More Than Gold

I received an encouraging comment this week from a friend in our church. They referenced the passion I had while communicating a specific point of the message this week. In particular it was the remarks Job made regarding meeting his redeemer (Job 19:25). In thanking them for the encouragement I realized something that I hadn't consciously considered before. My response to their email was this, "I hope that what Job must have felt at that statement was captured a bit. It is one of the most remarkable declarations in Scripture!"

Now I know there is not much in that statement that is very profound, but as I typed it out I began to realize that oftentimes I approach the reading of Scripture without attempting to understand the lives, emotions, and soul impact of the moments that the writers and/or characters must have been experiencing. For Job, the depth of his conviction and his zeal for the LORD in the midst of failing health, friends who condemned, and a contentious wife, must have driven him to be extremely clear. They demanded this clarification, a bold statement, no more than a mere statement, it is a definitive declaration for his commitment to God. It is bold in many ways, theologically (which is where I always focused first), emotionally, relationally, rationally, and philosophically. I really get the sense that it consumed all of Job's being in that moment.

There is a song by a band named the Swift titled, More Than Gold, that captures what I am trying to express, maybe it will help you too. Here are the lyrics.

I heard Your word.
I crossed over to the holy side and saw what You can do.
But now I'm feeling like I could just die.
Seems it takes so long to get it right.

(Chorus)
More than gold, I love Your word. It speaks to me.
More than gold, I love Your word.
More than gold. I want to sing.
You know I do, but I can't sit still and just be in awe of You.

It seems like my fire always dies.
Why does it take so long to get it right?

(Chorus)

Let me draw near to You, then You draw near to me.
I need Your word more than gold.
Because I consider Your word, I hate everything that is without You.
(Chorus)


Surely Job, must have this same thought in mind, that if he had all of his possessions and all of his children but was without the person of God, his kinsman Redeemer, he would have been empty. Thus this unprecedented expression burst forth declaring his alignment, his allegiance, his answer, and his assurance. I hope that this is an encouraging example of how we can read the Word of God and be transformed as it speaks to us in a powerful way because it is alive and active and sharper than a double-edged sword. May the Lord bless you in the reading of His Word!