“…why do your eyes flash…” Job 15:12b (written for 1/23/2020)

A second accusation is placed upon Job by Eliphaz: venting rage against God (v.13). Eliphaz contended that Job’s anger could be seen in his eyes (v.12). If Job’s anger was stirred, it was most likely not caused by any sentiment he had toward God. Given the inflammatory statements from his friends, it could be reasonable
to conclude a response of ‘righteous indignation’ from Job.

Eliphaz asserted Job’s heart had carried him away from God’s right way (while we know that God had actually placed Job in the center of a heavenly contest measuring Job’s righteousness; see chapter 1; also 15:12). Of course, truth was always mixed into the comments by Job’s friends, and this time was no different. Citing the nature of sin in man, Eliphaz declared:

“What is man, that he could be pure, or one born of woman, that he could be righteous? If God places no trust in His holy ones, if even the heavens are not pure in His eyes, how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks up evil like water!” (vv. 14 – 16)

The apostle Paul wrote that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (read Romans 3:23), and noted there was none righteous (read Romans 3:10-12). Yes, the heart of man is most corrupt – which is why, with God, it has always been about a person’s heart… the heart of their faith, the heart of their passion, the heart of their being. It is God who offers one a new heart – a new and fresh start to living.

Isn’t it interesting how Eliphaz even acknowledged how sin had broken the entire creation? Did you notice it in his statements? He noted, “…if even the heavens are not pure in His eyes…” (v.15b), speaking of earth’s atmosphere. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, it was not just the fall of man, it was the fall of all creation which will one day be made new upon Christ’s return.

Job had already acknowledged the sins of his youth (read 13:26). Yet, his friends had not ventured into the arena of such transparency. Perhaps the argument by his friends was so one-sided that Job’s anger was seen, though it would certainly be indignation for a righteous cause. A cause which makes one’s eyes flash with the fire and passion of a just and devout cause.

It’s been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul (read Matthew 6:22-23). Perhaps, Job’s eyes burned with the fire of defending his honor, knowing all too well how his life had been lived rightly. There is a holy unction that rises to the occasion for fighting against evil, defending God’s righteous precepts, living in holiness, and defending one’s honor when wrongly accused.

Why do your eyes flash? Are they filled with anger or lust, leading to sin (read Luke 11:34; 1 John 2:15-17)? Or do they burn with the holy unction of standing for God’s Kingdom?

Have a blessed day…