Anguish and Judging

Dear Neighbor,

This morning I read Job 3-4; Job lamented his life and wished that he was never born, and his friend Eliphaz reminds Job of the theology of that day, “the innocent do not suffer.” I confess that I have both felt as Job and thought as Eliphaz. My life is not what I thought that it would be an I am often in anguish and I have counseled others when not understanding their situation.

I am in my 24th year as a Registered Nurse and have spent the majority of that time in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. I have seen so much pain, suffering, anger, death and sorrow. All of this weighs me down and effects my continence and emotion. I am normally able to deal with this through the Lord and stepping away on my days off into my own household, but like Job, much has been taken away during the past two years. Do not misunderstand, I am not lamenting the day of my birth or wishing that I were dead, but I have a great deal of anguish and sorrow in my heart about the present; therefore, I can understand Job’s lamenting his life and not judge him for his sorrow.

On the other hand, I believe that none are righteous, that none understand, that none seek for God, that no one is good. Therefore, I can understand Eliphaz’ point of view when not understanding the truth about what has happened to Job, not understanding the anguish that is in Job’s heart. Eliphaz the Temanite believed that he was rightly admonishing Job, but he did not know the real reason for Job’s plight, nor did he understand the anguish that Job was going through.

Michael Peek

Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake

The Innocent Do Suffer

Job 3-4

Job did not charge the Lord with injustice or with evil but he did lament the day of his birth and wished that he had never been born. He thought, aren’t the dead better off than the living and are not all equal in death. The wicked no longer do harm in death and the suffering are at rest. 

I confess that I have thought this way myself. I do not think that I have ever wished that I had never been born. However, nurses and especially ICU nurses see a great deal of suffering. I have seen suffering that haunts my very heart, mind and soul. People also want to put to death criminals because in death they can no longer do any harm.

Is it true that the dead no longer suffer and the wicked can no longer act wickedly? Is it true that the suffering are better off dead than living? The Christian hope is not death but the resurrection and eternal life in the kingdom of God. 

Job’s friend Eliphaz begins to lay out a case that Job is suffering because he has done some kind of evil. Eliphaz believes, as many eastern religions do, that evil begets evil. That if you see someone suffering it is because they have done something wrong. This is the idea of Karma; that if you do good, you get good but if you do bad, you get bad. The problem is that bad things do happen to good people.

Theologically speaking, there are none righteous, not even one; therefore, we all deserve eternal punishment in hell. We should also keep in mind that those who have come to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are declared righteous by God. Followers of Jesus Christ are righteous in the eyes of God. So, why do followers of Jesus Christ suffer?

The truth is that people who are doing what is right do suffer in this world. Not only do people of eastern religion and philosophy think that people suffer because they have done something wrong but nurses do also. Nurses often use the word un-complient, believing that the disease process is because of un-compliance. This happens often with congestive heart failure patients and diabetic patients who have frequent hospitalizations. Neither of these patients asked for the disease that they have, nor did they do anything different than a great number of persons who do not have these diseases. Things are not equal in this world. Some people suffer a great deal more than other people. Some people live long lives free of disease. Some people live for many years, suffering a chronic illness.

The apostle Paul wrote, (1 Corinthians 15:19) “If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” Both believer and unbeliever alike suffer unequally in this world. The Christian hope is not to be free of suffering and death in this world but in the world that is to come after the resurrection.

In Adversity, Can You Say, Blessed is the Name of the Lord?

This morning I read Job chapters 1-2. Job was a rich man with much integrity who worshiped the Lord God. Satan made accusations against God, that the reason that Job worshiped the Lord was because of the good things that the Lord does for him. Therefore, the Lord allowed calamity to befall Job’s possessions and children but did not allow Satan to harm Job. Four men came and reported Job’s losses. However, through all of this Job did not sin nor blame God. 

Satan then returned to accuse, saying that the reason that Job holds his integrity is because he was not harmed. That a man will give anything for his life. The Lord gave it to Satan to harm Job but not take his life. Satan smote Job with boils that covered his body. Job sat on the ashes of what he once had and scraped his boils with a potsherd. Job’s wife came and said to him, “Curse God and die.” However, Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?”

I have been thanking about this lately because I have had much loss during the past year. I have by no means lost everything but I have lost much of what is dear to me. My wife and I spent many years raising two children, neither of whom are following the Lord. I wore a mask at work and when I went into a store. I avoided public gathering, accept I went to the church on Sunday mornings. My wife and I sat on a pew separated from others and would depart after the service with very little contact with others. I spent the year feeling alone and isolated. Despite all of this, I became infected with covid-19 sars and was at home isolated from family and friends on Christmas day. 

“Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?”

How shall I give thanks to the Lord when I have loss. It is not because I contracted covid-19 that I lament but it is the isolation and my children being worldly that I lament. Shall I follow the advice of Job’s wife, “Curse God and die.” Or shall I say, “Naked I came into this world and naked I leave. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed is the name of the Lord?” 

The Lord is sovereign, he is on the throne of God no matter what is occurring in our lives. It is easy to give thanks and say, “Blessed is the name of the Lord,” when all is going well, but can you say it during adversity?

Job 40-42

What does it say?

After hearing the Lord speak Job said, “I am insignificant; what can I reply to you?” God wants to know if Job will really annul his judgment in order to justify himself because that would require Job’s condemnation of God. God says that he made Job and the Behemoth. The Behemoth as a very large and very strong creature. The Behemoth is the first of the ways of God. The sea creature Leviathan is so strong that no man can capture it and the Leviathan was made by God. God created everything and everything created belongs to God. There is no creature that the Leviathan fears. Job confesses that he did not really know God and spoke what he did not understand. Job is repentant towards God and attentive to hear the word of God. The Lord was displeased with the way Job’s friends spoke; therefore, the Lord commanded them to make sin offerings and piece offerings to God through Job. After Job’s intercession for his friends, the Lord restored all of the fortunes of Job two fold. Job died an old man and full of days. 

What does it mean?

What can a man say to God? God created everything and everything belongs to God. I belong to God, for the Lord our God created me. The greatest and most powerful creatures on the earth and in the sea were created by God. This means that God is more powerful than the most powerful things in creation. I cannot think of anything in the solar system larger and more powerful than the sun; yet, God created the sun and the sun belongs to God. The earth looks like a speck next to the sun and I am not even a speck on the earth. I am insignificant; what can I say to God? The answer is nothing. I must confess my sin and repent. I need atonement and an intercessor to draw near to God.

What Shall I do?

I shall not complain about whatever the Lord gives me. The Lord is God and I am a man. I am writing this on Easter morning just before sunrise. The sun is about to rise on the first day of the week. Today we remember the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. On that morning, about 2000 years ago, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. (Jn 20:1) This insignificant woman looked into the holy of holies and saw two angles in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. (Jn 20:11-12) The Lord revealed himself to her in the garden, near the tomb, bodily risen from the dead. She was the first to be commissioned by the Lord. Jesus said, “Go to my brethren and say to them, I ascend to my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.” (Jn 20:17) I am insignificant, yet the Lord has revealed himself to me in his word. The Lord himself became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ and atoned for my sins on the cross. Now he lives to make intercession for me, so that I can draw near to God. (Heb 7:25) My life does not belong to me but to the Lord; he created me and he redeemed me by his blood through faith. I belong to the Lord; therefore, I shall learn to observe all that he commands. (Mt 28:16-20)

Job 38-39

What does it say?

God speaks to Job and asks, who is this who speaks without knowledge? God asks Job, have you ever commanded the morning. God speaks to Job about all the wonders of the earth and the sea and the heavens. God asks Job, do you understand these and do you have the power to command them? God asks Job, do you understand all of the creatures of the earth? The examples given are the mountain goat giving birth, the wild donkey foraging, the wild ox, the ostriches laying her eggs on the ground, the might of the horse, the soaring hawk, and the eagle who nests on cliffs. For each of these God asks Job, do you have the power to command them and do you see what these are doing all of the time? 

What does it mean?

It means that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present and man is not. The theological terms for these three are: Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence. Man is not omnipotent, we have power to do things but our power is limited. Man is not omniscient, we have knowledge but even the most brilliant scientist’s knowledge is fractional. Man is not omnipresent, we can only be in one place at a time. Our eyes can only see what what is before us, our ears can only hear what is near us, and we can only touch as far as our arm reaches. We have power, knowledge, and presences but we are limited. We are made in the image of God but we are not God.

What shall I do?

I shall worship the Lord. The Lord is God. I shall not think because I have power, knowledge and presence that I should advise God. God has all-power, all-knowledge and is present everywhere. No man can question God or stand before him. The Lord is the almighty one! He created heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them. (Acts 4:24) I shall ask the Lord for strength because I am weak. I shall ask the Lord for understanding because I am ignorant and cannot see. The Lord is our God and he is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present, and all-good. I know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28) God has given us this knowledge about his nature in his written word the Bible. I shall trust the word of the Lord!

Job 35-37

What does it say?

Elihu reproved Jobs thinking, saying that God is so much higher than you. The Lord God is so high that you cannot comprehend him. The Lord God is so high that your sins cannot hurt him, nor can your righteousness help him. Elihu says that God is mighty, but does not despise any. God reproves some that they may repent, but the godless in heart lay up anger and do not repent. Men should exalt the work of God for he is a mighty teacher of men. Elihu describes the sovereignty of God over all that he has created. God causes the lightening, the thunder, the snow and the rain to fall. God is the back of every storm. The storm does whatever the Lord commands. God uses storms for both correction and lovingkindness. Men are not able to do the mighty things of God. The Lord God does not regard man who is wise at heart; therefore, men should fear him.

What does it mean?

We cannot hurt God nor can we help God. The Lord God does not need us to accomplish anything. The Lord is almighty! The Lord God loves his children; therefore, he corrects us. God uses his creation to correct us. We should not be angered by the reproving hand of God but should repent and learn from his correction because he is our good teacher. We should be exalting God for what he does on the earth and for his reproving our sin. The things that seem bad are actually for good even though we do not understand. We should not be wise at heart but fear the Lord because he is the mighty one. 

What shall I do?

Just this morning I was lamenting the things happening on the earth because of this COVID-19 virus. So many people sick, so many people out of work, so many people isolated and churches are not meeting together. I do not understand what God is doing, but I do know the he is the sovereign of the storm. God is in control of his creation. Whether this storm is for correction, or for his world, or for lovingkindness, he is causing it to happen. (Job 37:13) I shall exalt God for what he is doing on the earth. I do not understand, but I do know that it is for good, because I know that the Lord our God is good.

Job 32-34

What does it say?

Elihu in anger rebuked Job because he justified himself before God; also his three friends because they found no answer, yet they condemned Job. Elihu claims to speak for God. Elihu Vindicates God’s Justice. 

What does it mean?

Elihu kept quite until the three elder friends of Job rested their case. They condemned Job a sinner without answering his arguments. The Scripture says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom 3:23) I know that all men have sinned but I cannot judge someone without giving evidence. Elihu says that Job’s friends condemned him a sinner without law. It is as though Job was on trial. These three men condemned him without law. What would you think if you heard that a man was walking down the street in tattered clothing; the police arrested him and the judge sentences him to a prison? Wouldn’t you want to know his crime and the evidence that he broke the law? The law needs to be stated, and evidence for breaking that law must be given before the accused is condemned to prison. Elihu declares the justice of God with evidence.

What shall I do?

I shall not judge, so that I will not be judged. I do not want someone judging me without evidence; therefore, I shall not judge another without evidence. (Mt 7:1-2) It isn’t that I shall never judge, but I shall not judge based on appearances. If I do judge, I shall make a righteous judgment according to the law. (Jn 7:24) In order for a man to understand his need for the atonement of Jesus Christ, I shall give him the law of God, so that he may judge himself righteously.

Job 29-31

What does it say?

Job’s past was glorious. When Job walked in the market place men stood before him and their mouths were hushed. However, Jobs present state is humiliating. Job is taunted by fools. Job calls out to God for help but he does not answer or come to his aide. Job asserts his integrity. Job believes that he should be judged righteously. Job believes that if he has done wrong he should be punished but asserts that he has lived righteously. Job speaks of the commandments while stating what he has done and what he has not done. 

What does it mean?

It is often the case that we honor our past and lament the present. Job’s past was glorious and his present state is humiliating; however, Job is not really humble because he boast in self-righteousness. 

What should I do?

I remember having a young wife who adored me and children who looked up to me. Our children have grown and no longer listen to my word; however, my wife remains at my side. We often remember the past together and lament the present. Neither of our children have married and given us grandchildren. We look at others who have had weddings for their children and are now enjoying grandchildren. We wonder why we cannot have the same. The past was not as glorious as we remember and the present is not as bad as we make it out to be. The Lord God has blessed us far beyond what we deserve. In fact, we deserve death and eternal punishment for our sins committed against God. Therefore, we should fall to the ground and worship the Lord saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked I shall return there.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21) 

Job 24-28

What does it say?

Job says that God seems to ignore wrongs. Bildad says that man is inferior. Job rebukes Bildad for his unkind words. Job speaks of the greatness of God. Job holds fast to his personal righteousness. Job says that God will crush the wicked. Job says that a man can find riches on the earth; however, wisdom and understanding are harder for a man to find, nor can he buy them with the riches of the earth. The fear of the Lord is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding. 

What does it mean?

When we survey the earth it appears that God ignores wrongs. How can anyone deny this unless he his blind. There is a great deal of wickedness on the earth and many of the wicked live rich productive lives. Is God unjust? Job holds that God is just. The wicked seek after riches but wisdom is better than riches. All of Job’s riches were taken from him but Job has something worth far more than riches. Job has wisdom and understanding. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Mt 10:28) Job has an understanding of justice beyond the grave. 

What shall I do?

I shall repent and put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins. I know that God has the power to destroy my body and soul in hell. I know that it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment. (Heb 9:27) I know that I am guilty of breaking God’s law: I have put many things before God. I have worshiped idols. I have used God’s name in vain. I have forgotten the Sabbath. I have dishonored my father and mother. I have hated my brother and lusted for my neighbors wife. I have stolen and lied. I have coveted what belongs to my neighbor. If I come to the judgment seat of God without the perfect substitute, I would be destroyed, because I deserve death and hell. But thanks be to God for his gracious gift; he is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Rom 3:21-26)

Job 21-23

What does it say?

Job says that one man dies full of strength, being at ease, and satisfied; while another man dies with a bitter soul, never tasting good things in life. Eliphaz accuses Job of great wickedness and exhorts him to yield to God, listen to his word, and be restored. Job longs to speak with God and present his case before him, that he may be justified, yet Job knows that the Lord does what he desires; therefore, he is terrified of him.

What does it mean?

To this point in the dialogue, the friends of Job have implied that Job is wicked, but now Eliphaz outwardly accuses Job of wickedness. The only evidence that he has that job is wicked is that Job has been crushed by God. Eliphaz’s logic is based on a faulty premise. The premise being that God gives good things to the righteous man and bad things to the wicked. However, Job knows that this is not the way of things in this world. What a man receives in this world is not based on personal righteousness or unrighteousness. One man may receive good things in life and another may receive bad things and it is not based on whether they are good or bad. Job understands that the Lord deals with each man has his soul desires, he appoints some a life of ease and to others a life of labor. 

What shall I do?

I have read a great deal about personal evangelism and have studied many methods. Some methods actually employ the faulty premise that unrighteousness leads to a bad life and righteousness leads to a good life. The three circles method uses this logic and it is very faulty. One of the problems with the method is that you have to wait for someone to be in despair before you can talk with them about forgiveness in Christ. The only true way, is what Ray Comfort of Living Waters ministries calls, the Way of the Master. When a man is self righteous (rich young ruler, Lk 18:18-25) you give him law and when a man is humble (blind Bartimaeus, Lk 18:35-43) you give him grace; between these two stories is the gospel. (Lk 18:26-34)

Job 17-20

What does it say?

Job says that he has become a byword for the people and men spit at him as if he were dirt. Bildad believes that only the wicked man receives the bad things that Job has received. Job feels insulted that his friends believe that he has done wrong. Job says that everything and everyone is against him, will not his friends at least have pity for him. Job believes that God is just, therefore, he will redeem him and when he does his friends should be afraid of judgment. Zophar says that the triumph of the wicked is short for God gives the wicked bitterness. 

What does it mean?

In this present world justice is often not the case. A wicked man lives a rich productive life and a God fearing man has nothing to eat. Job believes that there is no justice on the earth but in the end God will be just. Bildad and Zophar believe in what is called retribution theology. What goes around comes around. So, who is correct? Bildad and Zophar are like ivory tower theologians. Their knowledge about justice does not fit with the actual world. There is a great deal of injustice in this present world. Job did not deserve to loose his health and wealth, nor did not deserve the ridicule of his friends and neighbors; yet, this is what he has been given. However, Job understands that in the end God will always do what is right and justice will be done. We may not see justice in this lifetime but the judgment of God is coming to the earth.

What shall I do?

I shall put my faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and observe all that Jesus Christ commanded. The kingdom of God is already and not yet. Jesus Christ has already been given all authority in heaven and on earth but he has not yet sat down on his glorious throne to judge the earth. Therefore, there is injustice on the earth. Yesterday I took care of three patients: an elderly woman with bilateral pneumonia, a young man with an injury caused by chronic illness, and a man who had coronary artery bypass surgery. Why should these people suffer while others do not. The woman lived a long life before becoming ill, but what about the young man? Why did she live a long life without illness, yet this young man had illness from childhood. One of the the excuses that people use for turning against God is the bad things that happen in their life. Yet, the Scriptures make no promises of good on the earth. However, the Scriptures do promise of judgment to come; “and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left...These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Mt 25:33, 46) 

Job 14-16

What does it say?

Job says that life is short and death leaves a man unaware of anything happening on the earth. Eliphaz accuses Job of boasting with empty words. He says that Job’s wisdom is without understanding or knowledge. Eliphaz said that it is the corrupt and godless ones who have a difficult life, their end is destruction. Job calls his friends sorry comforters. If he was in their place he could choose to tear down as they are doing or he could choose to build up. Job says that he was at ease and God has shattered him and set him up as a target for ridicule. Job trust that in the end, God will be his advocate. Job desires to plead with God before the end of his days, as a man pleads with his neighbor. 

What does it mean?

Despite all that has happened to Job, even while understanding that God either caused or allowed him to suffer, he trusts that God will be his advocate and witness. Job is left without hope of anything on the earth. All of Job’s positions, servants and children were taken from him. His flesh is covered with painful boils that itch day and night. His friends who should be there to comfort him scoff at him. Words really do matter. The things that one man says to another man can either build up or tear down.

What shall I do?

Lately, except my wife, I have no contact with friends or family. I am either at work in the intensive care unit or at home with my wife because of this social distancing (quarantine) set up by our government. I am somewhat of an introverted person, but even for me, it is to much. I do, however, have much contact with the sick. Their families are restricted from the hospital, so, nurses are all that they see. My words to them must be encouraging. I need to build up and not tear down. These patients are suffering, and like me, they are isolated from family and friends, but I have the Lord and my wife. I need to be their comforter and advocate this day and everyday that I am with them.

Job 11-13

What does it say?

Zophar rebukes Job that he should confess his sin to God for the Lord knows all. Job responds that God is sovereign over all. Job says that God builds up and tears down. The Lord is all powerful, so, everything occurs by his decree. The Lord makes men powerful and tears them down. Job says that his friends accusations him and their words about God are like dust or ashes that blow away. Job trust that he will be vindicated by God. Job believes that God counts him as his enemy but does not understand the reason. 

What does it mean?

We should not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. (Jn 7:24) Zophar judged Job according to appearance and used what he knows about God to rebuke Job. Zophar is correct to say that God sees all sin. There is nothing hidden from God, even our thoughts and desires are not hidden from the Lord. (Dan 2:22) Zophar understands this, but he does not know that Job’s loosing positions, loved ones, and physical sufferings are not because of iniquity on Job’s part. Job acknowledges the sovereignty of God more than Zophar. Job understands that God builds up and tears down but does not understand why God has torn him down. Job assumes that the Lord counts him as an enemy but trust that in the end God will always do what is right. We should be very careful to make quick judgments.

What shall I do?

I shall refrain from judging according to appearances. It is often assumed in healthcare that lifestyle is the cause of disease. This is often true but not always true. I will often hear that such and such a patient is non-compliant. Meaning that they do not follow doctors orders or the recommended guidelines for managing their chronic illness. However, when a judgment is made that so and so is non-compliant, does anyone consider the reason. If we do not know the reason we cannot judge righteously. It takes time and effort to judge righteously. Judging according to appearances takes no effort. I shall be very careful when judging other people. I need to know more than what I see. Also, I shall trust that the Lord God will always do the right thing. I may not understand why bad things happen but I must trust the Lord for he is good.

Job 8-10

What does it say?

Bildad says that God rewards the good but punishes all who sin against him; therefore, Job and his sons must have sinned against God because the Lord would not reject a man of integrity. Job answers, there is no arbitrator between man and God. The Lord is all powerful; therefore, man cannot dispute against the Lord. Job believes that he is innocent but if God holds him guilty there is no disputing the Lord. Job does not understand why God has dealt this blow to his life. Job says that God knitted him together and granted him life and lovingkindness, so why did God bring him forth from his mothers womb. Was it to give him despair?

What does it mean?

Men often believe that things should be black and white. Bildad’s statement is true. Bildad believes that God rewards good behavior and punishes bad behavior. However, when I survey the earth I find many of the rich and famous acting very badly. I see the poor acting badly as well, so, it cannot be as black and what as Bildad makes things out to be. Job believes that there is more to the matter. The Lord is all powerful; therefore, God can do whatever he wants to do. Job also knows that God is just; therefore, he wants to know why he has placed such adversary on him. If God will not answer, may he at least have mercy and take his eyes off of him for his remaining days.

What shall I do?

I have spent a great deal of time reading what men have to say about God’s nature but we have to true sources: creation and the scriptures.

Psalms 19:1

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;

And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

I shall observe creation and I shall read the scriptures because these are what has been given to man to know God. I know that there is injustice on the earth. I know that through Moses God has given his law to man. I know that grace and truth came to man through Jesus Christ. (Jn 1:17) I know that we are not promised a problem free life on the earth; (Jn 16:2) however, I know that God has promised eternal life for all who believe in the Son. (Jn 3:16)

Job 5-7

What does it say?

Eliphaz continues his discourse saying that God is just; he believes that if Job would just turn to the Lord, confessing and forsaking his sin, the Lord will restore him. Job answers, saying, that his friends or no comfort, he has no pleasure in life, he desires death rather than what he has been given. Job upholds his righteousness, saying, “Show me were I have erred.” To Job, life seems futile. Man labors all of his days then dies. Job finds no comfort, if he lies down to sleep he is tormented with dreams. Job questions why would God be concerned about him. Job wants to know what he has done to offended God. 

What does it mean?

Job’s friend Eliphaz believes that God is just and he is correct in saying so but does not understand that Job’s suffering is not because Job has personally sinned. Eliphaz does not know that God allowed Satan to take Job’s wealth and health. It is easy for men to fall into despair when the world around us crumbles. What hope is there in life when there is no pleasure. God is just but he allows evil. Why? God only knows. When counseling our neighbor, who is in despair, we should not assume that God is punishing them. The Lord is a just God who allows evil to exist in this present world. Innocent people suffer horribly in the world that we live in and people who hate God live wealthy and healthy all of the days of their lives. Is there injustice with God? Job does not curse God or say that he is unjust but he questions why God is against him and wants to know what he has done wrong. Job does not know that neither is the case. We should trust that our present suffering has a Divine purpose, even though we cannot understand that purpose now. We must trust the Lord!

What shall I do?

This may seem insignificant to some but I assure you that it is a big deal to me. In one month I will celebrate my 52nd birthday. At the age of 5, I began running with my dad. I cannot recall a week of my life that I haven’t gone for a run outdoors. Six weeks ago, the plantar fascia in my right foot ruptured. I was placed in an orthopedic boot and told that I couldn’t run for 6 weeks. I have been depressed these past 6 weeks. Running is my respite. When I feel sad or angry, I go for a run and all seems better when I return. I do a great deal of meditating while running. I have preached many a sermon to myself during a 1 1/2 hour run. Job could not get away from his problems even in sleep. The one thing that gives me respite from this world was taken away. Should I think it is because God is against me or because I have done something wrong? We live in a fallen world in which bad things happen. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God; therefore, there are no good people when we compare ourselves to the holy standard of God’s law. However, God declares all who are in Jesus Christ righteous. Why should those whom God declared righteous suffer? Some are imprisoned and some beaten for Christ. Why is this allowed? I shall trust the Lord our God, that he is causing all things to work together for good. (Rom 8:28) I may never know the reason for certain sufferings but I shall trust the word of the Lord that he is good.

Job 1-4

What does it say?

Job was a wealthy man who feared God. Satan accused that Job honored God only because God made him wealthy. The Lord God gave Satan the power to strike all that Job had, so he took away all that Job owned, as well as his sons and daughters. Job did not curse God but worshiped the Lord. Satan accused that if Job’s life is touched he will curse the Lord. The Lord allowed Satan to give Job boils, yet when his wife told him to curse God he blessed the Lord. Job’s three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar came to Job to sympathize and comfort him. These friends sat with him for a week. Job laments his life, stating that it would have been better if he had never been born. Eliphaz believes that the innocent do not suffer as Job has; therefore, implying that Job must have sinned against the Lord. 

What does it mean?

Having wealth and fearing God seem to go hand in hand. Are not the wealthy and healthy the blessed ones? Satan’s accusation is that Job fears God and turns away from evil only because God prospers him. However, Job’s love for God proved to not be based in health, wealth and prosperity but in righteousness. We should not love the Lord for the things that he gives us. We should love the Lord because he is holy. The three friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar did what friends should do, they supported their friend in his time of grief. However, Eliphaz reveals that they believed that health, wealth and prosperity are based in personal righteousness. If a man lives uprightly, fearing God and turning away from evil, God well bless him with health, wealth and make his going prosperous. However, if he sins, God will curse him with poverty and sickness. Are the wealthy and healthy blessed of the Lord? Are the poor and sick cursed of the Lord? 

What shall I do?

This really causes me to think deeply about how and why I should praise God. Do I praise him because of the things that he has given me or because he is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet, will by no means leave the guilty unpunished? In other words, do I love God for who he is or for what he gives me? The COVID-19 crisis is proving that health and wealth can disappear in an instant. I know that the Lord is sovereign; therefore, this crisis is happening because God is allowing it to happen. Should I curse the Lord if I or my love ones become sick? Should I look on those who have lost wealth or jobs as being greater sinners than those who have not? Should I look on those who are sick as being greater sinners than those who are not? If so, I would have to think that the healthy and wealthy are righteous; yet, the scriptures declare that none are righteous. (Rom 3:10) The answer to all of these questions is no, I should not. I shall worship the Lord because he is God and I shall not have an attitude of personal favoritism. (Jam 2:1)  I shall love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul and mind; and I shall love my neighbor as myself. (Mt 22:37-39)