wickedness – Be Still…

Job 23:1-17 – A Broken Record

Read Job 23:1-17

It seems we’ve got a broken record here in terms of the recurring complaints and misunderstandings. I enjoyed Job’s account of how he’d like to make a visit to God and have a conversation about his state of affairs. Job’s tone is a bit nonchalant, but maybe we need to think of God more as a friend. It’s a little easier to picture ourselves being buddies with Jesus because he wore human flesh. We’ve been told God is to be feared.

The picture Job has must bring him a bit of comfort. The solution sounds so easy. Because Job maintains his innocence, verse 7 is so reassuring. “Honest people can reason with him, so I would be forever acquitted by my judge.” That’s a pretty bold statement showing Job’s confidence both in himself and in his all-knowing God. Continue reading “Job 23:1-17 – A Broken Record”

Job 22:1-30 – Eliphaz’s Final Speech

Read Job 22:1-30

We begin the third round of discussion between friends, although it seems more like a debate. Didn’t Eliphaz pay attention to Job’s last observation about wickedness? Eliphaz doesn’t tread lightly but makes a brutal attack on Job’s character and condition making it clear he thinks Job is one of the wicked ones.

I have an answer to Eliphaz’s first question. “Can a person do anything to help God?” Eliphaz may have meant it as a slam against Job, but there is at least one thing we can do to help God and further his kingdom. We can be good witnesses to God’s love and compassion, to his power and might. We plant seeds of faith that can then be nurtured by God into a living relationship with God. Have you ever had the privilege of introducing anyone to God? Continue reading “Job 22:1-30 – Eliphaz’s Final Speech”

Job 21:1-34 – A Different Viewpoint

Read Job 21:1-34

Job’s friends talk of the curse of wickedness as a wakeup call to get Job to repent. Job sees it differently. Job sees the wicked living what appear to be abundant lives. His friends want to put Job in the camp of the wicked, assuming that is why he is being punished. Those arguments only lead Job into more confusion.

I agree with Job. When we look around at the godless, wicked people of our day, we don’t see doom and gloom. What do we see? We see successful people, people living without a care in the world. Like Job observes, they think their good fortune is because of their own doing. The wicked don’t know or even acknowledge God. Yet their lives look idyllic. Continue reading “Job 21:1-34 – A Different Viewpoint”

Job 20:1-29 – Where’s the Grace?

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. Continue reading “Job 20:1-29 – Where’s the Grace?”

Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 – Good versus Evil

Read Ecclesiastes 8:9-17

Solomon’s laments are familiar to us. We have more than likely at some time in our life wondered why the people who lie, cheat, and do wicked things are alive and well, and even prosperous. Yet, our reward for doing good and striving to be more like Jesus has left us being abused by society while stretching every cent to pay the bills.

The evil one’s plan is masterful. He’s trying to make the grass look greener over on the other side, the wicked side. If we are experiencing oppression for our faith or just hearing of others going through such ridicule, the lures of the evil one can be enticing. That’s why it’s so important to stand firmly on the truth of God’s word.