Job 13 Devotional
by Pastor David Groendyk

Job continues his response to Zophar. Of all three friends, Zophar in particular really seemed to belittle Job in his rebuke, and so Job is quite serious in his reply: Zophar is speaking wrongly on behalf of God (vv. 7–12). He’s being partial to God, defending him, and arguing his side, but he’s deceived himself that his words are what God would say. Zophar has mis-diagnosed Job as only a terrible doctor would (v. 4b). He’s repairing the cracks in the relationship between God and Job with lies about God and Job (v. 4a). What a dangerous place to be in for Zophar! But it’s a warning for us Christians as well. If we say, “Thus sayeth the Lord…” then we’d better be certain that we have a good knowledge both of the situation at hand and the Word of God. Our tendency is to think that we know what God would say in a given situation, but more than likely we don’t. Think about all of the various interactions Jesus had with people in the Gospels while he was on the earth. His responses were constantly surprising both the religious leaders and the sinners around him. The thought of potentially speaking on behalf of the God of all majesty, glory, and power should fill us with terror and dread (v. 11). Are you quick to speak on behalf of God?

Job rightfully rebukes Zophar, but he also makes a great proclamation about his own faith and hope. In verse 15 he says, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.” Job puts his life in the hands of God, regardless of the circumstances (v. 14). Even when he knows God is sending trouble upon him, he gives his life over to the Creator and puts his hope in him. Remember that Zophar had told Job that all who repent would have hope and security (11:18) and that the wicked have no hope (11:20), but that’s not the message Job needs at this moment. Job needs to be reminded to keep his hope despite being slayed. What does Job hope for? What does he believe? That God will redeem him and save him, that God will count him innocent, and that he will be able to stand before God in his flesh (vv. 15–16; see also Job 19:25–27). As one author puts it, faith like this must be looking at something beyond this present life, and trials test us to see if that’s the kind of faith we have. The Parable of the Sower shows us that some people only have a temporary faith that is scorched and withers away when faced with hardship. But the test of true faith is when it perseveres in trust and hope through the trials. Are your faith and hope looking beyond this life to another one?

Yet true faith is never perfect faith, and it’s not always strong faith. Even in his great confession, Job maintains that he has some case to make before God, which he doesn’t. Again, Job has every right to make his complaint in a humble and faith-filled way, but God does not do any wrong or injustice, therefore there is no case against God. This is also part of how God purifies our faith in trial, by teaching us to remember his total perfection and righteousness. What does Job’s mixed faith teach you about complaining to God?