SCRIPTURE: Job 22-27
According to Eliphaz, God is punishing Job because he is evil: “You took clothes away from your relatives just because they owed you some money. You left them naked for no reason at all. You didn’t give any water to people who were tired. You held food back from those who were hungry.” (Job 22:6-7)
According to Job, he is innocent: “I’ll continue to say I’m right. I’ll never let go of that. I won’t blame myself as long as I live.” (Job 27:6).
So who is right?
This reminds me that in the end, it is not what we or others think, but what God thinks.
I like how Paul says it: “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)
We tend to judge others more harshly, and ourselves more leniently… either way our judgment is biased.
Only God knows the heart and the truth, only God is in a position t judge fairly.
Is there someone out there right now that you feel is guilty and sinful… is your judgment fair?
Are you feeling good (or bad) about yourself right now… is your judgment accurate?
Only God knows, only God can say, only God can judge!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, forgive me for thinking that my perspectives and judgments are correct, whether of others or myself. Help me to see that all of us stand equally before Your just and merciful judgment. Have mercy on us all!
Observations/Application
Once again Job is being accused of wrong doing and that is the reason for harshness of his life. Yet Job claims his innocence saying that he has kept His Way.
Man’s judgement is immediate – his actions are here and now. Yet those who do the unrighteous acts continue in their own way for it is all in the ‘dark.’ Man may feel secure in their actions today but one day they too will be gone.
God is God and man is man. Do I see His power each day. God is the Ruler yet. Who can understand His ways?
Who listens to us in our deepest needs?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Take courage and be strong and be God’s champion by being a ‘man’ of integrity.
At all times I need to praise the living God.
He will take care of me in the Way.
Prayer
Thank You Lord for Christ Jesus Who has made Life a reality and a possibility. Lead me and guide me this day in Your Way.
1. Praise to the Lord,
the Almighty, the King of creation.
O my soul, praise him,
for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear,
now to his temple draw near;
join me in glad adoration!
2. (Trans. copr. 1989 by UM Publishing House)
3. Praise to the Lord,
who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
surely his goodness
and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew
what the Almighty can do,
who with his love doth befriend thee.
4. (Trans. copr. 1989 by UM Publishing House)
5. Praise to the Lord!
O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath,
come now with praises before him!
Let the amen sound from his people again;
gladly forever adore him.