Page 7 - June 2026 - Truth & Tidings

“one that feareth God, and escheweth the same readiness of His servant. “My
evil” (1:8), Job speaks of making a cov- servant Job” is thus summoned to serve as
enant with his eyes (31:1), guarding the priest-intercessor for their restoration. He
affections of his heart (31:9,27) and even “shall pray for you: for him will I accept”
refusing to rejoice at the downfall of those (Job 42:8). Still bearing the raw wounds of
who hate him (31:29). Job is a man who comfortless words, it is no easy burden.
knows his God and knows that his God In the midst of trial Job had desperately
desires “integrity in the inner man” (Psa cried, “O that one might plead for a man
51:6 NET). One who desires to serve God with God!” (16:21). At that time no friend
must be a sanctified vessel “meet for the was willing or able to take up his cause. Do
master’s use” (2Ti 2:21). we not desire, with God, to see our fellow
Faithful Service servants restored? Interestingly, the resto-
ration of Job’s possessions is linked to the
A servant who maintains such integrity completion of this priestly service (42:10).
before his master is uniquely qualified to
serve him in a very special way. We first Enduring Testimony
find Job interceding at the altar for his chil- Job was a righteous man, but not sin-
dren lest they have “cursed God in their less. Yet God used imperfect servants
hearts” (Job 1:5). There is little indication (David, Moses, etc.) to foreshadow His
of any particular transgression. Rather, Perfect Servant in whom He is perfectly
Job’s godly sin-and-soul-sensitivity ex-
tended to his desiring and interceding for delighted (Isa 42:1). Likewise, in the sweep
the sanctification of every person within of Job’s experience we see a vivid portrait
his influence. It is sin that separates man of Christ. Parallels with Jehovah’s Servant
from God and concludes in righteous in Isaiah chapters 52-53 abound: a wise
judgment. Yet, “God our Saviour … will servant (52:13) who endured rejection,
have all men to be saved,” and therefore false accusations and scorn (53:3); one
we are instructed “that … intercessions … from whom all dignity was stripped away
be made for all men” (1Ti 2:1-4). The true (52:14) and whose suffering was assumed
servant cares for, and shares, the sensitivi- to be the just judgment of God upon a sin-
ties of his master. Accordingly, we ought to ful man (53:4); but one who was, and is,
intercede for the salvation of souls and the finally vindicated and exalted by his God
spiritual well-being of His people. (53:10) with intercessory power (53:12).
After the trial has ended and the Lord Nevertheless, only the suffering and
has spoken, Job, with his integrity fully death of Christ is “for us” (Rom 5:8), only
vindicated, is summoned back to the altar He could “put away sin” (Heb 9:26), and
to intercede for his friends. Though com- only He “ever liveth to make intercession”
mendable for their deep sympathy (Job for us (Heb 7:25). He prays for us (Joh
2:11-13), these friends have offered no 17:9) and we are accepted in Him (Eph
comfort, only accusation and provoca- 1:6). Whereas Job foreshadowed Christ
tion. Moreover, God’s wrath is provoked beforehand, we also are called afterward,
because they “have not spoken of me the as fellow servants, to bear testimony for
thing that is right” (42:7). Yet God in mercy Christ. This is our great privilege and
is ready to pardon (Mic 7:18) and He asks highest honor.

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