How then can a man be righteous before God? — Job 25:4
Job’s three friends are searching for Job’s sin but cannot find it. This is their last attempt. Bildad says in essence: "You cannot be righteous because no one can be righteous." Job must be dirty. Yet when God described Job to Satan, He called Job "blameless" and "upright."
Many Christians seem to take up Bildad’s search for sin in every believer. You must be dirty. And if I turn you upside down and shake you long enough, sin will fall out of your pockets.
But how does God describe us? "Becoming the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21) "without condemnation" and "set free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2) "God’s seed remains in us; we cannot go on sinning" (1 John 3:9) "raised up with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly realms" (Ephesians 2:6)
Sometimes, in the name of "humility," God’s work gets insulted. God is stronger and wiser and better than we are. He has taken us on as His children. His work in us is powerful (Philippians 1:6, 2:13). He is older and smarter than all those who want to destroy us.
How can a man be righteous before God? By God’s magnificent intervention even "the least of these" shall be called brothers and sisters of Christ.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.