Read Job 23:1-17
It seems we’ve got a broken record here in terms of the recurring complaints and misunderstandings. I enjoyed Job’s account of how he’d like to make a visit to God and have a conversation about his state of affairs. Job’s tone is a bit nonchalant, but maybe we need to think of God more as a friend. It’s a little easier to picture ourselves being buddies with Jesus because he wore human flesh. We’ve been told God is to be feared.
The picture Job has must bring him a bit of comfort. The solution sounds so easy. Because Job maintains his innocence, verse 7 is so reassuring. “Honest people can reason with him, so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.” That’s a pretty bold statement showing Job’s confidence both in himself and in his all-knowing God.
Interesting that Job mentions becoming “pure gold.” In Bible times, gold was refined by placing it the fire. It will melt and remain the same color. Job feels like he is in the fire right now. When he comes out he will be cleansed. What a hope to cling to! When we’re feeling the heat of life’s expectations, we can claim our “refinement” as we let God lead us and change us.
Each time Job says something about his innocence despite his situation, I not only applaud him but take it as good counsel for me. I want to be able to say, “For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.” I know I’ve had times in my life when I have stepped off God’s perfect path. He has forgotten those sins, and I must go on. Hebrews 8:12 says, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” Each day is a new beginning.
Despite Job’s devotion, he also stated this, “the Almighty has terrified me.” All that Job has been through has been terrifying. Job doesn’t understand why God has caused this or allowed this to happen. Job recognizes the power of God surpasses any understanding we might have. It is the power of God we should all stand in awe of.
That awe for me recently is having witnessed two divine healings of people very dear to me. I have also witnessed more than that number being people God didn’t offer healing to. His ways are beyond our understanding. We just have to trust that God has his reasons for allowing what happens. We may never know why—although how many times have you said, “I’ll just have to ask God when I see him?” A little bit like Job in trying to wrestle with his own questions.
Job was in darkness. We can be in the light when we live in the hope of our resurrected Jesus. Speaking of light, I’m going to focus on these words from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:14-16. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” We don’t have to experience darkness with the light of Christ inside us! It’s time to shine for all to see.
Let’s pray. Lord, You are the light of the world, and I choose to follow you to stay in the light. Help me to let your light shine through me, encouraging others to know you like I do. Bring those people into my path who need a word from you. Fill my mouth with the words you would say to them. Now, still my heart so I can hear you clearly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
