There are many unique aspects to the Old Testament book of Job, but one of the surprises is that in the end, it is the “innocent” and very righteous man who repents. In fact, his exact words are, “I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:6).
So what brings about said repentance? It is no less than an encounter in which Job is questioned by God. The book’s many chapters of dialogue have Job questioning God and seeking to prove his innocence to his three friends. In the end, however, all of that falls away when God asks Job. . .
“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (38:2)
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (39:4)
“Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
Can you establish their rule upon the earth?” (38:33)
“Shall the faultfinder contend with the almighty?” (40:2)
“Will you even put me in the wrong?
Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?” (40:8)
Basically, God answers Job with the key questions:
“Who are you?” (Implied answer, “A creature, not the Creator.”)
“Where were you?” (Implied answer, “Nowhere, I didn’t exist.”)
“Do you know? (Implied answer, “I have no clue.”)
“Can you. . .? (Implied answer, “No, not a chance.”)
And of course, the coup de gras, “Are you willing to make yourself look good by making God appear to be unrighteous? Are you more righteous than God?” (Hoped-for answer, “Well, no, now that you mention it, I’m quite sure that it is You who can do no wrong, to me or anyone else.”)
I don’t know how all of this strikes you, but for me it is rather humbling. We hear of so many who are bitter towards God for what He did (or did not do) to them, or for what He has withheld from them or taken from them. So many are unable to love God because, quite honestly, they don’t even like Him. In their hearts they believe Him to have been unfair to them. They believe they were entitled to something God has neglected to give them. Like Eve, they believe the serpent’s lie that God has kept back the best from them.
When such thoughts arise in our hearts (and they will), we have a wonderful pattern for handling them in God’s dealing with Job. Let’s remember that at our own trial before Him, it is we who will be answering questions, and not the Lord God. It is He who has made us, not we ourselves.
In Jesus, He has shown us how He can love and forgive sinners and still be just. That is, perhaps, the greatest and most joy-producing thing sinful humans can know about their Creator! Like Job, one day we will see Him and then we shall have full understanding of His ways and His love. For now, we say with Job. . .
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away,
blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job 1:21