Topic — God: A Righteous Judge [Monday October 9, 2017]
Text: Job 31:13-23
Key Verse: “For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure” (Job 31:23).
“Conscience is an open wound. Only the truth can heal it,” so says a sage. Someone whose conscience is void of offence towards man, no doubt, has applied the therapeutic balm of truth assiduously to it and can stand before God to defend his record. Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends had in Chapter 22 insinuated that Job’s troubles stemmed from his moral deficiency.
Job’s gutsy push-back on these allegations revealed an impeccable record of sound moral judgment on socio-economic issues of his time and how patently uncharitable and groundless the accusations were. He meticulously and mercifully dealt with all matters concerning the poor. The widows and orphans received special attention. He actually responded to their needs instinctively. He wrapped up his defence with a curse upon himself if he were found guilty as charged.
Believers must not be deterred by the insinuations of people who seek to smear their character. However, we must learn from Job never to lose sight of God’s character of holiness which will not permit the wicked to escape punishment nor deny the righteous of commendation. “Destruction from God was terror to me…” (verse 23). Mortal man cannot play God. Whatever we have, we received from God. All possessions, visible and invisible are fleeting phenomena.
What defines a man is the integrity of his heart, his morality and his penchant for helping others to discover and realise their goals in life and ministry. These enduring virtues ultimately shape our relationship in a way that pleases God. We must repent of all moral indiscretions and stay meticulously away from the path of divine wrath.
Thought for the day: A clear conscience fears no accuser.
Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Kings 17-18
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
