Job 20 - Pride

Seems Zophar is a little confused.  First off it appears that he assumes that he is righteous and Job is not.  But, there's a problem here.  He is disturbed with Job's rebuke.  He says, "I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply." (vs. 3) He goes on to say: "Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he? (vs 6, 7)

Is not hearing a rebuke that dishonors him and entices him to reply not his own ego, his own pride. Seems to me that Zophar can't see his own pride in what he says. He cannot comprehend his own sin.  Only the sin of the other, of Job.

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" (Matt 7:3)

In all reality there is only one without sin and that is the one who gave himself for us, that even though we sin, yet, we may live in the eternal presence of God our Father, our Saviour Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we read Zophar's response, remember that Zophar is concerned with the outcome of our actions (our works) in this world.  Whereas, Job yesterday, reminded us that we will see our Redeemer face to face in the kingdom to come.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and it's righteousness.... (Matt 6:33)

God's Peace - Judy
  


 

Job 13

Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him! (vs 16)

Indeed no righteous person can stand before God.  However the one who is righteous can.  And... none of us our righteous, unless God the Spirit of Christ dwells (abides) within them.  If Christ abides in you, then you are not godless.  You are not without God. 

And... how does Christ come to abide in you?  By faith.  By God's grace. Christ comes to abide in you by what is called the means of grace - by hearing the Word and receiving the Sacraments. It is the Living Word, who died for you, that has made you righteous. Christ is the righteousness that abides within us.  Without His abiding presence, we are indeed godless through and through.

Job tells Zophar, that he will not be judged by Zophar.  He will bring his case before the LORD, God.  His hope is in the LORD. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.