Job 1:1-5 (NIV)
In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. 4 His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.
Job, a Different Kind of Dad!
In today’s sermon, it is my desire to clearly layout why Job can be viewed as a “Different Kind of Dad”. And how we as moms and dads or as parents can be a different kind of parent when the world expects us to get in line with what’s popular. Align with the trends of today. Too often in our attempt to be our children’s best friends, we lose the essence of being a parent.
No less than three times does the scripture use the words “blameless and upright” in reference to Job. Two of which is a direct quote by God Almighty, Himself.
Job 1:1 “In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.”
Job 1:8 “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Job 2:3 “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Perhaps it is through a person’s trails that their true character is revealed.
What a person does, how one responds or perhaps the path one takes during difficult times, says a lot about what lies deep within them.
(Show slide on screen) “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
In other words, if we allow, it is our past that shapes that which lies within us: that drive, that determination, that compassionate spirit, the inner strength that keeps us going when all that we know has failed; or on the contrary, our past can foster bitterness, anger, resentment, selfishness, faintness of heart, feebleness; either way, our past can have a profound impact on how we approach the future.
Throughout the Book of Job, his demonstrated actions conveys to us a lot about his life leading up to the events as recorded in chapters 2-42. One can easily conclude that Job was a man who truly feared God, shunned evil and was a servant of God.
Job was not only a Different Kind of Dad, Job was a unique man, who understood the priorities of life: If you look carefully at the 1st five verses of chapter 1, God reveals why He had put so much confidence in Job:
1. Job’s places God 1st above all else, even his family: The very first thing that is revealed about Job, other than where he is from is that “This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil”
2. Job’s places his family 2nd only to God, but above his possessions: Job 1:2 “He had seven sons and three daughters”; Job 1:5 “Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.”
3. Job possessions (work) were his 3rd priority, behind God and Family. As father, Job understood that the well-being of his family was dependent upon him: Job 1:3 “and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants.”
4. 4th we note Job’s engagement as Community Leader. Job understood through the grace of God, he was expected to “Love thy Neighbor as Thyself” Mark 12:31 “No other commandment is greater than these." Job 1:3b “, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East” (See Chapter 29)
Job lived out his priorities in alignment with God’s will: Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Think about it, Job’s action after hearing of the devastations was that of worship.
Job 1:14-15 “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Job 1:16 “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Job 1:17 “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Job 1:18-19 “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
The bible records this of Job in Chapter 1 verses 20-21:
“ Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
To put it another way, Job acknowledged that is was God’s sovereign decision alone to bless mankind, and if God should decide to take the blessings away, it was God’s decision alone.
How many of us can, in a time of trouble, a time of ultimate devastation or after a sever tragedy do as Job did. . “he fell to the ground and worshiped.”
Job’s regular custom of worship became his instinctive method of dealing with such times of trouble; Does your instinctive nature mirror one of honoring and worshiping God. Or does your instinctive nature more closely align with those that do not follow Christ?
Further examining the scripture, it was not until the last servant arrived and reported the fate of Job’s sons and daughters that he arose and fell to his knees.
By God's grace, Job teaches us; that which so easily tempts mankind and leads us astray “worldly possessions/wealth” does not have to separate us from God’s kingdom.
Charles Spurgeon wrote: “A man may be a good man and a rich man, but it is not usually the case. I am afraid that it is too true, “Gold and the gospel seldom do agree; Religion always sides with poverty.” Yet it should not be so, for God can give a man grace enough to use all his substance to the glory of God. I wish that it were often the case that we could see a holy Job as well as a godly Lazarus, a company of men who would prove their consecration to God by never allowing their wealth to become their master, but being master of all their wealth, and realizing . . . that it is all belong to the Lord’s. Job, in adversity, could possess his soul in patience because, in his prosperity, he had not let his riches possess him, but he had possession of his riches.”
As we know, this was not the case with the Rich Young Ruler as recorded in Mark 10: 21-22 “Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.”
“It is not through our acts of kindness that we are considered righteous, but through our righteousness that we do acts of kindness.”
Job, a Different Kind of Dad!
I. Job’s Character:
Job 1:1b “This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.”
• Job 1:1 He was a good man who feared God and stayed away from evil.
• Job 1:4-5 He was a godly man and a caring father.
• Job 1:8 He was a servant of God, the finest man in all the earth, who feared God.
• Job was committed to God regardless of what other thought. Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:”
• Man of Integrity: JOB 2:9 “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity?” Job 8:20 “Certainly, God does not reject a person of integrity or give a helping hand to wicked people.”
• Respected within the community: Job 29:1-17 Job was fair in his dealings and just in his counsel. Job was respected by men and government officials; Job rescued the poor, cared for the orphans and widows, consoled the dying, helped the sick and brought justice to those without it.
• Job spoke the truth about God. Job 42:7 “And so it was, after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”
The speeches of Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar were correct about the sovereignty of God, but grossly misapplied to Job’s situation.
There is a saying that goes like this:
“It’s not what we eat that gives us strength – but what we digest.
It’s not what we earn that makes us rich – but what we save.
It’s not what we read that gives us knowledge – but what we comprehend.
It’s not what we say (preach) that makes us Christians – but how we live.”
Neighbor: “It’s not what you say that makes you a Christians – but how you treat others.”
Job, was a Different Kind of Dad because his life was reflective of his beliefs!
II. Job’s Concern:
Job 1:4 “His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.”
What a blessing it is for any parent to hear of their children’s wellbeing! Children who are not so self-centered as not to share their successes with one another. Job’s rearing of his family during the early centuries was probably a bit against the norm. First, it would appear that Job’s sons had equal status. As each held feast at their homes in celebration of their special days and invited all the others. They not only believed it was necessary to host one another, but additionally, they each thought it important to include their sisters as special guest. Now this was a bit against the norm for ancient biblical times. As the custom of ancient times was less likely to include women in the gathering of the feast, particular as guest.
Women's activity was extremely limited in ancient times;
• Unmarried women were not allowed to leave the home of their father without permission.
o Not certain if Job’s daughters were married or not, it would appear that they had their own homes
and made decision based upon Job’s teachings.
• Married women were not allowed to leave the home of their husband, without permission.
o Regardless of martial status, Job’s daughters regularly attend the feast of their brothers.
• They were normally restricted to roles of little or no authority.
o Job’s sons placed their sisters in position of honor and as special quest.
• They could not appear in public venues.
o Not so in Job’s household, his daughters were treated with respect by males and female servants
alike.
• They were not allowed to talk to strangers
o As quest of honor, they not only had a seat at the table, but also engaged all present.
Not only was Job, a Different Kind of Dad, Job was a different kind of leader. Teaching his servants to respect and honor all his children (sons and daughters alike.) Teaching his sons how to show respect for women, even when it was customary to view them as inferior in society. For the broader community, Job taught society how to be compassionate to all of God’s creations “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Job 1:5 “When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.”
As parents, how often do you pray for your children, better yet, how often do we pray with our children?
Matthew 19:14-15 “Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.”
Much like Jesus, Job’s concern for the spiritual development of his family was demonstrated through his actions:
Quote by Clarence Budington-Kelland: "He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." -
The old sin nature, that inherited corrupt nature that separates us from God mandates center stage in our lives; If it is not changed by God's divine grace, that old sin nature will send us to hell.
Story About a Mother named Susannah Wesley: “ Susannah Wesley was one of the most terrific mothers of all time. Susannah’s father was a minister and she was born in England in 1669 as the youngest of twenty-five children! Susannah was married at 19 to Samuel Wesley, also a minister and, not to be outdone, she had nineteen children herself. Her husband was always gone for church meetings, planting, and revivals, so the responsibility of raising kids was hers. She always wanted to do big things for God and she did by humbly raising children to serve God.
With so many children, Susannah devised a way to spend time with them. She spent one hour each day praying for her 19 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters. She also expected each child to be able to read the Book of Genesis by the time he or she was six years child.”
Susannah, much like Job had a deep desire for her children to know God, fear God and become servants of God.
Parents it important to impress upon your children their duty to God. Too often we try to express or show our love to our children but never tell them about Jesus who loves them more. Parents, seeing your children saved is more important than anything else on this earth. Parents do not rest until every one of your children know the Lord Jesus as Savior.
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7 (NKJV)
Job, a Different Kind of Dad!
Job was an AWESOME Dad!
III. Job’s Conviction:
Job 1:1 “In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.”
Job 1:5 “When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.
“A person’s conviction should be seen in their passion.” Paul E. Davis
Job was passionate about his children and their salvation – his desire was for them each to have a right relationship with God.
Job as a servant of God, one who understood the Grace of God, Job wanted his family to walk in that same light of understanding as he did as a servant of God.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-21 “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”
It was Job’s conviction (faith, belief, principles) that drove his character, Job’s conviction was the foundation of how he lead his family; Job’s conviction is what grounded his service to the community. It was Job’s conviction that allowed him not to covet his possessions.
Job’s family was more important than his possessions, but even greater, Job’s faith in God was more important to him than his family and the greatest gift he could impress upon them was to have a Right Relationship with God.
Luke 12:15 “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
As I prepare to close:
Unlike Moses, Job did not seek excuses to serve God; unlike Jonah, Job did not run from God; unlike Jacob, Job did not wrestle with God; unlike Sarah, Job believed that with God all things are possible; unlike Lot, Job is not hesitate to follow God, unlike Thomas, Job did not doubt God; unlike Judas, Job did not betray God and unlike Peter, Job did not betray God and unlike many of us, Job admitted his wrong doings and repented before God.
Job 42 1-6 Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Not only was Job, a Different Kind of Dad!
Job was a Different Kind of Servant!
“Repentance is required and necessary even by the holiest among you.” Romans 3:10 “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
Ezekiel 14:12-14 “The word of the Lord came again to me, saying: 13 “Son of man, when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it. 14 Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord God.”
What is going on in your family?
Are there needs that should be addressed today?
Is there forgiveness that needs to be extended today?
Are there confessions that need to be made today?
Do you need to come and pray for your family?
Do you need to come to Jesus Christ for salvation?
Are you a wayward child and you need to come home today?
