Have you ever noticed how the wicked enjoy seeing the righteous struggle? There’s clearly a double standard because the wicked revell in their fallen state yet pass judgment when the righteous struggle. Notice the people who passed judgment upon Job in his time of need:
1. Self-righteous people
Job 16:2-3 “I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?”
2. Enemies
V9b-10 “mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. They have gaped upon me with their mouth;
they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.”
3. So-called friends
V20 “My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.”
4. Neighbors
V21 “O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!”
The Result- Job felt emotionally abandoned even by God, but his faith kept him anchored. He believed that God knew the REAL story behind his struggles and that his clear testimony would eventually be revealed.
V16-17, 19, “My face is foul with weeping,
and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven,
and my record is on high.”
LESSON - When people unjustly accuse you and make unfair assessments of your situation, it is important to remember that God knows your story. He is your one and only important witness. If your conscience is clear before God, there is no reason to fear because He is also your advocate (lawyer) and final judge. He is keeping up with your records.
~Mike