THE STORY OF JESUS: Job 22-24
“If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.” (Job 22:23)
These words from Eliphaz sound so right: repent, and God will restore you.
We use similar words, assuming that it is because we sinned that we suffer.
Meanwhile, Job doesn’t think he has anything to repent of.
“The upright can establish their innocence before him.” (Job 23:7)
If someone said that today, Christians would rebuke them too.
This book challenges our religious thinking and honours Job’s real struggle.
Not that Job is right, but his heart is sincere.
Job is being honest, and his friends are being religious.
God prefers honesty and humility over religion and piety.
It is not by trying to stop sinning that we get right with God.
It is by coming as we are – in all our flaws and weaknesses.
Jesus honoured sinful tax collectors over righteous Pharisees.
Does the church do the same, or does it favor the ‘religious’?
As a Jesus follower, Jesus wants me to be real, not religious.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for being like Eliphaz and his friends, judging ‘sinners’ with my religious views. Humble me and remind me to be honest and real with You too.