7. THE GREATEST LIE EVER TOLD |
|
Some people say that you have to lie a little just to get by in life. Perhaps they think that a lie is okay as long as it doesn't hurt anyone and you get away with whatever you lied about. But the problem is that a lie is based on deception and no one likes to be deceived. Have you ever had someone tell a lie about you? Worse than having a lie spread about you, is having others believe that lie! For thousands of years, people have been deceived by the biggest lie of all. What is that lie? Well read on and find out.
One day a curtain storeowner named Sedat was surprised when an American wandered into his shop. The American had recently moved to Turkey for business and after a short visit the two quickly became friends. Sedat liked Tom because he was witty and intelligent. But most of all he liked Tom's honesty, non-judgmental attitude and faithfulness to his wife. Sedat made it his goal to teach Tom about Turkish life. He took him to the hamam, the pazar, and even invited him home for a Ramazan evening meal. And in the springtime their families would often picnic together in the hillsides outside the city.
Sedat also liked that Tom accepted him as an intelligent man and respected him regardless of the fact that he was a curtain maker. So the two would drink tea together, laugh and talk about life. But their friendship faced some opposition from Sedat’s uncle, who owned a drink alcohol. Regardless, he would always say to Sedat, liquor store. Perhaps the uncle didn’t like Tom because he refused to “You only spend time with that American because he has money.”
Sometimes while Tom was sitting with Sedat in the curtain shop, his uncle would come. He would turn to Sedat, as if Tom couldn’t understand any Turkish, and say “You just want something from this American, don’t you?”
It was obvious from the look in Sedat's eyes that he was hurt and ashamed. He was hurt because he knew their friendship was real and ashamed that his uncle would treat a guest this way.
When times are good, friendships are easy to maintain. But it is during the times of trouble that a friendship is really tested. After four years of friendship, Sedat fell onto some hard times. First, his little boy became very ill with an unusual spine disease. And shortly thereafter, the landlord sold the building that Sedat rented for his shop. The new landlord wanted to use the building for something else and after he was kicked out, Sedat had no income for nearly a year. It was under these circumstances that the validity of their friendship would be tested.
Sedat was a man of integrity and honor. He knew that Tom was his friend and he could have easily asked for financial help, but he never asked Tom for money. And the same faithfulness that Tom showed to his wife carried over into their friendship. Every week for nearly a year, Tom came to the hospital, sat down beside Sedat’s boy's bed and told him stories. An act that Sedat's uncle didn't even do once.
Many years after Sedat’s troubles had long passed, Tom had a chance to return to Turkey. Sedat met Tom at the airport, took him to his new shop, and they sat down to drink some tea beneath a grape vine. After some small talk, Tom brought up the subject of Sedat's previous troubles. He looked into his friend's eyes and confessed,
“Sedat, you will never know how much I wanted to give you $3000 at that time to help you set up a new shop. But I remembered the accusation of your uncle. I didn't want to dishonor you or our friendship by giving that lying man a story to tell. As much hardship as I saw you go through, I decided not to give you that money so that no one would ever say I bought your friendship.”
Sedat replied with a tear.
“I knew you cared for my family and that you would give me anything you owned. But by not giving me the money, you really showed me you loved our friendship. Honestly, for the same reason of proving my uncle wrong, I too was hoping you wouldn’t give me anything. You made a difficult and wise choice.”
Tom inquired about the uncle and Sedat said,
“He died alone and friendless. You know I thought about this a lot since you left, and my uncle died, and I have come to a conclusion. A friendless man will always attack true friendship because he can never understand two things: loyalty or love.”
Stretching back to the earliest annals of history, possibly to the invention of writing, we find the story of the prophet Job! His story is one of the most fascinating in the Bible because Job, a contemporary of Abraham, went through a great tribulation. But he didn't suffer because he was bad; on the contrary it was because he was good! Job, like Sedat, had a friendship that someone wanted to tarnish. But the similarities end there because Job’s friend, and enemy, were both greater than any man. Yes, Job's friend was God and the slanderer was none other than Satan himself.
In the Hebrew language, Satan means “accuser.” And as we continue our studies through the Bible, we will see that this name is very appropriate for him. It was he, disguised as a snake in the Garden of Eden, who accused God of hiding the truth from Adam and Eve. It was also him who tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. Some may say that Satan is a passive force of evil or just doing his job. But the Holy Bible makes it very clear that he is a sinister, intelligent being, diligently trying to discredit God and destroy human lives. And it just so happens that Job is one of those he wants to destroy.
In the book of Job, we get a glimpse into Job's life. He is happy, prosperous and probably living somewhere in what is modern day Iraq. He had thousands of animals, a large family, and the good pleasure of enjoying all the delicacies of the Middle East - dates, grapes, figs, honey, and cream. He had a wonderful life. But even better, the Bible says that he was devoted to God and showed kindness to orphans, widows, and elders.
With this in mind, let’s start reading the story in Job chapter 1 verses 6 and 7:
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it."
It seems that there is a great counsel in heaven and the entire heavenly host is in the presence of God. Among those present was Satan and it is clear from the text that he spends a lot of time wandering on the earth. Well what could he be doing and why would he come before God? Although the details are not provided, we can deduce from the next verse that he is looking for people to deceive.
Now listen closely to the conversation between God and Satan in verse 8:
8 And 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, who fears God and turns away from evil?"
God in holiness is boasting about his man Job. He knew that Job was his friend and that he could trust him. Satan, unable to accuse Job of anything bad, begins to cunningly slander the friendship between God and Job. Let's listen to his claims in verses 9-11:
9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."
What exactly is Satan saying here? Quite simply, and similar to Sedat’s uncle, he is saying that Job’s friendship with God is a lie and based entirely on personal gain. In essence, Satan is saying to God, "Job only likes you because you are rich and powerful. It isn’t a real friendship. It’s fake. If he didn't have your blessings, there would be no reason to have a relationship with you.” Those are low hits Satan is making. Let's see how God responds in verses 12-22:
12 And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand. So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. 13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, The re of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
There are a few things that we can notice from these verses. First, all of these things happened as a result of Satan's evil work. He was the source of all these calamities. Second, Job didn’t use this situation to fall into sin. He remained upright and devoted to God. Third, he didn't blame God with any wrongdoing. Lastly, in spite of losing everything Job's relationship with God remained intact. Do you know someone who has given up on God because something bad happened? Or cast blame on Him for something that Satan did? Maybe you should tell them who the real enemy is!
In the second chapter of Job, Satan continues his attack by claiming that the friendship is based on God providing Job with good health. Let's continue reading the story in Job chapter 2 verses 3-7:
3 And 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, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason. 4 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face. 6 And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life. 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
Once again, Satan is the cause of Job's affliction. If God hadn't restrained Satan's attack, we can be sure that Satan would have killed Job. But God wasn't about to let that happen. It was Satan's hope that Job would buckle under pressure and reject God, blaming Him for his misfortunes. But in spite of the intense pain he was experiencing, Job made the difficult choice to hold onto his belief that God was good. Unfortunately, Job's wife did not his faith. As if it wasn't bad enough to have one slanderer, Job’s wife joined in. We can read their conversation in verses 9 and 10:
9 Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die. 10 But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women would speak.
Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Job’s wife insinuated that a relationship with God was only worth it if something good came of it. This is often called a "fair weather friend". But Job’s wife, like Sedat’s uncle and Satan himself, misunderstood true friendship. She thought Job was helping others in order to get bene fits from God. Her reasoning was, “No benefits, no relationship.” She didn't see that Job loved God for who he was, not for what he received.
NO! Those who only see a friend as a way to get something else miss the joy of what friendship really is. And those who see God as a way to get to heaven have missed the point of His friendship, and likely the very door to heaven as well. They are false friends who think that friendship can be bought by bribes, gifts, and artful words. But God isn’t tricked, bribed, bought or persuaded. Nor does he accept false friendship.
Here is a true story of a modern hero.
Nasuh Mahruki is a true Turk, a son of Istanbul. He was the first Turk to successfully climb Mount Everest and his prowess in the high mountains earned him the nickname of “Snow Leopard.”
What many don’t know is that Nasuh Mahruki knows what it is to be slandered. A year after Mahruki became the rst Turk to climb Everest, a climber named Greg Childs wrote an article about him in Outside magazine. In the magazine, Childs wrote about how he had saved the life of a Romanian climber named Constantine. In the description Greg made errors concerning details of Mahruki’s climb up Everest. He not only wrongly described Mahruki using oxygen through his entire ascent of Everest, (a belittling remark for a great climber) but also claimed Mahruki took hours longer than he really did to get to the summit. Fortunately for Mahruki, about 15 eyewitnesses, testifying that Childs was inaccurate, proved these details wrong. But the slander continued and Childs published a book describing Nasuh Mahruki as having a “wanton disregard for preparation, a blatant me- first attitude, and an utter lack of respect for the mountain and the sport.”
That is slander on a personal level with a global audience! At that point Mahruki had a choice. He could slander Childs back a n d scheme a course of revenge or he could live in such a way that no one would believe what Child’s wrote. Nasuh Mahruki chose the second course of action. Instead of living a bitter life after the public accusation, Mahruki has gone on to bring honor to Turkey not only through his sports achievements but also through his continued work in rescue and relief. Whether earthquake, flood or tsunami, AKUT (Arama Kurtarma Derneği) and Mahruki have been there lending with strong hands to help.
Job, like Mahruki, chose to hold onto his integrity through all the slanderous lies and to not blame God for his misfortunes. In the end, Satan lost the battle and Job's possessions and position were restored. From Job’s story we learned that Satan is not an impersonal force, but rather a sinister liar calculating how to drive a wedge between God and men. He would like nothing more than to make humans blame God for every misfortune, and ultimately paint God as being unreliable and untrustworthy. But it is obvious that he is the one who can't be trusted and knows not the meaning of love or loyalty.
Next time something bad happens to you and you are tempted to think God has brought misfortune upon you, let Job's story remind you who is really to blame! If God can change what appeared to be Job's fate, he can also change yours.
Discussion Questions
One day a curtain storeowner named Sedat was surprised when an American wandered into his shop. The American had recently moved to Turkey for business and after a short visit the two quickly became friends. Sedat liked Tom because he was witty and intelligent. But most of all he liked Tom's honesty, non-judgmental attitude and faithfulness to his wife. Sedat made it his goal to teach Tom about Turkish life. He took him to the hamam, the pazar, and even invited him home for a Ramazan evening meal. And in the springtime their families would often picnic together in the hillsides outside the city.
Sedat also liked that Tom accepted him as an intelligent man and respected him regardless of the fact that he was a curtain maker. So the two would drink tea together, laugh and talk about life. But their friendship faced some opposition from Sedat’s uncle, who owned a drink alcohol. Regardless, he would always say to Sedat, liquor store. Perhaps the uncle didn’t like Tom because he refused to “You only spend time with that American because he has money.”
Sometimes while Tom was sitting with Sedat in the curtain shop, his uncle would come. He would turn to Sedat, as if Tom couldn’t understand any Turkish, and say “You just want something from this American, don’t you?”
It was obvious from the look in Sedat's eyes that he was hurt and ashamed. He was hurt because he knew their friendship was real and ashamed that his uncle would treat a guest this way.
When times are good, friendships are easy to maintain. But it is during the times of trouble that a friendship is really tested. After four years of friendship, Sedat fell onto some hard times. First, his little boy became very ill with an unusual spine disease. And shortly thereafter, the landlord sold the building that Sedat rented for his shop. The new landlord wanted to use the building for something else and after he was kicked out, Sedat had no income for nearly a year. It was under these circumstances that the validity of their friendship would be tested.
Sedat was a man of integrity and honor. He knew that Tom was his friend and he could have easily asked for financial help, but he never asked Tom for money. And the same faithfulness that Tom showed to his wife carried over into their friendship. Every week for nearly a year, Tom came to the hospital, sat down beside Sedat’s boy's bed and told him stories. An act that Sedat's uncle didn't even do once.
Many years after Sedat’s troubles had long passed, Tom had a chance to return to Turkey. Sedat met Tom at the airport, took him to his new shop, and they sat down to drink some tea beneath a grape vine. After some small talk, Tom brought up the subject of Sedat's previous troubles. He looked into his friend's eyes and confessed,
“Sedat, you will never know how much I wanted to give you $3000 at that time to help you set up a new shop. But I remembered the accusation of your uncle. I didn't want to dishonor you or our friendship by giving that lying man a story to tell. As much hardship as I saw you go through, I decided not to give you that money so that no one would ever say I bought your friendship.”
Sedat replied with a tear.
“I knew you cared for my family and that you would give me anything you owned. But by not giving me the money, you really showed me you loved our friendship. Honestly, for the same reason of proving my uncle wrong, I too was hoping you wouldn’t give me anything. You made a difficult and wise choice.”
Tom inquired about the uncle and Sedat said,
“He died alone and friendless. You know I thought about this a lot since you left, and my uncle died, and I have come to a conclusion. A friendless man will always attack true friendship because he can never understand two things: loyalty or love.”
Stretching back to the earliest annals of history, possibly to the invention of writing, we find the story of the prophet Job! His story is one of the most fascinating in the Bible because Job, a contemporary of Abraham, went through a great tribulation. But he didn't suffer because he was bad; on the contrary it was because he was good! Job, like Sedat, had a friendship that someone wanted to tarnish. But the similarities end there because Job’s friend, and enemy, were both greater than any man. Yes, Job's friend was God and the slanderer was none other than Satan himself.
In the Hebrew language, Satan means “accuser.” And as we continue our studies through the Bible, we will see that this name is very appropriate for him. It was he, disguised as a snake in the Garden of Eden, who accused God of hiding the truth from Adam and Eve. It was also him who tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God. Some may say that Satan is a passive force of evil or just doing his job. But the Holy Bible makes it very clear that he is a sinister, intelligent being, diligently trying to discredit God and destroy human lives. And it just so happens that Job is one of those he wants to destroy.
In the book of Job, we get a glimpse into Job's life. He is happy, prosperous and probably living somewhere in what is modern day Iraq. He had thousands of animals, a large family, and the good pleasure of enjoying all the delicacies of the Middle East - dates, grapes, figs, honey, and cream. He had a wonderful life. But even better, the Bible says that he was devoted to God and showed kindness to orphans, widows, and elders.
With this in mind, let’s start reading the story in Job chapter 1 verses 6 and 7:
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it."
It seems that there is a great counsel in heaven and the entire heavenly host is in the presence of God. Among those present was Satan and it is clear from the text that he spends a lot of time wandering on the earth. Well what could he be doing and why would he come before God? Although the details are not provided, we can deduce from the next verse that he is looking for people to deceive.
Now listen closely to the conversation between God and Satan in verse 8:
8 And 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, who fears God and turns away from evil?"
God in holiness is boasting about his man Job. He knew that Job was his friend and that he could trust him. Satan, unable to accuse Job of anything bad, begins to cunningly slander the friendship between God and Job. Let's listen to his claims in verses 9-11:
9 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."
What exactly is Satan saying here? Quite simply, and similar to Sedat’s uncle, he is saying that Job’s friendship with God is a lie and based entirely on personal gain. In essence, Satan is saying to God, "Job only likes you because you are rich and powerful. It isn’t a real friendship. It’s fake. If he didn't have your blessings, there would be no reason to have a relationship with you.” Those are low hits Satan is making. Let's see how God responds in verses 12-22:
12 And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand. So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. 13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 14 and there came a messenger to Job and said, The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, The re of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 19 and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you. 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
There are a few things that we can notice from these verses. First, all of these things happened as a result of Satan's evil work. He was the source of all these calamities. Second, Job didn’t use this situation to fall into sin. He remained upright and devoted to God. Third, he didn't blame God with any wrongdoing. Lastly, in spite of losing everything Job's relationship with God remained intact. Do you know someone who has given up on God because something bad happened? Or cast blame on Him for something that Satan did? Maybe you should tell them who the real enemy is!
In the second chapter of Job, Satan continues his attack by claiming that the friendship is based on God providing Job with good health. Let's continue reading the story in Job chapter 2 verses 3-7:
3 And 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, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason. 4 Then Satan answered the LORD and said, Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face. 6 And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life. 7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
Once again, Satan is the cause of Job's affliction. If God hadn't restrained Satan's attack, we can be sure that Satan would have killed Job. But God wasn't about to let that happen. It was Satan's hope that Job would buckle under pressure and reject God, blaming Him for his misfortunes. But in spite of the intense pain he was experiencing, Job made the difficult choice to hold onto his belief that God was good. Unfortunately, Job's wife did not his faith. As if it wasn't bad enough to have one slanderer, Job’s wife joined in. We can read their conversation in verses 9 and 10:
9 Then his wife said to him, Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die. 10 But he said to her, You speak as one of the foolish women would speak.
Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Job’s wife insinuated that a relationship with God was only worth it if something good came of it. This is often called a "fair weather friend". But Job’s wife, like Sedat’s uncle and Satan himself, misunderstood true friendship. She thought Job was helping others in order to get bene fits from God. Her reasoning was, “No benefits, no relationship.” She didn't see that Job loved God for who he was, not for what he received.
NO! Those who only see a friend as a way to get something else miss the joy of what friendship really is. And those who see God as a way to get to heaven have missed the point of His friendship, and likely the very door to heaven as well. They are false friends who think that friendship can be bought by bribes, gifts, and artful words. But God isn’t tricked, bribed, bought or persuaded. Nor does he accept false friendship.
Here is a true story of a modern hero.
Nasuh Mahruki is a true Turk, a son of Istanbul. He was the first Turk to successfully climb Mount Everest and his prowess in the high mountains earned him the nickname of “Snow Leopard.”
What many don’t know is that Nasuh Mahruki knows what it is to be slandered. A year after Mahruki became the rst Turk to climb Everest, a climber named Greg Childs wrote an article about him in Outside magazine. In the magazine, Childs wrote about how he had saved the life of a Romanian climber named Constantine. In the description Greg made errors concerning details of Mahruki’s climb up Everest. He not only wrongly described Mahruki using oxygen through his entire ascent of Everest, (a belittling remark for a great climber) but also claimed Mahruki took hours longer than he really did to get to the summit. Fortunately for Mahruki, about 15 eyewitnesses, testifying that Childs was inaccurate, proved these details wrong. But the slander continued and Childs published a book describing Nasuh Mahruki as having a “wanton disregard for preparation, a blatant me- first attitude, and an utter lack of respect for the mountain and the sport.”
That is slander on a personal level with a global audience! At that point Mahruki had a choice. He could slander Childs back a n d scheme a course of revenge or he could live in such a way that no one would believe what Child’s wrote. Nasuh Mahruki chose the second course of action. Instead of living a bitter life after the public accusation, Mahruki has gone on to bring honor to Turkey not only through his sports achievements but also through his continued work in rescue and relief. Whether earthquake, flood or tsunami, AKUT (Arama Kurtarma Derneği) and Mahruki have been there lending with strong hands to help.
Job, like Mahruki, chose to hold onto his integrity through all the slanderous lies and to not blame God for his misfortunes. In the end, Satan lost the battle and Job's possessions and position were restored. From Job’s story we learned that Satan is not an impersonal force, but rather a sinister liar calculating how to drive a wedge between God and men. He would like nothing more than to make humans blame God for every misfortune, and ultimately paint God as being unreliable and untrustworthy. But it is obvious that he is the one who can't be trusted and knows not the meaning of love or loyalty.
Next time something bad happens to you and you are tempted to think God has brought misfortune upon you, let Job's story remind you who is really to blame! If God can change what appeared to be Job's fate, he can also change yours.
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever had someone tell a lie about you? What was the situation? How did you feel?
- Describe the importance of trust in a good friendship. How did God show trust toward Job? How did Job show trust to- ward God?
- What was Satan's motive in all of this?
- According to the Bible, what was Job's response to his wife?