Today's Scripture
Condemnation – Job 34:29-37
Today’s Reading Schedule: Job 32-34(CEB)
29 Still, if he remains quiet, who can condemn;
if he hides his face, who can see him?
30 He prevents a lawless person from ruling,
from capturing people.
31 Has Job said to God,
“I have borne punishment; I won’t sin again?
32 You teach me what I can’t see;
if I’ve sinned, I won’t do it again.”
33 Will he repay you because you reject sin,
for you must choose, not I;
declare what you know.
34 Smart people say to me,
the wise who hear me,
35 “Job speaks without knowledge;
his words aren’t astute.”
36 I wish Job would be tested to the limit
because he responds like evil people.
37 He adds rebellion to his sin;
mocks us openly
and adds to his words against God.
RJ's Devotion
What Does the passage Mean to Me/US?
I need to start with making a ‘confession.’
In yesterday’s devotion, I said that Job was making a confession in each area of his life.
If you read today’s scripture, you will know that it was not the case. I had to go back and re-read the chapter, and it was Job saying, ‘in each of these areas, I’m still righteous.’
Today’s passage is a response to that final remark from Job. Elihu, Job’s friend, If I sum up his words, he says, ‘I tried not to say anything, but it came to a point where I should say something. Job how can you say that you are without sin? I’ll tell you the truth, you should see how God is calling out from your unrighteousness, and if you can yet see it, may this continue till you see it.’
His final remarks summarize his thoughts,
“So why don’t you simply confess to God?
Say, ‘I sinned, but I’ll sin no more.
Teach me to see what I still don’t see.
Whatever evil I’ve done, I’ll do it no more.’
Just because you refuse to live on God’s terms,
do you think he should start living on yours?
You choose. I can’t do it for you.
Tell me what you decide” (v. 31-33 The Message).
How can we say that this is not what we often think about others, ‘who refuse to live on God’s terms.’
It is scary because, in our own righteousness, we can start judging others.
At least, Elihu is together with Job, but we start spewing out these condemnations to others without being with them.
When we are not committed to being with people, who are desperate to seek God, how can we do say anything about them?
Prayer
Lord, help us to be with others before we cast out our judgment. And when we are with them, help us to see your truth first, not pouring condemnation to the people who need to hear your comfort. In Christ Name, we pray, AMEN
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