Suggested Bible Reading: Job 10-13
Devotional Thought:
In chapter 11, Zophar, a supposed friend makes three accusations against Job: (1) Job is guilty of some sort of sin, (vs. 1-4) (2) Job is ignorant of who God is and what He is really like, (vs. 5-12) and (3) Job is too stubborn to repent and get right. (vs. 13-20) In his reply, Job answers all three accusations: In chapter 12 Job affirms God’s greatness and his sincere faith in who God is and in chapter 13 Job defends his own innocence. It is so sad when people are so judgmental that they want something to be true so badly that they will no longer listen to facts or acknowledge truth. Zophar is just so sure that Job has sinned that he is not willing to listen to anything Job is saying. He simply misrepresents what Job has said. “For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee.” (vs. 4-5) Well, God does eventually open His lips and declares that Job is indeed pure and he is clean in God’s eyes. Zophar would have been better off to listen to my parents when they taught me to listen more than speak. Job declares his innocence in chapter 13 as he admits he doesn’t understand why the trial has come or why it must be so severe; however, Job is certain that God has a purpose and he will trust Him. Job 13:13-17 is one of the greatest declarations of faith found anywhere in Scripture, but it must be understood in its context. Job is willing to take his case directly to God and prove his integrity. He makes it very clear that he is jeopardizing his life in approaching God, because God is able to slay him. However, Job feels that if He doesn’t slay him, it is proof that he is not the hypocrite that Zophar says he is. To approach God personally was a great act of great faith, but Job was so sure of his integrity that he would take his chances. After all, if he did nothing, he would die; and if God rejected him, he would die; but Job was confident that God would prove him right. Job’s integrity kept him from agreeing with the error of his supposed friends. They wanted Job to agree with them, but they were wrong and it was Job’s integrity that gave him the backbone to stand against the accusations of these carnal friends.
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to maintain the kind of integrity that Job manifested in the face of accusation.
• Lord, please help me to take care of my character so you can take care of my reputation.
• Lord, please help me to always find confidence in your ability to bring beauty out of ashes. I know truth always comes out in the end and that my confidence and patience must be placed in your ability to defend my character.