76. When God Riseth Up (5)

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Hymns: RHC 115 Constantly Abiding, 116 Hgher Ground, 117 In Tenderness He Sought Me

Job 31:24-28

24If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; 25If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; 26If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; 27And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: 28This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. (Job 31:24-28 KJV)

When God Riseth Up (5)

OUTLINE

  • Sought Preventive by Covenant (v1-2)
  • Sought Purity Understanding God’s Judgment for Sin (v3-4)
  • Sought Truthfulness and Fleeing Deceit (v5-6)
  • Sought Indictment rather than living in Hypocrisy (v7-8)
  • Sought Indictment for Adultery (v9-12)
  • Sought Indictment for Oppressing Servants (v13-15)
  • Sought Indictment for Oppressing the Poor (v16-23)
  • Sought Indictment for Trusting in Material Possessions (v24-25)
  • Sought Indictment for Idolatry (v26-28)

Continue…

(8) Sought Indictment for Trusting in Material Possessions (v24-25)

24If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; 25If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much;

Job was a man who trusted in God and not in riches. He understood well the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 6:10 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 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewithto be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Job was a man who has material possessions but did not set his heart upon them. A worthy example. He had his eyes heavenward!

He also understood our Lord Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

When his wealth was suddenly taken away from him, he was able to respond in a godly manner. This was the proof. – Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 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. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Solomon observed well in Proverbs 11:28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

Denis Gibson observed well, “Wealth never was a fit foundation for the soul. “Golden cups may carry deadly draughts.” Riches, fame, and honour, have been ruinous temptations for many. Still there are those who trust in riches, but they “will fail us when we are in the greatest need” (Henry). How fleeting will such a trust prove (Pr. 23:5).”

Indeed, he further observed well that wealth is a man-made god, “A Man-Made god: He that trusts in riches shall fall. Such trust leads to idolatry, and we define idolatry as anything that takes first place in our hearts. Oliver Cromwell put it, “Idolatry is anything which cooleth the desire after Christ.”… The Psalmist says, They that make them (idols) are like unto them (135:18). The verb, are like is the future tense. Thus the Holy Spirit places the emphasis on the futurity of the result. These idolaters not only are, but shall be, in their fate, as well as in their character, like the idols they have made. How bogus is the idol when it becomes your god! Thomas Watson avowed, “God made man of the dust of the earth, and man makes a god of the dust of the earth,” and a man-made god is no God at all! Job said: If I have made gold my hope, or have said to fine gold, thou art my confidence… I should have denied the God that is above (31:24-28). Jesus put it: You cannot serve God and mammon.”…” 

“Mammon”is the Syrian god of riches or money. This term is usually used in a derogatory sense to describe property, wealth, earthly goods. It is used to personify the worship of a different kind of god. Different from the living and true God. It is “gold” and not “God.” 

The self-willed Cain built a city and glorified not God but his son Enoch. This is not the Enoch who walked with God in Genesis 5. (Genesis 4 describes the ungodly line through Cain whereas Genesis 5 describes the godly line through Seth.) There was rapid development of civilization, culture and affluence during the time of the ungodly Lamech (Gen 4:19-24). At the same time, there was great depravity. Lamech murdered a man and also a boy who perhaps got in his way. And he boasted to his wives about his murders. Man sank deeper and deeper in violence and sin amidst seeming advancement in civilization. Some generations later, during the time of Noah, God has to judge the world by a global flood. The pressure of a materialistic society dulls men’s consciences. The godly Enoch served the living and true God. He was in the world but not of the world. 

Gibson said well, “In Psalm 52:7 we meet the man that made not God this strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. This word wickedness means desire, breath, a panting after something, therefore, as empty as air, a deep abyss of destruction (Lk. 16:26). It is the cupidity, the love of wealth that leads to ruin (Lk. 12:20). Note the contrast in this Psalm. The man in v.7 made wickedness not God his strength. The one in v.8 trusts in the mercy of the Lord for ever and ever. As a result he has access to the blessings of his Maker. He says, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.””

Psalm 52:7-8 Lo, this isthe man thatmade not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, andstrengthened himself in his wickedness. But I amlike a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

The nation of Israel was commanded by God to take care of the danger of increasing herds and flocks and silver and gold – they are exhorted not to be overtaken by its snare right from the beginning even before they entered the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy 8:12-14 Lest whenthou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; And whenthy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Jesus observed well, “Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” 

We ought to be diligent in seeking the things of God, because these are things that count and last for eternity. What we do now has repercussions and implications that last for eternity for ourselves and our loved ones! God made us eternal beings. Life does not end when this earthen vessel perishes. The decisions and the paths we take in this life have eternal consequences. We are faced with choices daily! How do we know what is the right choice? How can we walk in the path of God’s blessing? Proverbs 2:5 says that if we diligently search the Scriptures we will understand “the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” The fear of God will keep us from evil (Prov 16:6), and the knowledge of God will speed us on to the path of safety for we shall be quiet from the fear of evil (Prov 1:33). May the fear of God and the knowledge of His will help guide our choices. The fear of God is most lacking today in this world before our Lord returns. May we go back to basics and be connected with the mind of our Creator. 

Job was a God-fearer. It kept himself from the snare of material wealth which he possessed in the abundance. It did not rob him of his faith – security, alone in God.

Indeed,he that trusteth in his riches shall fall.

In 1928 a group of the world’s most successful financiers met at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. The following were present: The president of the largest utility company, The greatest wheat speculator, The president of the New York Stock Exchange, A member of the President’s Cabinet, The greatest “bear” in Wall Street, The president of the Bank of International Settlements, The head of the world’s greatest monopoly. Collectively, these tycoons controlled more wealth than there was in the U.S. Treasury, and for years newspapers and magazines had been printing their success stories and urging the youth of the nation to follow their examples. Twenty-five years later, this is what had happened to these men: 

The president of the largest independent steel company, Charles Schwab, lived on borrowed money the last five years of his life and died broke.  

The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cutten, died abroad, insolvent.  

The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, served a term in Sing Sing Prison.  

The member of the President’s Cabinet, Albert Fall, was pardoned from prison so he could die at home.  

The greatest “bear” in Wall Street, Jesse Livermore, committed suicide.  

The president of the Bank of International Settlements, Leon Fraser, committed suicide.  

The head of the world’s greatest monopoly, Ivar Drueger, committed suicide.  

All of these men had learned how to make money, but not one of them had learned how to live. [Source Unknown]

  • Sought Indictment for Idolatry (v26-28)

26If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; 27And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: 28This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above.

Indeed, idolatry is the greatest snare for the believer. Job did not worship the creation of God but God Himself only. He kept himself pure. He understood God will judge when his affection is divided. Because Job feared God, he was not enticed to go after idols. He did not deny the God that is above.

He observed the first commandment – Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

God warned Israel concerning idolatry in Leviticus 26:1.

1Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.

As we recount the history of Israel, we will see a history of idolatry from the time Solomon bring in pagan women from the surrounding nations to be his wives who brought also their idolatry into Israel culminating in Israel being deported to Babylon. In Babylon, idols were everywhere! It was a curse upon Israel for choosing idolatry. They shall be overwhelmed by idolatry in their 70 years of captivity so that when they returned, they learned their lesson well!

Although idolatry had been previous mentioned (Exodus 20:4-5), yet it is once again presented here in the list of gorwing forms that had progressed in the knowledge of Israel and was dangerously near them in the surrounding nations (26:1-2). The standing image (“upright pillar”) represented the common and smaller image of their contemporary idolatry; whereas the image of stone (“obelisk”?) represented the more sophisticated and larger image of that idolatry.[1]

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

These are the last words of the venerable disciple, beloved of the Lord. It is his final advice, the final warning to the Christians whom he addressed as “little children”. This term of endearment, these words of care and concern, from a mature Christian elder who has lived his life watching the success and failure of professing Christians throughout his many years of living existence is worthy of our attention. Last words are significant. They are the important because they convey the most urgent and greatest burden of the conveyor. He wants them who have a bright future in front of them to take heed to his warning “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

He addresses them by a word of caution, sounding an alarm, giving to them an alert, forewarning them by his good counsel, this words of admonition. He saw the danger ahead and he brings before them the perils confronting them.

It is the topic of idolatry. What is idolatry? An idol is anything in our lives that occupies the place that should be occupied by God alone. Anything that holds my life and my devotion, anything that is central in my life, anything that seems to be vital, anything that is essential to me; an idol is anything I live and on which I depend. Anything that moves and rouses and attracts and stimulates is an idol. An idol is anything that I worship, anything to which I give much of my time and attention , my energy and my money; anything that holds a controlling position in my life is an idol.[2]

God’s Solemn First Commandment (v21b)

– keep yourselves…

This word “keep” conveys the activity of a watchman who guard, protect, watch over, to guard closely, to preserve the relationship you have established with Christ. 

This is conveyed in the previous verse. 

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, evenin his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 

Guard your relationship in Christ. Let Christ be central in your devotion. Let Christ be your first love. He is the only true God and we should have none other. Realize that we are God’s people, bought with most heavy price, the blood of God’s only begotten Son.

Realize the Destructive Effects of Idolatry (v21c)

…from idolatry.

Who are our idols? It may be another person. A man’s idol may be his wife. Parents may also worship their children; children occupy in their minds and hearts that should be occupied by God. There are many who worship their work, their studies, their profession. They live for it, they sacrifice for it, God is pushed on one side in order the they might get on in their profession and their status. This position – this big thing, this thing they want above everything else, this thing for which they live – any such thing they that occupies the place of God is idolatry. Perhaps the idol is self, some worship their country.[3]Today, children often spend untold amounts of time on computer games and other vices.

The Apostle John reminds them of the danger to their spiritual life. When we depart from God, God’s peace is taken from us. But when we stay with God, His peace abides with us.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep himin perfect peace, whosemind isstayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

The history of the Israel conveys clearly the vivid picture of that heinous nature of idolatry. Lest we fall into the hands of the living God, we remember how idolatry crept into Israel because King Solomon loved many strange women. 

1 Kings 11:1-13 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, andHittites; Of the nations concerningwhich the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: forsurely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, thathis wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as wasthe heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as didDavid his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that isbefore Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father’s sake: butI will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; butwill give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen.

Kings in Israel were not to multiply wives. 

Deuteronomy 17:14-20 When thou art come unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that areabout me; Thou shalt in any wise set himking over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose: onefrom among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which isnot thy brother. But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which isbefore the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, tothe right hand, or tothe left: to the end that he may prolong hisdays in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.

One sin led to another, before long Solomon fell, so also his kingdom. Israel was rent into two, the Northern and the Southern Kingdoms. They did not recover since. The Northern Kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The Southern Kingdom was taken captives by the Babylonians. They were exiled for 70 years. Their home land was destroyed.

Psalm 137:1-9 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of usmirth, saying, Sing us oneof the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land? If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, evento the foundation thereof. O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

The effect or impact of idolatry was much grief, regret, sorrow and sadness. May we be aware of the danger to idolatry to our souls eternal well-being.

There is a final judgment awaiting idolators may we take heed to the Apostle John’s grave warning.

Revelation 21:1-8 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God iswith men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and betheir God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

To be continued…

[1]Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in Christ, Crossway, 2002, 728.

[2]Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in Christ, Crossway, 2002, 728.

[3]Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Life in Christ, Crossway, 2002, 731.