This week has been an unusual one for me. I'm not going to share the specifics, but... there were two or three things I learned that really sent me into a spin :) No disasters or real "trials" in terms of something I could do to make the situations better, but... at the same time, it's been quite an emotional few days.

I share that because, like everyone else, I've had to deal with the temptation to get depressed, or frustrated, or impatient. We've all had weeks like that, I'm sure. Some of us may have had years like that. For example, for the past 6 months I'd been trying (quite unsuccessfully) to find a source of income while I waited to hear if I would get into the Masters' program for this University. I did get something finalized just last week, and that was a great blessing to me. At the same time, as trying as those months were, I wouldn't change a thing about them. Not a single day, even though I was tempted to think some were pointless.

Here is a verse that comes to mind a lot: "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:11)

Also at the end of last week's study, someone asked me about a study on Job anyway. Two witnesses (that individual and my life) seem to agree... this is the week for studying patience! So here we go: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4)

In our previous studies, we've looked at humility, and temptation, and peace, and faith, and a host of other things, but the focus, of course, should always be for our edification. "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church." (1 Cor 14:12)

This is the highest job a person can have, the very best privilege: to minister and be a servant to Christians. To build them up and help them in their walk towards Heaven. It has a great responsibility also. "'Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!' says the Lord." (Jer 23:1)

And so it is, for those who have the opportunity to share a word with those honestly seeking the life God wants for us to lead... we should always pay special attention to verses like this one I mentioned above: "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:4) If something is given for our perfection, like the Scriptures, like trials and tribulations, like circumstances that lead to a development of patience, we'd better pay special attention! So let's look at that character mentioned by James. Job.

You know there are some Christians out there who still think riches are evil? I've actually had people try to convince me that this verse proves it: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Tim 6:10)

It should be obvious, however, that it is the love of the money, and the covetousness, the greed - these are the things that pierce us with sorrows. To be rich, but not content... that is far worse than to be poor but happy with the little that you have. Paul says, though, that even if we are blessed with financial security, we are to consider it the same way we consider ALL our gifts - for the edification of the Children of God. Imagine how fast the Gospel would truly be spread to the world if all the money that belonged to Christians belonged to Christ! It's a sad thought that those two are separate things.

But now Job was a man who showed us the wonderful balance of both riches and righteousness. "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. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east." (Job 1:1-3)

This may seem like a minor point, but I find it relevant - that Job's character was mentioned first, and then his earthly success second. Isn't that a wonderful picture of how God judges? He looks first at the heart, as are we to do. In fact, that's a command: "For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?" (James 2:2-4) "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors." (James 2:8-9)

And it says that Job was the "greatest" man in the east. The word translated greatest there usually has the connotation of importance, pre-eminence... and in context (mentioned along with his worldly possessions) it was most likely referring to his actual, physical wealth. And how different the picture was then than it is now? In which town or country on earth these days can it be said of the richest man in town that he is the most upright citizen? Even by the time of Christ, this was the saying: "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Mat 19:24)

Strong words, but of course Christ immediately softened it by saying, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." in verse 26.

Now, we may seem to have taken a slight tangent off of the matter of patience here, but I think it's important that we fill in some of the information about this "Job," character, since he's supposed to be such an example for us. And indeed he has been! He may have felt so miserable he wished he'd never been born while his trial was going on, but look at the blessings that Christendom has received from it! So many people can relate to his trials, so many who are suffering and feeling tempted to despair can take comfort in what this just man went through.

Few men are called "perfect," in the Bible, and Job was one of them. He was perhaps not perfect as we would count perfection, meaning flawless in character, for Job had fear issues, although not severe, they were apparent: "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." (Job 3:25)

And under the circumstances, if there was any time that statement could be drawn from the lips of a man, that was it. Think on this: he was a rich man, and though charitable and kind and loving to even the least beggar - he was still blessed over that, so much so that his children feasted often... and they all had fine houses: "And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them." (Job 1:4)

Each on "his appointed day," a son gave a feast. And how many sons did Job have? He had 7 sons... that means every day of the week there was a celebration in Job's family. Even then, Job offered a sacrifice daily for his family. So he was surely used to physical comforts, despite his right spirit. He had both balanced well, and he was respected for it.

Now who does this remind you of? He has _everything_, he wants for nothing, and his spirit is also perfect, yet... he is soon to be thrown into a situation where he is afflicted beyond measure, and he has all things taken from him, all his comforts taken away.... and the purpose is so that the entire world can learn from it and be edified. Does that remind you of anyone?

"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phil 2:6-8) Who was this? Our Messiah did this. It's the same old story told over and over again. Whenever the righteous suffer, it is Christ suffering with us, and through us. Whenever the children of God suffer, He is right there with us, feeling all our pain.

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Heb 4:15)

With Job it was that way also... he lost his family, his riches, even his good name in the community. His friends certainly thought he had done something horrible to deserve this. Eliphaz said: "Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." (Job 4:7-8)

Another parallel? "And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, and saying, 'Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.'" (Mat 27:39-40)

And just as Job's friends couldn't help him much, so did Christ's disciples flee when the real times of trouble came around. We've looked at many examples from the Old Testament that point forward to the events which took place in our Redeemer's life. Just as Job cursed the day he was born at one point, so Christ on the cross said, "Why hast thou forsaken me," to the Father.

Christ said of the Old Testament: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)

The suffering of Job was a foreshadowing of the Messiah. We hear often that Christ is our example in all things, yet we hear very little of His patience. It's taken for granted that He HAD a lot, of course... but it's rarely been studied, and I think that through examining Job, we can come to a fuller understanding of that virtue in Jesus' life.

Even in the worst of times, we find that Job did not say, "Why did you do this to me?" to God. He of course questioned why these things had befallen him, but: "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:22) Instead: "Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped" (Job 1:20)

In Christ's life, we have Gethsemane to match: "And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.'" (Mat 26:39)

I think this is why Job is such a popular Bible story, why it can comfort so many, and is easy to relate to - because all of us have that place in our hearts that only the Redeemer can fill (whether we already know Him or not - or even whether we know it or not), and so we can see Him in the story of Job, and we can also see ourselves there. The story is really about Christ - and it's really about us.

And notice that after Job's time of suffering was over, all the questions were answered, and he was restored: "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10) "So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses." (Job 42:12)

Job surely fulfilled this passage, one of our main ones for tonight: "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God." (Zec 13:9) After his trials, he really shined!

So we see, hopefully, that Job's story is really a way to point to Christ's life? All things truly are... but I like it that there is so much emphasis on the endurance even through times of trouble. That requires a great deal of patience, and, of course, true faith. We saw this verse already about the Messiah: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phil 2:6-8)

And the reason is: "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." (Heb 5:8-9)

Though He started out sinless, He yet walked in the way we are to walk, to show us what the Way is, and that way involves learning endurance, and bearing suffering. It involves developing divine patience, and that involves obedience: "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Rev 14:12) The patience that we learn in our trials will be shown in two ways: we will be obedient to God's voice in our lives, and we will have a very developed Christlike character.

Why obedience, though? What does that have to do with anything? Well, for one thing, we know that if we have made the decision to follow Christ in our lives, the road will not be easy. If your road is too easy in this world, you're not doing it right :) "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

One of the interesting things about the book of Job is that it gives us a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at those trials that lead to patience. The question is often asked, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Why is it that Christians will have trouble in the world, and what is the connection between patience and obedience? Well, we find that here in Job, and also we can apply it to Christ's life - and thus to ours, for we walk in His path.

The reason why is because of this: "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?'" (Job 1:8)

When we are faithful servants, even in the small things, even in just our individual lives, all of Heaven will know it. We may not offer sacrifices every morning for the souls of our children, but... we can pray, and we can let God's beauty fill us, and we can share it with those around us. In fact, doing so may have MORE of a benefit to others than killing animals on their behalf. The sons may not even have known Job was doing this, but those around you can see your smile when you do something to help them.

Even Heaven knows it, and so does this character, and here is what he will often say: "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. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.'" (Job 1:9-11)

This is a question we might often ask ourselves. Just because Satan is asking it in a bad spirit here doesn't mean the question itself is bad... Are we serving God because it's convenient? In places like China, that's an easy question to answer: in places where the persecution is open, you have to really be in touch with Heaven in order to deny the flesh and take up the cross. In many parts of the world, however, it's just a label. Are we serving God because we truly love Him, or is it because we're used to it - grew up in the church, or got convinced by someone's traditions... these are all valid questions.

But you know what? It's not such a bad thing to have God trust our faith so much that He allows trials to befall us! "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Cor 10:13)

Often, Satan will bring this accusation against us too. "Frank loves that car more than he loves you," for example. Or that house, or that job, or that bank account... you get the idea. And God replies, "We'll see about that. I already know Frank is my faithful child, but... I want you to know it too!" So something happens, and poor Frank's car is destroyed, or his house falls over, or he goes bankrupt. Now... Frank has a choice.

He can rely on this: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:2-4)

Or he can think something similar to this: "And they said unto Moses, 'Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?'" (Exo 14:11) "Why have you blessed me all these years, Lord, only to curse me now? Why did you let me get used to my comforts, only to let me fall on my face now?" Frank could say that...

But Job was of the first type. He may not have felt the joy at the time, but still he held his reverence: "And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21)

Job did not earn anything... and neither have we. What are we without God? Nothing at all... all that we have was given to us. Have you worked hard for your wealth? Who gave you the brain and the hands? We are stewards, caretakers... of things that are not our own. The difference is that some will recognize this, and some, for pride, will not.

Trials lead to patience. They strengthen our faith, and give us endurance. "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Heb 12:7) "If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace." (Exo 18:23)

What is the place that we as Christians are looking forward to? "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne." (Rev 3:21) "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." (Rev 21:7)

In these last days, God wants a people like Job. He wants a nation of priests and princes about whom He can say to Satan and all of heaven, "Here are some people that will never let me down." "That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Eph 5:27)

The problem is that there IS a Satan, and there ARE fallen angels who will accuse us before the Throne, doubting our obedience even as they doubted their own happiness in Heaven. There will be no questions on the day of Judgment, not by us, and not even by those fallen angels. "For it is written, 'As I live,' saith the Lord, 'every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'" (Rom 14:11)

But in order to be that kind of people, we have to have gone through trials! That's the only way that WE will know for sure why we are serving Him. You know sometimes we're not even sure ourselves? "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Cor 13:5) Paul tells us to keep examining ourselves. Don't every think, "I've made it, I can relax now." No, God is always a higher standard, and He always has one for us to attain. It's a long path, though, and of course, it requires patience :)

Job did it, Christ did it... and we are to do it. We rely on His promises to us, that "All tihngs work together for good for them that love the Lord," and just as we rejoice in the high places, so should we look forward with eagerness to the next thing around the corner, even in the valleys. "But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end." (Isa 45:17)

This IS the promise, and if we have faith, true faith, we WILL believe it. We all need to ask ourselves daily, "Do I truly believe that He has me in His hands?" If that answer consistently comes back a "Yes," then what have you to fear? Even in the roughest times, even in the most dark circumstances, even if it doesn't seem like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we KNOW there is one, because He told us there would be. It sometimes takes a while to get there, though... See this again: "And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, 'It is my people:' and they shall say, 'The LORD is my God.'" (Zec 13:9)

This is a most important verse for this study, for that is what we are to be, silver refined in fire. But then, to refine a metal in fire... can we just stick in in there and pull it out? No... we have to leave it in there for a time... we have to really let the heat get to it. We have to turn UP the fire sometimes... If we want a perfect product, we have to be willing to invest some time in the refinement.

If we are patient, and if we endure even the most crushing of trials, we can do it with the assurance of three things: One, God loves us, and is allowing this to happen; but it is for our refinement, and He is _still_in_control_. Two, We will not be tested more than we can bear - if you're in a very fiery trial, it just means that this was the degree to which our Father could trust you to prove Satan wrong before all the universe. Three, There IS a promise than all things work for our benefit, so we can KNOW that the trial will not finish us off, and it will be okay. The three are very similar, but the focus is different: the first focus is on God, as it well should be, the second on the trial itself (getting through it so that others can benefit from our example) and the last is on our own selves.

"When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God), He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them." (Deu 4:30-31) From the very beginning of the Bible, the very first Books, He is giving us a promise for the last days. Even in these troubled times, the principle never changes, because our Father never changes: "But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." (Rev 2:25-26)

Hold on to what you have! Patiently endure the night, for the dawn surely follows. Even at midnight, what can stop the sun from rising? Does it matter how dark the night is? Does the darkness affect how long it will be till sunrise? No, and surely nothing can stop Christ's promises to us - no matter how dark things seem to be, the sun will surely rise.

"And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Heb 6:11-12)

Faith and patience: these are the two things that allow us to endure to the end. These are the means by which we can allow our Father to keep us in the fire, so we may be perfected and shine forth like precious vessels. We will be those people, those Job-like, Christ-like people about whom our loving Father can say, "Here are a people that will NEVER let me down." And Satan and all those who would accuse us will be left... speechless.

David.