Read Job 20:1-29
Zophar never comes right out and calls Job wicked, but it is implied. Again, I marvel at how much these “so called” friends of Job know about wickedness and the fate of the wicked. What do you make of their descriptions?
What is your take away from this reading today? Did you see anything to help you recognize what might be wickedness around you disguised as good? In Job’s case, he is a good man disguised as evil. At least that’s they way his friends see him. What can be reassuring is that evil will not last. As believers, we know God has the final victory. Wrath will one day fall on the wicked.
We don’t know when the book of Job was written or who these people are. Did they recognize good and wicked because they had the law God had given Moses? Or were they close to God like the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) who didn’t have those laws yet? Either way, evil existed, and God-fearing people wanted to keep their distance.
Zophar is confident the wicked ones will vanish, never to be seen again. There is no mention of God’s grace, of repentance, or restoration of lost souls. Even in the midst of trouble, God’s grace is always available for those who turn to God. Wicked people can change when they realize how much their need a Savior.
For Zophar and his friends, they have gotten stuck in the blame game pointing fingers at Job. It seems like evil has taken over their minds as well so they fail at supporting Job or actually listening to what he has say. Job is waiting for God to move. He’s waiting for grace, for God’s favor.
In 2nd Corinthians 12:9, the apostle Paul tells of how he begged God to take away the struggle. Paul writes, “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’” And continuing in verse 10, Paul tells about an “a-ha moment” he has had about grace and how he responds. He said, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
God’s grace is a gift we can all receive. We can’t earn it be doing good, but doing good shows our allegiance when we act in Jesus’ name. Ephesians 2:8-9 remind us, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Proverbs 3:34 is another good reminder. “The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.” Job is trying to stay humble. Under the circumstances, it doesn’t appear to be difficult. Zophar is convinced that God will give a reward to the wicked, but it’s not a positive thing, only heartache and destruction.
I’m going to focus on God’s gift of grace. Even though Job and his friends can’t see it yet, God’s mercy and grace is available to those who ask.
Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for the sufficiency of your grace. You know I am a wounded servant in need of your grace and mercy. Forgive me when I have failed to listen to your voice or follow your lead. Help me to open my eyes and move boldly forward with humility and devotion to you. May I never feel afraid to share how I feel or who I know Jesus to be. Stir up in me an unstoppable force that will carry me through the ups and downs until that glorious day when I meet you face to face. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
