We have been doing a series of messages about Job, the patriarch from the Old Testament. The title of the series is “Job: Patient Endurance and Faithfulness.” Last time, we talked about Job’s epitaph- things that he wanted to say about his faith, and have it preserved for all time…” I know My Redeemer Lives!”
And this week I want to move on to Job 23. In this chapter Job gives a response to what he regards as the “testing of God''. Now we know that Job has not heard the conversation between God and the devil, …. He doesn't know that God is trying to show him off as a trophy of integrity/faith in the face of trial and difficulty. But he understands within his heart that this trial that he is going through is a “test.”
Job 23: 8 “Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; 9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”
God tests our hearts…. God is a Miner in search of a heart of gold. He wants to purify our hearts….blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. So, I have some “C” words regarding this text and God’s testing.
1. Conundrum (of the test)
There is a conundrum in this testing…. God seems to remove His presence for a period from Job, as a test…Job says I can’t find the Lord anywhere! The people of God are never cast away from His grace or out of His heart's love; but they may for a while be without His gracious presence, or not see His face; nor have communion with Him, and it may be as a test.
2. Comfort (in the test)
Job 23:10 “But He knows the way that I take”.... Job says although I don't see Him around and I don't sense His presence; yet He knows the way I take. There may be seasons in our life when we are without the tangible presence of God, but there is a comfort in knowing that He knows where we are and that we are in the center of the will of God.
3. Confidence (of passing the test)
Job 23:10b…”when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Our Father, the Miner turns up the heat in our lives with the intent of revealing pure gold. The fire of our trial burns away the dross and the impurities. And that really is the purpose of the test.
4. Case (for passing the test)
Job 23:11 “My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
Job states his case for passing the test – I’m following closely to the Lord, I have a steadfast spirit, I’m living an obedient life and I love the Word of God. And I’m confident I will pass the test!
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “Miner for a Heart of Gold.”
Blessings,
Kevin
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