For his eyes are on the ways of a man. He sees all his goings. Job 34:21 WEB
This statement from the oldest book in the bible speaks of the omniscience of God. Omniscience is the state of knowing all things. Only God is omniscient. Our Father in heaven sees all things and knows all things. There is nothing we think or do that is outside of God’s awareness. For some, this is a comfort. For others, at times, this can be unnerving.
During our best days, when we perform service to the Lord and others, God takes notice. Jesus says in Matthew 6:1, “Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. WEB”
God Sees What We Do
Christ follows with these words from Matthew 6:3-4, “But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. WEB” The Lord sees what we do. But more than that, he knows the motivation behind what we do. He knows both our obedience and our disobedience to his will.
The words we study today from Job were spoken by Elihu. With them he describes the righteousness of God. Also, he condemns the self-righteousness of men. Elihu’s statement highlights that God is all knowing. In addition, he points out that God knows the sin of man saying in Job 34:22, “There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. WEB”
I Will Not Offend Any More
The speaker is pointing to the righteousness of God. Beyond that, Elihu shows wisdom as he directs his listeners to repentance and obedience to God. In Job 34:31-32 he says, “For has any said to God, ‘I am guilty, but I will not offend any more. Teach me that which I don’t see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more.’ WEB” God knows the ways of a man better than the man himself.
Jesus tells us in Luke 8:17, “For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light. WEB” In acceptance of this, let us repent for our sins. Let us commit to living in obedience to the word and will of God. For our past sins, there is forgiveness in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let us always remember that God is watching over us to guide us, protect us, but also to correct those who live outside of his will.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom in your holy word. You know the ways of a man, that none are righteous. Thank you for forgiving my sins and self-righteousness. Lead me in your righteousness. I humbly submit to your will and judgment. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The True Light
