S) "15 The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight,
Saying, 'No eye will see me.'
And he disguises his face."
Job 24:15 (NASB)
O) The context here, is that Job gave example upon example, of wickedness that has gone unchecked. It seemed to him that the eye of God was turned away from the injustices that had apparently run rampant around him. In that context, Job was making a point, contrasting his situation as a righteous man, to that of the unrighteous who seemed to see no affliction. The way he presented his examples, though, also make them useful as warnings about human, sinful nature.
A) The word adulterer there, is literally speaking of carnal adultery against a spouse. However, throughout the Bible there are comparisons made between God and His people, to that of marriage. The story of Hosea immediately comes to mind, as does the terminology of Jesus being the bridegroom and His church being His bride. While it is unfathomable, that I would go out and cheat on my wife, the unsavory truth is that I do commit a spiritual adultery against God, each time I choose to sin. In that way, this portrayal of an adulterer, lurking at twilight, believing he has the cover of darkness on his side, even hiding his face from recognition... this convicts me. I have been that adulterer against my faithful King. Seeing my sinful behavior in this light... this is the kind of expository truth that is described in Hebrews 4:12. I must submit myself to the conviction of Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit continue to be a consuming fire in my heart, to purify me of my sinful desires.
P) Father, Your faithfulness to me in the midst of my sins is humbling grace. There is nothing I can say, to thank You enough for this kind of love and mercy, but I will continue to try. I want to be faithful in our relationship, I want to be perfect and holy, just as You call me to be. However, I know that I will not be able to live in that righteousness, fully and completely, until I am brought into glory with Jesus Christ at the resurrection. Still, I want to persevere. I want to get better. I know that it doesn't mean You'll love me any more than You already do, but maybe it means I love You more than I currently do. After all, Jesus said that if I love Him, I will obey His commands. That is how I want to love You Lord, not with words or emotions, but will obedient works. Let Your will be done in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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