Job 21:6
When I think about this, I am terrified;
trembling seizes my body.
Job's friend, Zophar, has just giving a theological statement as to the fate of the wicked. Few, in the past or present would disagree with Zophar's words. He has eloquently stated that the wicked will be destroyed by a Holy and Righteous God. Their property will mean nothing, their children will be forsaken, and their souls punished. Reject God and get His wrath. This seems to be Zophar's conclusion. However, Job is struggling, from a practical point-of-view. What Zophar has just spelled out (chapter 20) Job does not see as he looks around him. Perhaps Job doesn't like the implication of Zophar's words. Zophar seems to be saying that wicked people suffer; Job is suffering; therefore, Job is wicked and suffering for it. This is typical syllogistic thought we use today. But, Job is not convinced that Zophar's conclusions are accurate. Job sees many wicked who are prospering. They have no regard for God, for prayer, for anything spiritual and seem to prosper on a day-to-day basis. As a result of these observations, Job is terrified when he thinks of them (see above verse). The thought that the wicked don't suffer (at least immediately) causes Job's body to tremble (as if the sores he was afflicted with in chapter two were not enough). What Job is observing is true for all of us. We struggle with why wicked people are able to "get away" with their wickedness. We, like Job, out to tremble at the thought and be terrified in our spirit. Note that this trembling in his spirit leads Job to the following question:
Job 21:7
Why do the wicked live on,
growing old and increasing in power?
The answer to his question will be provided by Paul (Romans 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:16; Romans 9:22); David (Psalms 73:18); and Jesus (Luke 2:35ff). God is patient with the wicked, but will judge them. Both Job and Zophar are correct in their analysis of the wicked. They are both wrong in their analysis of Job's dilemma, however (isn't that often the case). We ought not tremble or be terrified of what we see the wicked enjoy or suffer for. God is the perfect judge and has perfect timing. We ought to simply know that God will separate the wicked from the righteous in His time and His way. Job has reason to be terrified, if he sees the end of the wicked. He has no reason to be terrified, if he thinks God is ignoring them.
No comments:
Post a Comment