Job 32:20 – “Let me speak that I may get relief.”

As I read, prayed, and considered the Word of God today, two words resonated deeply within me.  Surrender and Self.   Surrender can never be fully known as long as the self reigns in the heart.  A sign of the reign of self is self-righteousness.

When Elihu, the fourth man in Job’s ordeal, reveals his true heart, we see this.  Job 32:20 – “Let me speak that I may get relief.”   Sometimes, our words of judgment, criticism of others, and trying to be corrective are more about us than truth or restoration.   Self is being elevated – “I am right!”

In Job 33:3, he further reveals this: “My words are from the uprightness of my heart, and my lips speak knowledge sincerely.” Surrender seeks to cover (not hide or justify sin) and restore, not condemn, and judge.  The woman in John 8 is a prime example.

Adultery is wrong!   Self-righteousness set up the scene.  The woman, not the man, was brought to Jesus.  She did not commit adultery by herself.   The desire to elevate self-produced this scene.  

Jesus exposed the motives by saying, “He who is without sin, throw the first stone.” Some translators suggest that His words conveyed the thought (without the same sin).   Since adultery is both an act and a thought, according to Jesus, that could be the meaning.  Self-justification never seeks surrender and restoration.  It seeks to elevate self – “Look at me, see how right I am!”

In John 8:31-36, Jesus provides the answer to the self.   Surrender to Him. Abiding in Him is the key.  Abiding is not hiding.  Abiding is becoming one with Him.  Abiding opens the floodgate of revelation.  Abiding unblocks the river that is within.  Abiding crucifies the flesh and relegates self to the bottom.   If we want His fullness, we have to experience our emptiness.

Lord, help us to surrender our entire selves to You!