Hidden Sins (Job 13)

Have we grown weary of baby milk? Are we ready for the meat of God’s Word and face our hidden sins? Let’s begin in Job 13.

Does Job find his friends’ answers unsatisfactory? Does he prefer an answer from God?

Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. (Job 13:1-3 KJV)

Have we reached a crossroads, tired of simplistic lies in church, yet not quite mature enough ourselves to realize that truth and grace are still there?

But you cover me with lies; You are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom! (Job 13:4-5 LSB)

Do we reach that halfway point where we clearly see the church’s sins, but are not yet mature enough to extend the grace that covers the sins of an imperfect church?

Please hear my argument, And give your attention to the contentions of my lips. Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it go well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? He will certainly punish you If you secretly show partiality. Will His majesty not terrify you, And the dread of Him fall upon you? Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. (Job 13:6-12 NASB)

Does Job hold out ultimate hope in God, and dare anyone to point out his faults that caused his suffering?

Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may. Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him! Listen carefully to what I say; let my words ring in your ears. Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated. Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die. (Job 13:13-19 NIV)

Does Job ask God to reveal any of his sins to him that may have caused his suffering, so that he can repent?

Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You: Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid. Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why do You hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy? Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble? For You write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth. You put my feet in the stocks, And watch closely all my paths. You set a limit for the soles of my feet. Man decays like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. (Job 13:20-28 NKJV)

To whom should we go if we lack wisdom about any events in our lives?

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5 NLT)

Have we grown weary of baby milk? Are we ready for the meat of God’s Word and face our hidden sins? You decide!