Job describes how his life used to be – he was well-respected and able to help all those who were in need.
“When the ear heard, it called me blessed, and when the eye saw, it approved, because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.” (v11-16)
Job’s life was in alignment with scripture – helping those in need. There are many passages in the new testament that encourage this Christlike behavior. “Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.” (Mt 5:42) “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Heb 13:16) “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Rom 12:13)
Much (or all) of Jesus’ ministry was about showing His love for His neighbors – those whom He encountered on a day by day basis. Yes, He performed miracles, but those miracles were in response to His love for someone.
Job had many good works, and was well-respected by those around him. He didn’t need to perform miracles to bless the poor of spirit (and the fiscally poor). He was able to accomplish these things by “clothing himself in righteousness”, just as Jesus has (see Isa 59:14-20)
My encouragement for us today is to allow Jesus to clothe us in His righteousness (Isa 61:10), so we can be the willing hands and feet of Jesus reaching out to those in need. I realize this might be difficult to do physically at the moment, with our distancing restrictions, however, we can still reach out emotionally, spiritually, and/or financially.
Have we been putting off calling someone that God may have put on our heart? Have we put off a potentially hard conversation that will help restore a relationship? Have we put off giving money to a cause we believe in? Don’t delay any longer – those people may need to hear from us, and if God is prompting us it’s for a good reason. I encourage all of us to listen to those promptings, to reach out and love those around us – perhaps in a practical way, perhaps intangibly, but either way let’s put our robes of righteousness to good use.
Father God, our Great and Mighty King, holy is Your Awesome name. We praise You for the countless examples of lovingkindness displayed in scripture. We thank You for showing us how to love our neighbors. Please continue to prompt and guide us through Your Spirit, that we may spread the love of Jesus to our friends, city, and world. May we continue to be Your hands and feet in this world, clothed in Your righteousness, bringing love, joy and peace to all those we encounter. In the loving name of Jesus, we praise Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training