Calendar

JOB, AN UPRIGHT AND RELIGIOUS MAN
MONDAY, APRIL 4
Job 1:1-5

Romans 12:9-16

 

“…perfect and upright, and…

feared God, and eschewed evil.”

 

JOB, AN UPRIGHT AND RELIGIOUS MAN
 
These early verses (Job 1:1-5) give us the background of Job. He lived in a country called Uz. As far as we can tell, it was located on the western edge of the Arabian desert, west of Babylon, as mentioned in two other portions of Scripture (Jer 25:20; Lam 4:21). This region can be found on a Bible map in the area marked Edom.
 
Job was an upright man. He “feared God” (Job 1:1). This is the well-known Old Testament concept of reverential trust. Job had complete trust in the Lord’s great power and love. He held God in complete respect and reverence. And he “eschewed evil” (Job 1:1). Evil is opposed to God and all that He stands for. Those who are truly devoted to Him cannot be involved in the wickedness of this world. By staying away from evil, Job was able to avoid temptation (Job 1:1; Rom 12:9).
 
During this pre-law era, men of faith like Job acted as family priests. They made sacrifices for themselves and their families (Gen 12:7). Job had ten children, was very wealthy and had a united and happy family. He offered sacrifices for the sins of his family, one for each child. He gathered his children together to sanctify them (to “sanctify” means to “separate”) and worship God. He wanted to separate his children from the sins of the world and bring them to a spiritual condition whereby they would remain in fellowship with the righteous God (cf. Exod 19:10).
 
As we look at the beautiful picture of Job and his family, we can want nothing less for our own family. How wonderful to pass on to our children the heritage given to us by God! However, as Job lived amidst the battle for the souls of men, difficulty was certain and could destroy everything he had, including his family. It is from the difficulties that afflicted Job that we can learn many lessons. May we ask the Lord to prepare our hearts to learn these lessons so that we may be better prepared to face the difficulties of living for God in this sinful world.
 
THOUGHT: What does it mean to be upright?
PRAYER: Help me, Father, to be dedicated to Thee, and thus to separate from sin.

Search