Job’s right standing with God

 Job 23

 

As we read Job’s reply to Eliphaz in these first seven verses, one must ask does this sound like a man who is wicked, or does it sound like a man who loves God, but God has been silent during his time of trials?

 

“Then Job answered and said:  “Today also my complaint is bitter;  my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat!   I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments.  I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?  No; he would pay attention to me.  There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.”

Job’s right standing with God was his fear of God and his belief in God, this was long before Moses and the Ten Commandments, and what we can learn from this is man has always searched for his Creator, for God has established that in our hearts.  Do you recall Abram who God later changed his name to Abraham?  Genesis 15:6, said this about Abram, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” 

 In verses 10-12 we have Job’s reply to the man Eliphaz who has traveled some distance to see Job and has no understanding of Job’s action before God allowed Satan to attack him.  No, Eliphaz is going on what his religion has taught him, not on truth.  So, Job gives him this reply, or we might say his testimony.  

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.   My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside.  I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.”

Job ends with the darkness of death has covered him and he is terrified.  I believe it is important to remember the book of Job is all about this man Job and it is believed to have been written by an Israelite by his frequent use of God’s covenant name (Yahweh).  He was a very knowledgeable man on foreign lands, heaven and earth and plants, and animals, he had a spiritual sensitivity.  Some believe the book of Job was written in the days of Moses.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice