March 27, 2024

Passage Read: Job 29-32
Meditation Verse: 31:23

Thought

Job's righteousness comes from his fear of God and awe at His majesty. He has a right view of God. He knows God is good, but also righteous and loving truth. He knows God is the maker of all things, and cares for all things. He knows God is the judge of all mankind, and so judges in righteousness and truth. So Job does not do anything to incite the Lord to wrath. This has been Job's overriding concern, to please the Lord and avoid His anger. So he lives in righteousness, doing good to those around him, loving his neighbor as God desires. He has done righteously because he truly fears the Lord and does not take His mercy or grace for granted.

Application

Though God is full of mercy and grace, He is also full of righteousness and justice. Mercy and grace are for those who fear Him and truly care what He says. Those who take advantage of God's mercy and grace and so are lazy in their desire or efforts to do righteously will not enjoy His favor but will suffer His wrath. They do not teach what is right about the Lord, and they lead others to sin indiscriminately. As I discipline myself to walk in His ways, He grants grace where I fail and seek His forgiveness—because I fear Him and desire to honor Him in all I do. But if I'm sloppy and uncommitted to doing His will, I should not be surprised when there is no mercy for me when I seek it. I need to fear God and honor His majesty like Job did.