Job: Part 2 - (Zophar vs Job 1):

Can suffering be explained or eliminated?

“Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.” Job 14:1, 2

Mercy Me recorded a powerful message in their song; “Even If”

It's easy to sing when there's nothing to bring me down

But what will I say when I'm held to the flame 

like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can

Save through the fire with Your mighty hand

But even if You don't, my hope is You alone 

I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt

Would all go away if You'd just say the word

But even if You don't, my hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good all of my days

Jesus, I will cling to You, come what may

‘Cause I know You're able...I know You can

Job had endured enough accusation and reached out to God. He said “God, don’t agree with these jokers who say I’m guilty of something without letting me know what I’ve done wrong. Why are you letting these friends antagonize me with their compulsion  to dig up some dirt on me? You know good and well I’m not guilty.”

Of course this doesn’t deter Zophar who, nearly apoplectic, responds (chapter 11) in the most direct and accusatory language of the three friends; he suggests Job deserves even worse than he has gotten. He said, “Job, God has forgotten half your sins so you’re getting off easy! Do you think you can carry on like this and we’ll say nothing? You claim you’re impeccable. I wish God would give you a piece of his mind.” (The Message)

And...he‘s not done. He accuses Job of lying. “God sees your vain pretensions of righteousness and is not fooled — no one pulls the wool over his eyes! — just tell the truth and God will restore all you lost“

Job doesn’t pull any punches in a response that covers three chapters. He says “I’m sure you are the smartest guys in the room, and when you die there’ll be no one left to tell us how to live but, I also have a brain—And It doesn’t take an expert to figure out your ridicule is self-serving because...since you’re not suffering...you imply you are righteously in tune with God.”

 Job then offers his explanation of things; It’s clear that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand? Strength and success belong to Him and we’d better realize we answer to Him. He makes nations rise and then fall, builds up some and abandons others. He robs world leaders of their reason, letting them grope around without a clue...staggering like drunks.”

And...the coup d’gras.

“I am not inferior to you. I know everything you know but...I’m not going to argue with you because you smear me with lies. You utter lies on God’s behalf...speaking deceitfully for him. Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you attempt to deceive me? I’m through with you. I plan to argue my case with God.”

They’re like Satan asking Adam and Eve, “did God really say...?”

Don’t listen...

Sometimes suffering is inexplicable. God understands it and we don’t. For this reason alone, the only real balm is to take it to...and leave it with...God. Job doesn’t imply with a Pollyanna naïveté that the result will solve his problems. In fact, he proclaims “even if God kills me I will still trust Him! This is going to work out for the best—my salvation!”

The truth is, our lives here on earth are too short and too difficult (Job 14:1, 2). God has explained why in Genesis, chapter three; we are too willing to listen to someone other than God. So, when Adam and Eve listened to Satan, God responded; “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

But we keep looking for a better answer. It’s what started this mess in the beginning. It’s not directly my fault but I’m infected with the need to get a second opinion...assuring my continued confusion.  

Who are we listening to today?

Live boldly out there today...

Job: Part 2 - (Bildad vs Job 1):

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...