Job: true confidence or naïve denial?
Today’s reading: Job 19:1-21:34
My selection: Job 21:7
Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?
My reflections: Should Job hold to his confidence that his Redeemer lives and that he, Job, will see Him at the last (19:25)?
Zophar says “no!” arguing that “the wicked suffer.” If Job suffers he must be wicked. Zophar thinks Job should not be so sure of his standing before God.
Job fights back that the wicked do not suffer, at least not always. It is difficult to conclude from observation that “crime doesn’t pay.” Too many seem to get away unscathed with great sin.
Is it worth it to obey God? Is there a consistent reward for being honest and holy? We could take a survey but the results would not always be obvious. Unbelievers and atheists can be successful in love and war. Christians can suffer and lose.
Here is where faith in special revelation comes in. What we observe in this world (general revelation) is only part of the story. There does not seem to be a consistent correlation between godly living and success nor between sinful living and failure.
But this present visible world is not all that is or all that will be. In the Bible, God reveals some of His purposes and ultimate plans for mankind which fills in some crucial details. The wicked will not stand in the coming judgment even though in this world they may have seemingly succeeded. (See Psalms 1 and 73).
In II Corinthians 5:10 we read: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Why do the wicked succeed? Answer: they don’t, if you know what happens after death. Why may a righteous man suffer? Answer: he doesn’t, if you know what happens after death.
My challenge: Job was right to hold confidently to his hope in a living Redeemer whom he would someday see. Are you confident of your Redeemer’s saving you? Trust Him today.
Tomorrow’s reading: Job 22:1-25:6