Job: More Than A Conclusion part IV
Job 31:1-8
Job’s Final Appeal
1 “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? 2 What would be my portion from God above and my heritage from the Almighty on high? 3 Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? 4 Does not he see my ways and number all my steps?5 “If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; 6 (Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!) 7 if my step has turned aside from the way and my heart has gone after my eyes, and if any spot has stuck to my hands, 8 then let me sow, and another eat, and let what grows for me be rooted out.
We have reached the final lock on the door. Job’s heart shall been seen as well as some important truths about relationships. I’m speaking of the relationships between God and man, man and man as well as God providing for man. On the outset I mentioned how traditionally Job’s story is seen as one of double blessings. It is viewed as a testimony of faith enduring to receiving even more. This traditional view leads to giving Satan too much authority over the children of God. It also leads to people believing that seasons of brokenness are all about God preparing to bless us with more. Yes, its true that it can happen but Job’s ordeal was all about his integrity.
Satan does not necessarily attack “things” but our character, why do you think he is called “the accuser”? Both the Lord and Satan are after our hearts. And no matter how sincere we may sound there is still selfish pride in there. God will drive it out because it robs him of his rightful glory and worship. We say “no not I Lord” because we live in a culture that approves such things as: swaggar, egos, self awareness, affirmative, ambition, independence, self worth, self ownership, self knowledge, being spiritual, and the like. All of which points back to a disobedience rooted in wanting to be like God just as Adam and Eve in the garden. We are so lost until we reflect our idols and do not recognize it.
Psalms 135
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
16 They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
17 They have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
18 Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.Revelations 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
So throughout Job’s discourse he points to all of his good deeds. He speaks of how he does not deserve this treatment. He talks about his lost and then laments about how the wick prospers and God does not punish them. Job goes on about the injustice done to him and questions God’s actions as well as inactions. He doesn’t curse God but his pride demands answers from God as to stand on God’s level. So what is Job’s bases for this?
Job 32:1-2
1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God.
Self-rightousness, his reliance in his good works to keep him in good standing with God. Good works do not atone for sin no matter how we do, how much we spend or appear to be “good”. Only Christ can do that and even asked who can stand between God and man?
Job 9:32-35
32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together. 33 There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both. 34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not dread of him terrify me. 35 Then I would speak without fear of him, for I am not so in myself.
Job 25:4
4 How then can man be in the right before God? How can he who is born of woman be pure?
No one is blameless because if that was so then there is no need for Jesus Christ. Then sin is no big deal and we are all righteous as well as holy. Then and only then is our brokenness unjust. We act as if our integrity is like God’s and that is what makes self righteous self worshiping pride wrong. It attempts to make us even with GOD. Then to point to good deeds and material things as evidence or means to be righteous, making light of God’s holiness.
Our source, trust, faith and dependence must solely be in Christ. Our false religions; lightly sprinkles a false seems of god throughout its doctrine and puts it all in our effort. So we define ourselves with stuff and self accomplishments as we seek them like the world does. We can’t let go because we want them more than we want Jesus Christ. We have no faith in him to provide them if we submit to following him. Our hands are on the plow as we look back. We try to please God by trusting in works plus good behavior that we foolishly compare to other sinners as if we are good as long as we don’t sin like them. This is not integrity and it is not the type of heart or worship God is looking for.
As long as we have works we feel like we are justified and blameless. And any act of God against us is unfair. Job was dealing with God’s removal of external means of reflection of righteousness, external expressions of God’s grace and the external admiration of those who see us as good. The breaking of a man’s independent self will causes his heart to long solely for the assurance of God. It is humility that moves God and it is humility that allowed Job to be restored. But wait, Job had to first pray for the forgiveness of those that abused him, condemned him and sinned against him. So can’t you see the Lord’s prayer? Can’t you see love thy neighbor? can’t you see turn the other cheek as it is all humility. It is the denying of self and following after God’s own heart. This produces a Christ centered person with godly character who is in the will of God, bearing fruit while being prepared to receive more grace. A person of humility walks in his/her path of sanctification knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for all things. A humble person walks after Christ as God’s will for us all is to be conformed into the image of Christ by way of sanctification.
Psalm 51:16-17
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Related articles
- Job: More Than A Conclusion part I (anointedplace.wordpress.com)
- Job:More Than A Conclusion part II (anointedplace.wordpress.com)
- In Spite of Me (anointedplace.wordpress.com)
- Job: More Than A Conclusion part III (anointedplace.wordpress.com)
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