For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:
I’m attempting to meditate upon the accusations of Job’s friends, and his responses to them, from the perspective of Scofield’s proposition[1] that Eliphaz leaned on his experiences, Bildad on his traditions, and Zohar on his “superior” understanding of God and his dogmatism. I moved that to Eliphaz, the charismatic, Bildad, the Protestant, and Zophar, the Fundamentalist.
Bildad appeals to the former age.
Job responds, “I know it is so of a truth.” Neither the Charismatic nor the Protestant were entirely incorrect. It’s just that neither one allowed that God was at work in the life of Job.
I think this is where the Baptist distinctive of individual soul liberty shines. A person has a right to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. Consider, individual soul liberty does not imply that each person’s understanding of God is correct or that any form of worship pleases God, so long as the person is sincere. This is the purpose of preachers, preaching, and teachers, teaching. God calls and gifts certain persons to study the Word of God and proclaim it so that others may be corrected and directed to worship in spirit and in truth. What it does mean is that we are free not to hold judgment against another solely because his position differs from ours.
Job was right. By the end of the book, we know that. It was Job God called to pray for his friends and not the other way around.
I do not demand anyone agree with me. I only beg them to consider what I say.
2 Timothy 2:7 (KJV)
Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[1] I recognize that this is the proposition of a fallible man, such as I am. I merely do this as a spiritual exercise, asking the Lord to give me understanding of His Word. I’m not looking to criticize anyone – just understand the Word of God more clearly.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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