Today in God's Word—June 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
June 18, Job 23
”Beheld, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
- Job 23:8-10
I admit it: I sometimes talk to myself. Out loud. I like to hear how phrases sound before I write them down or say them aloud in a sermon. Maybe you know exactly what I'm talking about. Before an important meeting or conversation, you might try to hear how what you plan to say is going to sound. It's a good way to gain clarity and refine your words. A thought may be nebulous and vague. But when I type it or say it out loud, it becomes something more tangible, more real than just a passing thought.
I don't think the words Job spoke in Chapters 23 and 24 were addressed to his hateful accusers, although there are some references to their words and attitudes here. Also, Job does not seem to be addressing his remarks to God, even though he talks a lot about God. This is more like a soliloquy. He’s talking to himself, saying aloud what was on his troubled mind. He explored the mysterious ways of God. He wondered why he was suffering so, and wanted to know the answer. He continued to maintain his innocence. More than anything, Job expressed his desire to approach and talk to God.
As David would write centuries later, Job wanted to come and appear before God. He was thirsty for the living God. But he did not know how or where to find the Lord. You and I read those words with New Testament knowledge and think immediately about our Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the way to God. But Job didn't have that knowledge.
Job wanted to understand why he experienced such terrible losses, pain and grief. But more than that, he hungered for fellowship with God,
not just more information about God. Job was confident that God would listen to him, and vindicate him. He believed that God would acquit him of all the ugly charges against him if he could only find God and gain an audience with him.
Job had integrity because he had walked in God's ways and not turned aside. He treasured God's word above his daily bread. He knew centuries before Jesus said it, that man does not live by bread alone. He realized God knew all about him, even if he did not know all he wanted to know about God. He also knew that God was in complete control, and that nothing or no one could stop God from doing what he purposed to do.
Job tried to imagine what God was doing in his life. The idea of God’s complete control of all things comforted him in some ways. But in the midst of his suffering, Job wondered about God’s intention. In this chapter, he spoke aloud the things that were on his mind.
We have more revelation from God than Job knew as he struggled. But we still have questions and incomplete understanding about God, his ways and how he works in our lives. Let's remember that God knows us better than we know ourselves. But in faith we can trust him and know that he knows us completely and loves us anyway. God wants to give us his best blessings. If we trust him and surrender our lives and will to him, we can live with confidence, knowing that, "He will complete what he appoints" for us.
Copyright © 2023 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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