A Spiritual Guide

Twisting God’s Word 06.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday June 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read Chapters 34-37 in Your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2034-37&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the continuous accusations against Job by Elihu. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that Satan will twist the scriptures to try to mislead us. Just one more reason why we must read all of the Bible for ourselves.

Elihu did not speak until Job’s three friends had ended their accusations. He condemned Job’s three friends, but expressed even greater hostility toward Job. It appears that he proclaims God’s justice and goodness, bringing out some real truths of God and His majesty, but he wrongly interprets Job’s defense as hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Elihu’s accusations against Job’s testimony are, at best, half-truths and misinterpretations (33:8-13).

Elihu was so self-righteous himself that he failed to recgonize that he was the one sinning. One of Elihu’s accusations was that Job had claimed to be sinlessly perfect, “For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.” (Job 34:5-6). The fact is Job acknowledged his imperfection as sin in 7:21 and 13:26. However, the Lord proclaimed Job as My servant a perfect and an upright man.

Elihu falsely stated that Job has said, It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God (34:9). But Job never said that. Elihu continued his vicious attack on this dear, godly man, saying: “Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.” (Job 34:35-37). His desire that Job be tried was granted. Just think how opposite and differing in character his evaluation of Job was in contrast to God’s.

Counselors may have all the degrees and qualifications the world can give, but unless their advice is in harmony with God’s Word, it is “darkened counsel.”

During times of personal afflications, heartbreaking bereavement, persecution, or financial struggles, we are often tempted to become depressed so that we even fail to pray. That is when we need someone’s loving comfort and assurance that our Lord ultimately controls every situation that comes into our lives. Regardless of how bad it may seem, He wants to use it for our good and for His glory. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.“ (Romans 8:26-28).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who watches how we live and all we do (Job 34:21). The Lord keeps His eyes on the righteous (I Peter 3:12).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures ourselves for discernment and the true revelation of the truth. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit: A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net