Make My Case
I have always been a fan of TV shows and movies that feature a great attorney. I have probably watched every episode of Perry Mason (the black & white versions) and Matlock and most recently Law & Order (the original). I’m intrigued with how our justice system works or in some cases fails to work. As I was reading through Job this morning, I felt a bit like I was seeing a microcosm of Law & Order. His friends were pushing on him and now he (Job) is pushing back. I can feel his frustration but also his resolve. He believes he is innocent and doesn’t deserve this but he refuses to curse God. He does confront God, but with reverence and respect. I believe that God is ok with out questions and “push back” when it’s covered in reverence and respect.
11 Would not his splendour terrify you?
Would not the dread of him fall on you?
12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;
your defences are defences of clay.
13 ‘Keep silent and let me speak;
then let come to me what may.
14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy
and take my life in my hands?
15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;
I will surely defend my ways to his face.
16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,
for no godless person would dare come before him!
17 Listen carefully to what I say;
let my words ring in your ears.
18 Now that I have prepared my case,
I know I will be vindicated.
19 Can anyone bring charges against me?
If so, I will be silent and die. (Job 13:11-19 NIV)
I can feel the agony and pain of Job’s suffering as I read these words. While I’ve experienced pain and suffering, mine doesn’t measure up (or I should say down) to the level of struggle he’s in the middle of. This passage reminds me that my relationship with Almighty God is critical to making it through suffering. I want to know Him more. I want to understand the Lord’s heart. I want to surrender to His will for my life. I want to lay down my pride before Him and let Him have all of me. I can’t imagine plowing through suffering and struggle without Him. I would agree with Job that God could prevent it, but even “though He slay me; yet will I hope in Him”.
Pressing On!
Dwayne