The secret of Job's character

Monday 23 August 2021

The secret of Job's character

“In all of this, Job did not sin, he did not attribute anything inappropriate to God.” Job 1.22

If God declared Job to be the most prominent figure in the region in eastern Palestine, it is because he deserved this fame! His probity was legendary, his fortune colossal and his properties immense. A legion of servants was at his service and his family numbered ten children of whom he was proud. So how can you not feel very bitter losing all of this ? And yet we read that he neither sinned nor rebelled against God. On the contrary, he said : "We accept good from God, and we would not also accept evil ?" (Job 2.10). So what was the secret of his attitude ? It is due to three details :

1- he accepted that God had the right to control every aspect of his life. After the turmoil passed over his universe of quiet happiness, Job cried out : “Even if He killed me, I will continue to hope in Him” (Job 13.15). He knew that God's purpose is always for the good of those who belong to Him. So he could affirm : “I recognize that everything is possible for You and that nothing can stand in the way of Your plans” (Job 42.2).

2- he was ready to seek the ultimate meaning of his sufferings. Listen : “When my skin is destroyed, I will contemplate God in person. It is he whom I will contemplate, and He will be favorable to me. My eyes will see it, not someone else's. Deep down inside, I can't wait any longer” (Job 19.26-27). If you lose like him all the wealth you have accumulated in this world, your appreciation of the things in life can only change dramatically ! Job ceased to contemplate the fleeting pleasures of this earth and turned his eyes to a distant future where suffering and tears would be abolished. This change of perspective would allow him to endure, without rebelling, the most difficult circumstances.

3- he recognized that he was incapable of understanding all of God's actions. Instead of feeling compelled to analyze each situation and forge a reason to explain it, Job had the courage to say to God : “I have spoken, without understanding them, of wonders which are beyond me and which I do not. did not know. Listen to me and I will speak ! I will question you and you will inform me. My ear had heard of you, but now my eye has seen you” (Job 42.3-5). Seeing God through the worst of circumstances was Job's secret !

Source (His Word for Today)