Seeing God changes everything
God's voice and presence brought Job to an entirely new place in both his relationship with God and with himself. Job came face to face with his sin and the wretchedness that resides in even the most righteous of fallen humanity. This revelation of himself in light of God's glory dramatically transformed his spiritual life.
To fully appreciate this, we need to remember where Job was when this great test and suffering first came upon him. It wasn't as if he was some evil hypocrite. From God's own lips Job was described as a "blameless, and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil." The devil challenged this description, accusing Job of only appearing to be spiritual because God had so richly blessed Job and placed a wall of protection around him (1:6-12). Satan was confident that he could destroy Job's righteousness and faith if God removed His hand of protection. All the devil needed was to be given access to Job to destroy his family, wealth, and health.
God allowed this to happen to Job. Job suffered the horrible loss of everything. To this was added the endless condemnation heaped upon him by three of his friends. These friends had come to "comfort" Job, but soon became his greatest adversaries as they tried to blame all his trouble as God's judgment of his sinful life.
Under this onslaught Job gave statements of self-justification. In doing this Job began to imply that God had been unjust to him. It was this that became worthy of blame. Therefore, God declared, "Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?" (40:8).
Through this tremendously painful process, Job was forced to face weaknesses in his understanding of God and himself. Job realized there will always be much that neither he nor anyone else can fully understand in this life. But no matter the mystery, behind the scenes of this fallen world, God is using all things for goodespecially for people such as Job, men and women sincerely seeking God. In the end, they will come out as pure gold from the refining fire of suffering.
Job's story has comforted millions over the centuries who have been deeply perplexed at their own personal suffering. He has left us with hope that every tear we shed, every pain we feel in this fallen world ultimately results in precious gold in our lives.
May we not waste our sorrows. Instead let us draw from them every ounce of gold possible to glorify God.
-Calvary Church Boise
Created about 1 year ago
