In this final chapter, Job repents, his friends are rebuked by God, and he is restored by God.
“Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. “Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.” I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.’ ” (v1-6)
Job has great depth to his deceptively simple prayer. This is a good example of a classic “sinner’s prayer”.
– Acknowledge who God is, that He is all-powerful and sovereign
– Confess our sin (Job quotes some of his foolish words)
– Refer to God’s word / law against our sin (Job quotes God)
– Display a change in heart (Job had heard of God, but now he has truly seen God)
– Recognize the sin in our lives, ask for forgiveness, and live out repentance (changed behavior)
Even though Job may not have sinned leading up to his suffering, he sinned in the midst of the suffering through several foolish words against God, and against his friends. It is those words from which Job now repents.
I believe the heart behind this chapter is that God does not want to see us suffer, He doesn’t want evil to befall us, He doesn’t want us in pain. Job admits “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you”. I think God allows pain and suffering to happen so that we will truly see him, truly repent, and seek a fully restored relationship with Him. After reconciling with God, any additional blessings are icing on the cake.
I encourage us to inquire of God if there is any sin in our lives of which we have not yet repented (not only confessed with our mouths, but also actively turned away from it). God abhors sin, yet he loves us, so He will help separate us from our sin, moving us from a pattern of sin to a pattern of restored obedience to Him.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psa 46:1-3)
No matter what the sin or circumstance, God will walk through it with us, and we will be nearer to Him on the other side, if we simply open our eyes to Him and obey His leading.
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious King, You are sovereign and just in Your ways. Father, thank you for pointing out the sin in our lives. Thank you for gently aiding us in repentance. Thank you for the gift of forgiveness. May we learn to seek Your face and steadfast love, embracing Your help and obeying Your every word. In the name of Jesus who makes reconciliation possible, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training