Is it ever good to come and speak to a person, in order to make them inferior to us? No. Is it ever good to hold them accountable for an evil act, when we have no proof of such things? No. Why would we ever want to lift ourselves up, when another person is downgraded in stature? Why would we ever want to make somebody feel worse than they already are? Are these actions of God? No. So why would people still do what I just mentioned? What it comes down to, is that most people are only religious on the outside, but few people are true believers on the inside. I say all this since people are trodden down by people who say they believe in Jesus all the time. And this should never happen from a person who believes says they are saved. The same can be said for Job’s three friends, who were making him feel absolutely terrible. It got to the point where Job had to call them out and say, 1“I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom. Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips. Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him? Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God? Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock him?.” (Job 13:2-9) Job was on trial and only God had his back, which should never happen.
What Job said next is amazing, knowing his circumstances. He said, speaking of God, 1“though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears. Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.” (Job 13:15-18) Although his friends were treating him terribly, Job never lost his trust in God. Even if God wanted to take him death, he would sill trust in Him. The Lord God is his salvation, for his faith is real and not as a hypocrite, who just says they believe but do not do God’s will. Therefore, he is counted worthy and justified in God’s sight. Lastly, he said this to his friends, 1“how many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy? Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth. Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.” (Job 13:23-27) They didn’t know anything about Job’s life, so they also had no right to accuse him of sinning against God. Instead, they needed to look in the mirror and see how badly they have treated him. We also are not under God’s good grace if we cannot love others as He loves us.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for more people who are genuinely interested in being helpful to people who are in need. People who can see those who are suffering and no longer desire to back away, but to jump forward to help them. And when these people come into the midst of those who are in pain, that they will have prayed to You first. It is so important that we come into people’s homes with Your peace round about us. For how can we help anyone, when there is still evil thoughts, anger, or animosity in our hearts. How can we give a word of peace and comfort, when Your joy cannot be found within us? So, Lord, I pray that people will begin seeking You often in prayer and in Your Word, the Bible. Then, will they know how to act for You and not for themselves. They will be a light unto this world, and not a distraction. They will carry forth Your love and compassion, and put aside all their evil thoughts and intentions at the foot of the cross. Even then will You take a person who is backslidden and not entirely in the faith, and revive them once again. We cannot do this for people but only lead them to the one true God of the heavens, which is You, Lord, who can save them, and also change their lives forever. So as people’s lives are restored in Your great love, I pray that they will desire to be used by You and become a worker in Your kingdom. That they will become a person who desires to bring good tidings to everyone around them. I know that I am not good unless the Holy Spirit is with me and guiding me by the hand. Therefore, I give You glory and praise for changing a wretch like me to follow You and be saved. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
