0160. God's Estimate of Job

God’s Estimate of Job

"Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in all the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (Job_1:8).

A great many people are concerned about what men may say and think of them. They feel the public pulse on all questions. They love the praise of men; they seek prominent places in the assemblies and love to be called "Rabbi."

Jesus Christ made Himself of no reputation. He sought not human applause. He did always the things which pleased the Father.

After all, what does it matter whether we have the approval of this world or not? Our chief concern should be to have the "well done" of the Lord. If He says "thank you," all the world may blame.

God said of Job: "There is none like him in all the earth." This by no means meant that God considered Job a sinless man, for he was far from that; but Job was a God-approved man.

In Dan_10:11 there is a most wonderful picture. Daniel had been mourning and partially fasting for three full weeks. He was deeply burdened concerning his people Israel, and what the future held for them. Finally a Heavenly messenger stood by his side, and a hand touched him and set him upon his knees and upon his hands; then he heard a voice that said: "O Daniel, a man greatly beloved." The margin reads, "A man delighted in."

What greater joy would come to any one, than to have an angel, fresh from the presence of God, to come down with such a message?

God spoke out of the blue concerning Christ and said: "Thou art My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased." Could this be said of us?

From this hour may our chief ambition be that we may stand before the Lord, and be well pleasing unto Him. Let us keep our bodies under and bring them into subjection; let us so run, and so fight, not as uncertainly; lest when He shall come with His rewards with Him, we should be disapproved.

May our heart throb forth the song:

"Jesus I my cross have taken,

All to leave and follow Thee;

Naked, poor, despised, forsaken,

Thou from hence my all shall be.

And while Thou dost smile upon me,

God of Heaven, love, and light,

Foes may hate and friends despise me,

Show Thy face and all is light."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR