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The Power of Prayer – Job

From a June 2006 Teaching

Let’s begin by defining what the words “Power” and “Prayer” mean:

(Random House College Dictionary)

Power– 1) Ability to do or act; capability of doing something. 2) Great or marked ability to do or act; strength, might, force. 3) Delegated authority 4) To supply with energy.

Prayer– A Spiritual Communion with God.

-Communion- The interchange or sharing of thoughts or emotions; intimate communication.

Matthew 14:23-27

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Jesus Christ went up into a mountain apart to pray as he so often did. This is important to note as we read on.

Matthew 14:24-25

But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

In verses 24-25 he was able to walk on water because of the confidence he had in God. Is it a coincidence that he was praying before this phenomenon was done?

The obvious answer is NO!

Matthew 14:26-27

And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

In verses 26-27 Jesus commands them to have no fear. Amazing accomplishments and no fear go hand in hand.

Now let’s look at Job 1 (Pronounced Joe-b with a long O)

We learn in the first book of Job that he was the greatest of all the men of the east. GOD had blessed him with many possessions and a great household. He lost track of the source of his prosperity, and his overwhelming fear had allowed a hole in the “hedge of protection” of God. He would not renew his mind to eliminate his fear and it grew in his mind until he was consumed by it. Because of the influence of Satan, he lost everything except for his wife and his own life.

Verses 20-21 of Job 1 show Job’s response to all this calamity:

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 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. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

The phrase “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away” has been misconstrued over the years to say that God did this to Job. This is simply not true as we learn from 1 John 1:5 which says: “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

If God is light, and in him is no darkness at all then it CAN’T be God who brought all of this evil on Job.

In the Old Testament, they did not fully understand the fullness of God and his Word, that is revealed later after Jesus Christ came and the Day of Pentecost made available the gift of Holy Spirit for everyone who believes.

It was also an orientalism to include God in every statement they would speak, so as not to even say the name of their enemy, the adversary, Satan.

It even says in the last part of the verse that “..Job sinned not, nor charged (blamed) God foolishly.” We learn here that it is foolish to blame God for evil. Job didn’t blame God for bad things that happen and we shouldn’t either.

Job 2:7,11-13-Job is stricken with boils from head to toe, His friends come to “comfort” him. Initially their intentions were very good, but they end up doing more harm than good later on.

Job 3:25– The thing Job greatly feared came upon him. (Fear, in essence, is believing for a negative consequence.)

Job 42:5-6– Job realizes his error and asks for God’s forgiveness.

Verses 7-8 God reproves Job’s three friends v.9– They obey.

Job 42:10– The Lord turned the captivity of Job when he PRAYED for his friends. Job took the focus off of himself and genuinely showed concern for his friends, and God was able to restore him to double what he had before.

I recently heard a story about a group of people who were on a long hiking trip, how one person was struggling up the hill. The man walking behind her was also struggling and tired, but when he took the focus off of himself and helped her by lifting her backpack up to take the strain off her back, his struggle became insignificant, and he soon forgot how much his own body hurt.

Likewise, Job showed concern for others and God was able to do mighty things for him. What a great example both of these records are to us.

Job’s captivity was temporary. He had just about every good thing stolen from him, but he knew where that attack came from. He never cursed God or charged him foolishly for any evil. He was set free by believing the word of God.

Matthew 6:38– Give, and it shall be given unto you…….

 

God Bless You!