The Lion and the Lamb

Paul said that he knew how to about and how to be abased (Phil. 3:12). Another man who knew this, probably better than Paul, was the Old Testament patriarch, Job. His classic story is well known to us. Job was a good and godly man of deep integrity. he loved God and served others. He was a wealthy man; one who was generously blessed by God. He was a devoted family man.

Then, because of Satan’s sneering challenge, God permitted His devout servant to be stricken. Through a series of calamities, he suffered loss, pain, disease, and depression that has probably never been surpassed by mortal man. In one day he lost his servants. his possessions, and his ten children.

Though Job persevered through all of his trials (James 5:11), he did not respond stoically to them. His emotions were deep, pitiful, and clearly evident. He wished he had never been born (3:3-10); or ha died at birth (3:11-19); or could die immediately (3:20-26). He felt totally helpless to deal with his state. He felt trapped (19:8); lonely (19:19); weak (19:20); and friendless (6:14-22). The three friends who came to offer help proved to be miserable comforters (16:2).

This article may be read by some whose suffering is also great. You may be experiencing great physical pain, emotional anguish, affliction, or bereavement. If this is not one’s situation today, it may be tomorrow. But you and I have an advantage over Job. We may know some things that he did not know.

Job did not know the plan of God. He didn’t know what had taken place behind the scenes; how Satan had raised the question, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” (1:9-12; 2:4-6). Job knew that God was sovereign and almighty. This was part of his problem. Why would He send this suffering?

If only he had known what we know: the conversation between Satan and God and the purpose God had in permitting his suffering. I believe that such knowledge would have been helpful to Job.

You may say, we do not possess that information when it comes to our own suffering. We cannot know with assurance the purpose and plan of God. We must suffer in the dark. Yet we do not have to suffer in complete darkness. He has proven this in the most unmistakeable way (Romans 5:8). So whatever happens, no matter how great the tragedy, we know something that Job did not know. “When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Job did not know about Jesus. It is true that some information along this line was revealed to him. He said, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth...” (19:25). But he did not have full knowledge of his Redeemer.

As a result, he thought God was his adversary. He concluded that God was uninterested in his cries of anguish and was unable to feel his tears and pain. He cried, “Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both” (9:33). He did not know of an advocate who would plead his case and stand between him and the Father (1 Timothy 2:5, 6).

Isn’t it wonderful that when the surgery is over, and the news is bad; the body aches; all you see is the hoses and tubes and tapes and bandages; you can’t read the Bible and you really don’t care to; you don’t feel like praying just then; to know that Jesus cares, and He understands.

Or it may be that you are simply burdened with cares. Your family and friends cannot help you. No one can feel the burden you carry. You suffer alone. But to know that you have a Mediator before the throne of grace; and even when your prayers are simply groans and tears, there is One who intercedes for you. He lays hands on you and the Father, and He does not let go when your grip grows weak. This is something that Job did not know.

We will conclude the second part of brother Green’s wonderful article in next Sunday’s bulletin.