RPG Adults
THE ALL-SEEING GOD
THURSDAY, MAY 19
Job 22:12-20
Psalm 32:1-5
“Blessed is he whose
transgression is forgiven…”
THE ALL-SEEING GOD
God is on the throne. He knows all things and there is no way man can hide from Him. From the beginning, sinful man has tried to hide from God and found it impossible (Gen 3:8); even the darkest clouds cannot hide man’s sin from the eternal Judge (Job 22:11-17; Ps 69:5).
Eliphaz now pleaded with Job to stop following the path of wicked men. Their end is clear – they die before their time and no evidence is left of their existence. These men mock God despite the fact that He has blessed and prospered them. The righteous can find satisfaction in knowing that the destruction of these wicked men is sure (Job 22:15-20). Eliphaz saw Job’s complaint of their failure to comfort him as unjust. Job was a sinner and therefore, it was expected that the righteous would see his terrible punishment as proper.
Obviously, Eliphaz had not considered Job’s argument at all, feeling secure with his ideas and not considering any contrary facts. There was no question that if trouble came into Eliphaz’s life, it would be devastating. As Job had said, Eliphaz could hold his position only because he was not the one suffering. If their positions had been reversed, Eliphaz would be hard-pressed to pursue his dogma.
We recognise some truth in Eliphaz’s statements. He knew that God will forgive the truly repentant sinner. He also understood what to do about suffering that was caused by sin, but he could not understand suffering that came for other reasons and would not be taught otherwise.
In many ways, Job is not a pleasant book to study as it dwells on suffering and unteachable men. Yet, from it, we can learn how to endure suffering for the Lord, knowing that this does not only come because of sin. Moreover, we can be encouraged to be teachable and open to the Holy Spirit as He speaks through God’s Word.
THOUGHT: What can we learn from Job?
PRAYER: Father, I know I cannot hide from Thee.