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LONGING FOR GOD’S JUDGMENT
MONDAY, MAY 23
Job 24:1-12

Psalm 79:1-6

 

“O GOD, the heathen are

come into thine inheritance…”

 

LONGING FOR GOD’S JUDGMENT
 
Job asked why God did not set times to judge the wicked. The righteous waited in vain for this time of judgment to come. Often, God’s people of old cried out, asking God how long they would suffer while the wicked prospered (Job 24:1; Ps 79:6-7).
 
Job’s friends insisted that divine punishment was seen everywhere on this earth, but Job realised that this was not true. He spoke of how wicked men went about fearlessly breaking God’s law and were unpunished for it while the poor and helpless were misused by these wicked men. Job spoke of those who removed landmarks. This was done by those who wished to deprive someone of their land. It was forbidden in the Scriptures (Deut 19:14; Prov 22:28). This same kind of men would steal the flocks and goods while their owners were absent. They took advantage of orphans and widows, insisting that they put up things needed for their livelihood as security for their debt. The poor and the hungry were frightened before these wicked people who seemed to go on their way unpunished for their terrible sins (Job 24:2-4).
 
We should have mercy on the honest poor (Ps 41:1). Job outlined how the wicked took advantage of the poor. They worked long hours and did not get honest wages. They did not have proper clothing or a place to live. The Scriptures strongly urge those who are employers to treat their employees well and not to take advantage of their poverty. Honest wages should be paid and given on time. Orphans and widows should not be taken advantage of but helped (Job 24:5-9; Deut 24:14-15, 17).
 
Today, even as in Job’s days, we see wicked men of power and wealth who take advantage of the poor without being punished for their wickedness (Job 24:10-12). However, we know that their judgment is sure. Christians who are employers should behave in a Christian way, as an example of God’s righteousness, mercy and justice.
 
THOUGHT: Name some of the seemingly unpunished sins listed here.

PRAYER: Father, help me to behave in a manner pleasing to Thee.

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