June 4 – Job 5

June 4 – Job 5

Blessed are you whom the Lord reproves.

This one, taken out of context, is an accurate statement. But in context, it may seem at odds with our study. Shouldn’t we rather have the blessing of James 1:12 instead? Hold that thought; that one is coming!

Here, we have Eliaphaz speaking to Job in reference to innocent people. In verse 17, he uses an encouraging blessing that really does not apply to Job in the instance. Right? Because God is not reproving Job at all. But from Job’s friend’s point of view, Job must have done some offense as it appears that God is reproving him.

It is a cautionary tale of trying to impart wisdom and advice to someone while being out of step with God. Job’s friend was not privy to the conversation God had with satan, he was not privy to
what God was doing in Job’s life, and it certainly did not appear that his friend went to God to request wisdom. He was absolutely not in the ‘know’ of Job’s situation. And thus, he was speaking from his own learned experiences and what he knew to be true from his standpoint.

And while, yes, what he said here is broadly true, it is wise to remember that Job WAS very much innocent. He had no self induced sin to admit and confess. But let’s set that aside and take this blessing and dissect it a bit. Because this blessing IS still a valid blessing, one that is
bestowed upon those who confess their sins and seek forgiveness. This blessing goes back to Genesis. In Genesis 17, God tells Abram (Abraham) to walk before Him blameless so God can do what? Establish a covenant, an unbreakable promise. We know Abram did as God dictated; he went before God, and he was cleansed. And then God followed that with a covenant established.

When God rebukes us, disciplines us, or corrects us, it is not because He is mean and we are to be a perfectionist in our human form. No, it’s because we are to strive for blamelessness and cleanliness, and He knows we cannot do that without His grace and forgiveness.

Blessed are you who seek to do His will, live as He desires for you, and continually seek forgiveness for your sins in confession. Blessed are you who receive corrections, accepts them, and make a course adjustment.

My Verse: Job 5:17, “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”

My Response: God, how badly I am in need of a Saviour! How badly I am in need of You. I come before You in confession and I seek Your forgiveness for the sins I have committed against You. I praise You, for You are faithful and I thank You for You faithfully forgive my sins. I love You, Lord, with my whole being.

(Further Reading: Hebrews 12:5-6, James 1:12, Genesis 17:1-4, Revelation 3:19)