Job 40

“Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth.” (Job 40:4, NKJV)

We come to what I consider the climax of the story of Job. In his agony, Job had spoken of things he did not understand. He had condemned God to defend his own righteousness. He had anticipated his day in court with God. Now Job had the opportunity to accuse God in His presence, but what did Job do? He confessed that he was vile, and he put his hand over his mouth. In other words, Job was humbled and speechless.

This is always the response of someone who has a genuine encounter with God. It is the beginning of revival. It is what God seeks in us.

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:32, NKJV)

Something profound happens in the spiritual realm when a sinner repents. Jesus said that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). We often think this applies to an unbeliever being converted, and certainly it does. But I also believe there is rejoicing when a believer repents. This is essential if we would see revival, for revival occurs when believers humble themselves, confess their sins, and obey Christ. Revival begins at the point of personal dissatisfaction with one’s relationship with God with the willingness to change to make it better.

If we would have a fresh encounter with Jesus, then we must get our eyes off ourselves, off our circumstances, and onto Him. We must magnify His glory, goodness, majesty and holiness. In this state of profound worship, deep humility, and absolute surrender, the Holy Spirit will speak to us.