2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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GOD’S UNFATHOMABLE WAYS
TUESDAY, MAY 17
Job 21:22-34
Isaiah 40:9-15
“My heart and my flesh
crieth out for the living God.”
GOD’S UNFATHOMABLE WAYS
Job’s three friends continued to insist that the wicked always suffer on this earth but this is obviously not the way God works. Hence, Job asked them if they would teach God what was right (Job 21:22; Isa 40:14).
Some wicked men live in luxury all their lives but others, who are no more wicked, live in poverty. However, in the end, they all die and their bodies rot in the grave (Job 21:23-26). Since this is true, his friends should accept it and not insist on dogma that was clearly false (Prov 3:7).
Job knew that his friends had already made up their minds that his suffering was because of unconfessed sin. They were not listening to Job but only preparing further accusations against him. Travellers brought word that many wicked were rich and were never accused of their wickedness. They told of wicked man who went to their graves, never charged with their sin and, after their death, remembered with honour. However, Job’s friends would not change their position (Job 21:27-33).
Some men will persist in their way even when they are proven wrong. These are dangerous people, unable to accept the truth. It is best to leave such people to their own devices and simply to pray for them (Prov 14:7). However, Job could not do this and had to continue to listen to his friends expound on their dogma despite its lack of truth.
Job then asked his friends how they could expect to console him by speaking nonsense – there was nothing left of their answer but falsehood. How sad to need a comforter and not be able to find one! In the midst of a busy life, it is important that God’s people not neglect to gather with the church so as to exhort one another to good works and encourage one another in times of trouble (Job 21:34; Heb 10:24-25).
THOUGHT: Why could Job’s friends not console him?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee that Thy Word is a comfort in affliction.