20th November 2025

20th November 2025


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Job 23 & 25)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Despite the lies of Eliphaz, Job did not waste any time in trying to put his friend right. Instead in the midst of his groaning (v2) he longed for an audience with God (v3). Job's hope was audacious - he wanted to go to God's seat and reason with the Lord (v3-5). He would speak to God and the Lord would answer (v5). Job knew the greatness of God but he was confident that the Lord would listen (v6) and ultimately declare Job to be acquitted of all charges against him (v7).


Job may have been a broken man but he was not faithless. He struggled to find God in front, behind, to the right or to the left (v8) but he knew that God watched his steps and therefore he was confident that he would have his encounter with God and be considered pure as gold (v10). Even with the barbs of Eliphaz ringing in his ears, Job understood that he had not turned away from God (v11). He had held fast to God's Word and loved the commandments of God more than food (v12). Therefore the man of faith wanted to stand before the Lord.

Job's desire was noble but also incredibly dangerous. How so? The Lord God is holy and no one can see Him and live. It is important for us to note that there was no arrogance on Job's part. He understood the immutability of God - the Lord cannot be changed (v13) and whatever the He plans for our lives will surely come to pass (v14). This knowledge caused Job to be terrified at the thought of God's presence, his heart was faint at the thought of seeing God and when he considered the Almighty, he was filled with a sense of dread (v15-17).


Later, Bildad's final words would echo some of Job's feelings. According to Bildad God was so great that no one could stand before Him. God's armies are without number and He sends the light to shine on everyone (Job 25v3). How then can any man be right in the sight of God? How can anyone born by natural means be pure (Job 25v4)? Bildad was convinced that a maggot such as Job would not be able to stand before the Almighty (Job 25v6).


There was really no need for Bildad to finish speaking by calling Job a maggot and a worm but he did raise an important question - how can anyone be right in the sight of God? If Job was to receive an audience with the Lord, how would he be able to stand?


Many years later the Apostle would urge us five times to draw near to God. By drawing near to His throne we find mercy, grace and help (Hebrews 4v16). We draw near to God by the better hope of the Gospel (Hebrews 7v19). Jesus is able to save and pray for all of those who draw near to God through Him (Hebrews 7v25). We are to draw near with the full assurance of faith because we have been washed clean (Hebrews 10v22). Finally, if we are to draw near to God we must believe He exists and rewards the one who seeks Him (Hebrews 11v6).


Job's desire to stand before God was outrageous but it came from faith. Brothers and sisters, none of us have clean hands or pure hearts but we should confidently draw near to God by Jesus with reverence and awe. Our God is a consuming fire but He graciously welcomes His children to His throne of grace.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q24 How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.
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