A Hedge of Righteousness

A Hedge of Righteousness

Job 1:10

Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side…

The above text emanated from an unusual conversation between God and satan about the man Job. This was a testimony from the very mouth of the enemy and accuser of Job. This translates to the fact that satan must have attempted several times to hurt Job and his household, but the simple life of righteousness of Job prevented satan’s onslaught.

Job was a man of righteousness, known in his community for greatness and wealth both spiritually and physically- Job 1:1 …and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. He was a man set as an example that God jealously watch over His children. As busy as Job’s schedule might have been, considering his enormous wealth, he was a man of prayers and one found in the place of personal devotion. He never gave an inch for the devil.  No wonder, God Himself was so proud of him. The news of his righteousness in heaven was a sweet smelling savour. And God was proud about it. Job 1:8 …Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?Job made sure that God was proud of him at all time.

Can God be proud of you and I in our “little-little” transaction with men? Can He vouch for you and I, and say my child is there. Can He vouch for our holiness? Have I not sold out God’s trust for the things of no eternal value?

Another godly example is Joseph who said: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9). Is this my watchword? Job never knew what he was doing will count one day. Oh! Do you think all what you are doing doesn’t count? It will one day, either positively or negatively. Job had been tested by satan himself and saw there was a hedge of righteousness around him. It is a pity today that many walls of righteousness are broken and trodden upon. But, God can restore grace upon us to repair these broken walls. Never wait till the time the serpent will strike. Isaiah 58:12 Those from among you shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

Meditation Psalms 15:1-3.

15 Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
³ He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;