True In Principle (But...)

“Yes, I know all this is true in principle. But how can a person be declared innocent in God’s sight? [Job 9.2]

There is a key to understanding Job in the verse above.

"This is all true in principle" indicates to me that there is more to it than just principle. There is more to it than just a set of rules and whether or not they are followed.

"Principle" is just the beginning of understanding God.

But the thing is, there is more to it because God is involved. And, who can understand God really? We can obey God, and we can obey God well, but, at no time is God ever beholding to us because we obey Him.

I am reminded of Jesus telling the parable of the servant and his master:

“When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’” [Luke 17.7-10]

Much of what both Job and his friends said was actually right. However, in Job 42.7, God said to Eliphaz, “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has." Now, I have read all that was said many times in my life and, just like Job said in the verse we started with, I can see that most of what was said was indeed true in principle. But it is also necessary to understand that Job, in his speaking about God, said some pretty harsh things... And yet, God said Job spoke accurately about Him. Really? Yes.

So, once again, the point is well justified that perhaps we ought to put a bridle on our tongues. Man's arguing back and forth about God is not going to prove anything. Everything Job and his friends discussed was about what they knew... But they obviously had no idea about God and Satan's interactions. And, if they had no idea about God and Satan's interactions (the 'what'), how then could they ever know 'why?'

Yes, sometimes, probably most times, it is better to just stop all our arguments about God among ourselves and pray.

Father, help me to realize that I have nothing to prove. But help me to see that I have work to do for You and I have every tool with which to accomplish that work (Your Spirit). Help me to avoid foolish arguments and instead focus on bringing the Good News to the poor, declaring that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of Your favor has come.