TWO THINGS THAT WE HAVE HEARD ABOUT JOB
By W. A. S.
“YE have heard of the patience of Job,” says James 5:11. Yes, everybody has heard of it. For these thirty centuries, Job has been set forth as a remarkable example of patient endurance. But there is another thing that we have heard about Job. We have heard of his trials. In fact, had it not been for the trials of Job, we should never have heard of the patience of Job. JOB'S PATIENCE A FRUITAGE
How often have we felt, in trial, that but for these difficulties and perplexities, and nagging perversities of conditions, we might hope to have some of that patience of Job! But as a matter of real Christian philosophy, Job's patience was the fruitage of his trust in God amidst the trials. The apostle says, “Tribulation worketh patience.” Rom. 5:3. Only as we lay hold of this truth will we be able, with the apostle, to “glory in tribulations also.” Of one thing we may be sure, and that is that in the trial, the Lord Jesus draws closer than ever to His child. It is in suffering and in waiting that He proves His fellowship with us in the very weakness of our human need. “In all their affliction He was afflicted,” says the prophet concerning the journeyings and trials of the children of Israel in the wilderness. Christ walks through the furnace with His own. MARVELS OF PATIENCE PREDICTED
Of the remnant church—that is, the church of Christ in the very last days—it is written that they must meet the special wrath of Satan because of their loyalty to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Rev. 12:17. Yet of this same remnant people of God it is spoken by the prophet, who in vision saw them bearing their witness against apostasy, and enduring the scoffs and scorn of the world, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. Out of the last days will come the experience of patience for those who keep the faith firm to the end. W. A. S.