Job chapter 13 reminds me of a time in my life when I thought I was a good person. I was always the good kid that never really got into too much trouble. I tried to do the right thing most of the time. I had a reverence for God but did not understand His love for me. When “religious people” would talk to me, I would dismiss them with the knowledge that there are people much worse than me. It is fair to say, that philosophy works until difficulty hits. The chapter presents the reaction of a man in pain. Job is sick and tired of being sick and tired. Like Job’s friends, I was quick to pin the “guilty” tag on other people. Job believes he is more righteous than his friends and he arrogantly resists their urging to “come clean”. The chapter begins, “What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you… You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you!” Job knows that God has perfect knowledge and desires to prove them wrong. “I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God“. He tells his friends that they do not represent God accurately, “Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for Him?” Job accurately explains they could not hold up to the same standard, “Would it turn out well if He examined you? Could you deceive Him as you might deceive men?” The idea of standing before the perfect and holy God, trusting only in our own righteousness should be a frightening thought. “Would not His splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of Him fall on you?” The prophet Isaiah said, “All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags” compared to the perfection of God (Is 64:6). Are you confident in your own goodness?
Job is so sick of his friends; he believes he will be better off presenting his case directly to God. “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him; I will surely defend my ways to His face“. And he uses this as proof of his innocence, “Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before Him!“. In human terms, he demands proof of his guilt. “Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated… Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.” It is interesting that the Law given through Moses required the testimony of two or three witnesses to prove guilt because man is easily swayed by emotion. I think some people believe on judgment day they will have an opportunity to cross examine witnesses. I believe anyone that desires to stand on their own; will stand alone with nothing hidden. Every word, thought and action will be exposed. Job appears to be asking God to fight fair.”Only grant me these two things, O God… Withdraw Your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with Your terrors. Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and You reply.” Like many today, Job believes the attacks are from God. Remember, Satan’s first act was to question God’s Word, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1).
The chapter ends with Job questioning God and demanding proof.”How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. Why do You hide your face and consider me Your enemy?” Job concludes by attacking God’s character, “Will you torment a windblown leaf? For you write down bitter things against me and make me inherit the sins of my youth“. You see we can’t have it both ways. If we chose to stand before God on our own merit, we cannot pick and chose our own highlight reel.The chapter ends with the hopelessness of a condemned man. “So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths. The apostle Paul expressed this understanding in Romans 7:24, but he adds the answer for all to read. “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” The apostle gives hope to all of us that have recognized our own guilt. Galatians 3:13 “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us“. Jesus willingly paid the debt of my sin. Hebrews 4:13 shouts triumphantly to all who will believe, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need“. There is plenty of room at the throne of grace.