[Job 1-2]

H – Job 1:1, “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.”

E – Integrity!

Integrity is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as being honest and having strong moral principles. In other words a person with integrity behaves ethically and does the right thing, even when no one else is looking. Or, from Job’s story, even when things get really bad. 

Job happens to be one of the most prominent figure in the Old Testament. He was wealthy, had plenty of resources, had a lot of servants, and was respected (1:2). However, Job was also a  man of integrity. Even while being extremely blessed through possessions Job was blameless (free of guilt) and upright (in conformity with justice, law, or morality). He did not let his prominence puff up his ego. Job kept priorities in perspective and had a healthy fear of God, to the point that he rejected and turned away from all forms of evil. 

However, a person with integrity never got be a person of integrity without trials to prove their integrity. Job was no exception. Most of us only have small trials here and there. Yet, the enemy (Satan) was allowed full access to Job’s possessions (1:8) and in the realm of a few hours imagine loosing your oxen (500), sheep (7,000), servants (many), camels (3,000), and even all your children (all 10). That is worse than a bad day. That’s a nightmare. That is an I don’t want to even imagine for one second type of pain and heartbreak. There is no doubt that it was certainly painful heartbreak for Job. He reveals to us his humanity by getting up, tearing his cloths, shaving his head, and falling back to the ground (1:20). It was all signs of grief and anguish. How could it not be? Yet, his next response is one that was/is culturally unexpected; He Worshipped!

In all of Job’s grief and anguish he worshipped the LORD. He did not shake his fist skyward and scream, “Why me, Lord?” but bowed to the ground in humble acknowledgment of God’s sovereign will. Do I understand it? NO! But, it is something that Job wisely acknowledged. It was the LORD who had given all and it was the LORD who allowed all to be taken away (1:21). His only response was to bless the name of the LORD.

And, if things couldn’t get worse read Chapter 2. 

However, he remained fast and held his integrity (2:3). He didn’t let others (His wife or friends) dictate how he would respond to the LORD in all that had happened. 

A – Regardless of trials that come my way, situations I face, and circumstances that I must endure I need to be reminded of God’s Sovereignty. That alone should help me be like Job; blameless (free of guilt) and upright (in conformity with justice, law, or morality) because of a healthy reverent awe fear of the Lord God that would lead me to Worship Him in spirit and truth. 

R – Lord God, I acknowledge your sovereignty. Thank you for placing your hand on my life. I know that you will never allow me to face the things that come my way without being there for me and for that I worship you. Lord lead me to blameless and upright living. Help me to not be persuaded by others in to how I respond to you. I pray I will be a man of integrity. 

In Jesus Name!