“Then Job answered the Lord and said, “I know that You can do all things, And that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained. … I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, But now my [spiritual] eye sees You.”
Job 42:1-2, 5 AMP
The conclusion of Job is only 17 verses but there’s so much to unpack!
After all of his loss and reflection, Job had an “aha” moment. Prior to losing everything, Job had “heard of G-d by the hearing of the ear” but after his season of “captivity” (see Job 42:10 KJV), Job SAW G-d with his spiritual eyes. Job moved from head knowledge to heart knowledge. He moved from religion to relationship.
I clearly remember when I moved from religion to relationship. I had come out of an abusive first marriage, was broken from sexual abuse in my youth, and battled suicidal thoughts, constantly thinking about how I could end my life after three failed attempts.
A close friend from high school invited me to Shady Grove Church and after a few weeks I joined their longggg new member classes (shout out to my fellow Grovers). The Pastor gave an illustration that changed everything for me. Holding a pen, pointed to right, he explained that when we were born, we’re pointed – or bent – towards sin. We can try to be good, read the Word, and even go to church – but in the end, we’re bent towards sin and the world. Then he flipped the pen and continued to explain when we are saved – our bent changes, and we become drawn to the Lord. We long for His presence and His Word. Sure – we will sin – but His kindness draws us back.
Something clicked for me on August 16, 1998. The pastor recommended that if we were unsure of our “bent”, that we simply ask G-d to show us our heart. To ask Him if our “bent” had ever been turned – if we were walking in religion (bent to the world) or relationship (bent to Him). I did, and that night I moved from religion to relationship and trusted Jesus as my Savior. Though I knew religion and was raised in church, I never knew Him as my personal Savior until that day.
What if the whole purpose of “captivity” is to turn our hearts to Him? My captivity of brokenness led me to Him. I can look back over my life and see countless times that He drew close to me in my brokenness, loss, and captivity. It’s hard to explain the intimacy that comes from knowing Him in the fellowship of suffering – but having experienced His presence in an intimate way, having heard His voice and felt His nearness, I know the brokenness has been worth it because moment of captivity has brought me closer to Him.
Jesus was held captive for us. Captive to accusers. Captive on a cross. Captive in the grave. Then – resurrection came.
He knows what the cage of captivity feels and looks like. He will come. He will draw close. He’s just waiting for us to bend.
If you’re wondering about your own “bent”, ask Him to show you your heart. And if you’ve never trusted Him as Savior and desire to, just ask Him. He’s there. Waiting. Watching. Listening. And He’s longing to answer so that He may set you free.
Father. I know that I’m a sinner. I repent of my sins. I believe in Jesus, the Son of G-d, who died for me. Jesus I ask You to forgive my sins and come live in me. Change my bent. Turn me to You today. Amen.”