Faith Intact

TEXT: Job 18-19, Galatians 1-3

When I read Job, I like to read it in dialogues which include one of the "friends" comments and Job's response. Usually works out to be two or three chapters (God's challenge and Elihu's sections are, of course, exceptions).

In Job 18, Bildad is taking his second shot at Job, and he is reduced to simply describing the fate of the wicked as a series of horrific judgments. As Job has experienced such a series of events, he must be wicked also (Job 18:21).

In chapter 19, Job answers, first by again questioning the loyalty and motives of his so-called, friends I(vs. 1-5), then asking for a little sympathy in vs. 8-12. He tells his friends that God has overthrown him, that his overthrow is unjust, and that they should be more sympathetic. The pity party continues as Job describes how h has been abandoned by all: God, friends, and family. Then, in verses 25-27, the Bible records this incredible statement of faith:

25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Job doesn't understand what has happened to him. He blames God, and blatantly accuses Him of injustice, but His faith never wavers. In the midst of all His trouble and trial, he believes with all his heart. Maybe this is why God was able to describe Job in Job 1:8 as "my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?"