The Character of Righteousness

Job 42:10

Significantly, the turning point in Job’s external circumstances, his deliverance from the hands of Satan, was marked by the act in which he spiritually exemplified the righteousness of God’s kingdom (cf. Mt 6:33, “but seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”) and ceremonially typified the Messianic sacrifice which establishes that righteousness (Job 42:10, “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends:”).[1]

I. How distinct the narrative presents the condition of the blessing of Job from that of the mindset today.

A. In the best of circumstances, the desire of the blessing comes prior to the selfless act.

As Christians, we don’t seem to be able to shake this. We will trust God and serve Him when we see Him bless us!

B. The only way to see the perspective of Job is to experience a radical change of heart, a Metamorphosis. Hence we are born again!

So here it is. Not praying a prayer, not a decision, but a true and complete trust in the Savior that germinates a seed of righteousness that brings a complete metamorphosis within the believer, hence we are born again.

II. The intercession of Job for his friends is not motivated by the reward, but of genuine concern and love.

A. Displays the true character of Job, misunderstood by Satan.

This demonstration is seen in us and misunderstood by the world, for they are blind to the things of God, for they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor.2:14)

B. Demonstrates the same love for his friends that he had for his children.

As I taught a few months ago during S.S. a Christian can only love God by loving others. Love is not a state of mind but an action. Since we cannot reach out and love God we can through loving His people.

If this sounds strange to you then I would seriously check my heart. The lithmist test for Christians is if Christ is in you (2Cor.13:5), and if Christ is in you then love for the brethren and the unsaved, is not only possible, but actually a proof of His Spirit in us and of our new nature. Anything else is counterfeit!

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cf. confer (compare)

[1]Charles F. Pfeiffer, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary : Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962). Job 42:10.