“If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul,” Job 31:29-30.
How appropriate to consider these verses at this time. In the week that has just ended, there has taken place a series of political incidents in Dublin which left commentators bemused. The fall of Albert Reynolds from the premiership, Harry Whelehan from the presidency of the High Court and the collapse of the Fianna Fail/Labour Party coalition all within a few hours, made Irish political history.
In Ulster, as the events unfolded, there will have been many a prayer of thanksgiving rise from the hearts of God’s believing remnant. Were not these events present-day proof of that truth uttered by Daniel some 2600 years ago? And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding, Daniel 2:21. As long as God remains the same, we need not despair.
Does our text rebuke us for rejoicing over events in Dublin? I think not since it would make heaven to sin greatly when we read in Rev 18:20-19:3 of its rejoicing over the fall of Babylon.
If we look at the text we will see whose fall it is that Job is refusing to rejoice over. It is him that hateth me. We must ever distinguish between those who are our enemies and those who are the Lord’s enemies. Sometimes it is our fault that men are our enemies. Therefore we must bear some blame for their sinful attitudes toward us. It calls for mourning not for rejoicing when they fall.
On the other hand, those who are the Lord’s enemies have no justification whatever for their attitude toward the Lord. We must resist them and seek their downfall and pray for it and rejoice over it. So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might, Judges 5:31.
In this chapter Job continues his justification of himself against the charges of sin. In our text he demonstrates his virtuous attitude toward his enemies. Consider what he says.
I. JOB TOOK NO DELIGHT IN HIS ENEMIES SUFFERING.
Job was a man that eschewed evil we are told in 1:1. This is one of the evils that he avoided. It reflects the likeness to God that was wrought in Job by the Holy Ghost. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:11. Job did not treat his enemies as they treated him. See how he describes his attitude.
1. He did not rejoice over his enemy's ruin. It brought him no delight. It is the way of the world to laugh at your opponent's calamity, Micah 7:8. It denotes an absence of mercy, Proverbs 1:26.
2. There was no triumphalism when his enemy fell. The fall of our enemies should cause us to humbly thank God for saving us from a worse ruin. By the grace of God I am what I am, I Corinthians 15:10. Moses after the overthrow of Korah, Numbers 16:41-50.
3. There was no cursing of his enemy's soul. This is the way of wicked men but it ought not to be our way, Pro 17:5, Obadiah 12-15.
II. IT MAY BE JUSTLY INFERRED THAT JOB SOUGHT THE REDEMPTION OF HIS ENEMIES
1. It is the clear command of Christ. Matt 5:44-45.
2. In this way we show the grace of God in our hearts. Rom 5:11,
3. We thus follow the Saviour and His apostles. Luke 23:34, I Peter 2:22-23, Acts 7:60, Rom 12:14, I Cor 4:12, I Peter 3:9.
Lessons to learn:—
1. To be what God would will us to be requires a great spiritual change.
2. To be what God wills us to be requires a constant slaying of the flesh.
3. To continue in the will of God requires a constant supply of grace.