Bible Heaven/Bible Heaven.iso/online/mhcc18/v20800

Text File | 1994-03-01 | 8KB | 144 lines

20812
 #20-32 The observance of the Jewish feasts, is a public
 declaration of the truth of the Old Testament Scriptures. And as
 the Old Testament Scriptures are true, the Messiah expected by
 the Jews is come long ago; and none but Jesus of Nazareth can be
 that Messiah. The festival was appointed by authority, yet under
 the direction of the Spirit of God. It was called the feast of
 Purim, from a Persian word, which signifies a lot. The name of
 this festival would remind them of the almighty power of the God
 of Israel, who served his own purposes by the superstitions of
 the heathen. In reviewing our mercies, we should advert to
 former fears and distresses. When our mercies are personal, we
 should not by forgetfulness lose the comfort of them, or
 withhold from the Lord the glory due to his name. May the Lord
 teach us to rejoice, with that holy joy which anticipates and
 prepares for the blessedness of heaven. Every instance of Divine
 goodness to ourselves, is a new obligation laid on us to do
 good, to those especially who most need our bounty. Above all,
 redemption by Christ binds us to be merciful, #2Co 8:9|.
20825
 * Greatness of Ahasuerus, Mordecai's advancement.

 - Many instances of the grandeur of Ahasuerus might have been
 given: these were written in the Persian chronicles, which are
 long since lost, while the sacred writings will live till time
 shall be no more. The concerns of the despised worshippers of
 the Lord are deemed more important by the Holy Spirit, than the
 exploits of the most illustrious monarch on earth. Mordecai was
 truly great, and his greatness gave him opportunities of doing
 the more good. He did not disown his people the Jews, and no
 doubt kept to the true religion. He did not seek his own wealth,
 but the welfare of his people. Few have it in their power to do
 so much good as Mordecai; but all have it in their power to do
 hurt, and who has it not in his power to do some good? We are
 not required to do what is not in our power, or is unsuited to
 our station; but all are bound to live under the influence of
 the tempers displayed in the saints, whose examples are recorded
 in the Bible. If we live by the faith of Christ, we shall be
 active according to the ability and opportunities he gives us,
 in promoting his glory and the best interests of men. If our
 faith be genuine, it will work by love. Wait in faith and
 prayer, and the event will be safe and glorious; our salvation
 is sure, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
20828
 ** This book is so called from Job, whose prosperity,
 afflictions, and restoration, are here recorded. He lived soon
 after Abraham, or perhaps before that patriarch. Most likely it
 was written by Job himself, and it is the most ancient book in
 existence. The instructions to be learned from the patience of
 Job, and from his trials, are as useful now, and as much needed
 as ever. We live under the same Providence, we have the same
 chastening Father, and there is the same need for correction
 unto righteousness. The fortitude and patience of Job, though
 not small, gave way in his severe troubles; but his faith was
 fixed upon the coming of his Redeemer, and this gave him
 stedfastness and constancy, though every other dependence,
 particularly the pride and boast of a self-righteous spirit, was
 tried and consumed. Another great doctrine of the faith,
 particularly set forth in the book of Job, is that of
 Providence. It is plain, from this history, that the Lord
 watched over his servant Job with the affection of a wise and
 loving father.

 * The piety and prosperity of Job. (1-5) Satan obtains leave to
 try Job. (6-12) The loss of Job's property, and the death of his
 children. (13-19) Job's patience and piety. (20-22)

 #1-5 Job was prosperous, and yet pious. Though it is hard and
 rare, it is not impossible for a rich man to enter into the
 kingdom of heaven. By God's grace the temptations of worldly
 wealth may be overcome. The account of Job's piety and
 prosperity comes before the history of his great afflictions,
 showing that neither will secure from troubles. While Job beheld
 the harmony and comforts of his sons with satisfaction, his
 knowledge of the human heart made him fearful for them. He sent
 and sanctified them, reminding them to examine themselves, to
 confess their sins, to seek forgiveness; and as one who hoped
 for acceptance with God through the promised Saviour, he offered
 a burnt-offering for each. We perceive his care for their souls,
 his knowledge of the sinful state of man, his entire dependence
 on God's mercy in the way he had appointed.

20833
 #6-12 Job's afflictions began from the malice of Satan, by the
 Lord's permission, for wise and holy purposes. There is an evil
 spirit, the enemy of God, and of all righteousness, who is
 continually seeking to distress, to lead astray, and, if
 possible, to destroy those who love God. How far his influence
 may extend, we cannot say; but probably much unsteadiness and
 unhappiness in Christians may be ascribed to him. While we are
 on this earth we are within his reach. Hence it concerns us to
 be sober and vigilant, #1Pe 5:8|. See how Satan censures Job.
 This is the common way of slanderers, to suggest that which they
 have no reason to think is true. But as there is nothing we
 should dread more than really being hypocrites, so there is
 nothing we need dread less than being called and counted so
 without cause. It is not wrong to look at the eternal recompence
 in our obedience; but it is wrong to aim at worldly advantages
 in our religion. God's people are taken under his special
 protection; they, and all that belong to them. The blessing of
 the Lord makes rich; Satan himself owns it. God suffered Job to
 be tried, as he suffered Peter to be sifted. It is our comfort
 that God has the devil in a chain, #Re 20:1|. He has no power to
 lead men to sin, but what they give him themselves; nor any
 power to afflict men, but what is given him from above. All this
 is here described to us after the manner of men. The Scripture
 speaks thus to teach us that God directs the affairs of the
 world.

20840
 #13-19 Satan brought Job's troubles upon him on the day that his
 children began their course of feasting. The troubles all came
 upon Job at once; while one messenger of evil tidings was
 speaking, another followed. His dearest and most valuable
 possessions were his ten children; news is brought him that they
 are killed. They were taken away when he had most need of them
 to comfort him under other losses. In God only have we a help
 present at all times.

20847
 #20-22 Job humbled himself under the hand of God. He reasons
 from the common state of human life, which he describes. We
 brought nothing of this world's goods into the world, but have
 them from others; and it is certain we can carry nothing out,
 but must leave them to others. Job, under all his losses, is but
 reduced to his first state. He is but where he must have been at
 last, and is only unclothed, or unloaded rather, a little sooner
 than he expected. If we put off our clothes before we go to bed,
 it is some inconvenience, but it may be the better borne when it
 is near bed-time. The same who gave hath taken away. See how Job
 looks above instruments, and keeps his eye upon the First Cause.
 Afflictions must not divert us from, but quicken us to religion.
 If in all our troubles we look to the Lord, he will support us.
 The Lord is righteous. All we have is from his gift; we have
 forfeited it by sin, and ought not to complain if he takes any
 part from us. Discontent and impatience charge God with folly.
 Against these Job carefully watched; and so must we,
 acknowledging that as God has done right, but we have done
 wickedly, so God has done wisely, but we have done very
 foolishly. And may the malice and power of Satan render that
 Saviour more precious to our souls, who came to destroy the
 works of the devil; who, for our salvation, suffered from that
 enemy far more than Job suffered, or we can think.