Job 29-31 Job States His Case

Job presented his case in these chapters.  He first looked back at life’s joys, #1 of which was the presence of God in his home, followed by respect from others, ministry to others, confidence in the future, and the privilege of speaking words of encouragement and help, my commentary said.

He then looked around at what he perceived to be God’s judgments – he no longer had anyone’s respect, the blessings were gone, no one he’d helped would help him, he felt he had not future, and he’d lost his ministry.

“Job didn’t know it, but he was being honored by God to share in ‘the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings.’  Though sitting in an ash heap, Job had been promoted in the highest possible way,” my commentary pointed out.

Job then looked ahead to God’s justice.  This was his final defense.  “Job’s only hope was that God would hear his cry and vindicate his name.”  Job reviewed every area of his life and found nothing that would lead God to deliver such misery to him.  And God knew that.  It’s why He picked Job to thwart Satan.  “He made it clear that he was willing to face the righteous judgment of God along with all the other judgments he’d called down upon himself if he had sinned intentionally.

Oh, that I could review my life and say the same.  What an honorable man Job had been.  He wasn’t sinless, but he’d confessed any sin to God and received forgiveness.  How wonderful it feels to be reconciled to my Lord when I do the same!

Father, as I review the last few years, I see similarities to Job’s story.  I pray that what seems to have been judgments will turn out to have been tests that I have passed, though not as well as Job did.  Keep my heart directed toward You, and never let me doubt Your love for me.  I trust You, God!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford