Is suffering always the result of doing something wrong?
“I say to God: Do not declare me guilty, but tell me what charges you have against me. Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked?”. Job 10:2, 3
My grandson loves to play Fortnight on his PlayStation. He loves it so much that he occasionally abuses the privilege. His mom takes it away and gives him a “time out” so he can think about what he did wrong. When he is adequately remorseful his game is restored. Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is training and is often effective.
Of course, to the one being disciplined it feels like punishment...
In chapters 8-10, Job listens to his friend Bildad who, though less accusatory then Eliphaz, was no more helpful. Bildad suggested trouble is not necessarily a punishment from God but God uses trouble to “get our attention” and train us in righteousness. It’s the natural order of things and there are consequences to sin...not connected with punishment
So, Bildad offers these words in the face of Job’s claim of innocence; “Does God Almighty ever get things backward? It’s plain that your children sinned against him—Here’s what you must do—and don’t put it off any longer: Get down on your knees before God Almighty. If you’re as innocent and upright as you say, it’s not too late—he’ll come running; he’ll set everything right again, reestablish your fortunes.” (The Message)
Notwithstanding the heartless claim that Job’s children were dead because they were bad, Bildad posits this baseless and self-serving advice...”just say you’re sorry and God will give you all your stuff back.”
The lesson of Job’s trouble as NOT that we should do whatever it takes to get our stuff back.
And, this can only work if I know what I’ve done wrong so Job rightfully rejects Bildad’s advice. In response he says “if God would just tell me what I’ve done wrong, I’d repent!” This folly leads us to heed “Tim, the Tool man’s” misguided advice: “The secret to a happy marriage is simple. When you wake up in the morning, the very first thing you say to your wife is ‘I’m sorry’”. For what? It doesn’t matter...just be sorry. The theology slanders God. He doesn’t want us to be sorry. He wants us to be joyful in the knowledge that He has redeemed us.
As with Eliphaz, we know something Bildad didn’t; Job’s trouble wasn’t the result of his lack of repentance...it was because of Satan. To be sure, God disciplines those whom He loves (Prov. 3:12) and most of us have lived through some of that training. Still, our troubles are not simply a parental “time out” until we say we’re sorry. While genuine introspection is valuable in the face of any trial it will not always bring a satisfactory answer.
So, what should we learn? I’m reminded that this world we so often refer to as “the majestic handiwork of God” bears little resemblance to the glory of what God originally provided us. Since sin entered this world it has become Satan’s kingdom and everything he touches...he ruins. As believers, we are islands of holiness in this sea of sin and are occasionally going to be buffeted by the storm of filth. When that happens, we may be better served by dwelling on what God has taken more than what He has given; He’s taken our sin...we are continually being washed clean by the Blood of God’s Son, our High Priest. I should be sobered by the knowledge it was my sin that caused His suffering but I need to remember...when these days of trouble end...I will receive a crown of righteousness and be forever free from the struggle.
Until then...don’t listen to Bildad. Sometime trouble just...is.
Live boldly out there today...
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