes.
Zophar’s comment in Job 11:6 “Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves” is particularly cruel considering Job’s great personal loss of children, wealth and health. God give us wisdom when we are called to minister to those who are suffering to show to compassion and understanding of Christ.
Job 11:12 “But a stupid man will get understanding when a wild donkey's colt is born a man.” Neither genetically or spiritually possible. But ain’t it the truth! Some people will never listen to sound reason or ever hear words of truth. But such was never the case with Job. Job was considered a wise man and like Solomon who would come after him, everyone far and wide would come to hear his wisdom.
A touch of wonderful sarcasm from Job – Job 12:2 “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.” Sometimes in life it is more than warranted, it is necessary. Job’s friends are so elevated in their own opinion, but so lacking in the application Job rightly mocks their myopia.
Look at Job12:18 “He looses the bonds of kings and binds a waistcloth on their hips”. Jesus in John 13 was a king who was loosed from heaven who bound Himself with a waistcloth on His hips to wash the disciples’ feet. We are also kings loosed for His service. Pray about your service that you offer in His kingdom for His glory?
Clearly Job already understands the sovereignty of God over nature and the nations, Job 12:10-25. He is asking why the Lord in His sovereignty has made him a target. We know the answer is ultimately for His glory. But this is not able to be heard in the midst of such great suffering. Rejoicing in the complete will of God takes faith and perseverance. One must be united with the other.
Job 12:16 is a great verse outlining the sovereignty of the Lord “With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his”. All human beings the wise man and the fool are under his control.
Vision Point for Cell groups
CBC's Vision "To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission".
Cell group questions from Sunday morning’s sermon “Who needs enemies” Job 4.
1. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt that you didn’t have any friends. Jay shared being picked last in his “Continuous Cricket” example. Often these situations happen as we grow up, but not always. Discuss.
2. Some of the words directed towards Job by Eliphaz in Job 4 were true, but misapplied. Discuss some examples.
3. Job calls God his accuser, Job 9:13, and he cries out for an arbitrator between him and the Lord, Job 9:32, 33. Have you ever felt like the Lord was being unjust to you?
4. In Job 19:25 Job testifies that he knows his Redeemer lives and that He will one day stand on the earth. Paul says to Timothy ““For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” 1Tim 2:5,6. Discuss the meaning of this verse and how it has applied to you in the highs and lows of life.
5. Prayer and praise points below.
Prayer Points
1. Zac’s dad, Mark Torrington responding well to treatment. Lumber puncture not required. He is off oxygen and responding. Not out of woods. Pray against infection.
2.Pray for those who are struggling with health issues in the church.
4. People who have visited the church that they settle in.
4. Others who are struggling in their commitment to Christ and relationship strain/choices.
5. Sunday’s messages. The message this week – “Who needs enemies” Job 3-10, Jay.
7. Church finances to meet our expenses and to put a roof over our café.
8. Our City and Country – Pray for revival over our city and the leadership of our country even through these challenging times.
Praise Points.
1. More visitors on Sunday.
2. Our worship team on Sunday – thanks Rod, Molly, Riley, Dan. Sounded amazing.
3. Rin did a great job with visuals and streaming.
4. Young Life will be using our facilities on Friday afternoons. Zach Lipp heading this up. Contact Jay for more details.
5. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
6. Praise God for all those who serve at CBC. Thanks again to Helen, Angelo, Catherine, Yuki, Doug, Maddison and many others who go about making CBC an amazing place to worship.
Announcements
1. Carols Sun 20thDec 6pm. Start with a meal. Carols to start after the meal around 7pm.
2. AGM – 16th November after the morning service. Open for all.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Kids Church activity sheets provided – either in the house or church.
