Tag: Zophar
Do the wicked really get by?
Scripture reading for May 26th: Job 20-21
Job’s friend Zophar was offended by Job’s warning to be afraid of punishment by God as well! (Job 19:28-29) Zophar had a belief that the wicked only get by for a short time and then punishment would fall on them here in this life. He held a strong belief in what he could see, but looks can be deceiving! Job took exception with his theology and his way of comforting him!
Job stated that often the wicked seem to grow old and increase in power. (Job 21:7) He observed that they appear to be safe and have no fear or problems. They mock God and God appears to do nothing. (Job 21:14, 15) Some men die fat and happy, others die in bitterness and pain. The grave swallows them both and we don’t know why. (Job 21:23-26)
This controversy has been the subject of other writers of Scripture. Psalm 73 was written by Asaph, a gifted musician in King David’s Levitical choir. Asaph nearly lost faith when he observed the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:2) He saw that they had health and prosperity and were proud at heart. They scoffed at man and mocked heaven and nothing seemed to happen. He thought he was keeping himself pure for nothing and almost slipped away from serving God. Then he entered the sanctuary of God and he understood their final end. In the end, God would judge them and send them away to sudden destruction! (Psalm 73:16-19)
We can’t go by what we see! The righteous live by their faith! Job was having his faith tested by the taunts of Zophar. Asaph was being tested by Satan when he began to reason by what he observed in the world. We are often tempted to join the wicked in their sins and folly. But when we enter the sanctuary of God and see the truth of His holy Word, we understand that the wicked will not stand in the judgment or sinners before a holy God who will bring every secret thing into judgment! (Psalm 1:5-6) Allow the Lord to bring you understanding today. If you are involved in sin or wickedness, repent quickly and begin a new path of faith and obedience! You’ ll never regret it!
When does God forget sin?
Scripture reading for May 22nd: Job 11-14
“Know this, God has even forgotten some of your sin.” Job 11:6b
“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1st John 1:8-9
Job’s friend Zophar was frank in his accusation that Job needed to repent. He was certain that Job had sinned and that God was being merciful even in this harsh trial. He stated that God had probably forgotten some of Job’s sins or it might be worse! (Job 11:6) If Job would just repent of his sin, God would be merciful to him. (Job 11:14-15) Zophar could not get away from the common understanding of God’s justice that said trouble and suffering were a result of sin in a person’s life.
Job, however, knew of no specific sins and did not want to fake a repentance or manufacture some sin just to manipulate God or appease these friends. Job did know his need for God’s covering of his sins. He wrestled with how he could meet with God and what would happen after death. Finally, Job made a statement of faith concerning his own life and sins. It is in the form of a prayer discourse with God. (Job 14:13-17) Job asked God to hide him in the grave until His anger had passed and then “to set a time and remember me”. He asked that if a man died, would he live again? He stated that he expected to hear a call from God and to respond from the grave because God longed to have fellowship with the “creature He has made”. Job expected by faith that all his sins would be sealed in a bag, covered over and not remembered!
Jesus Christ came as the “mediator” and gave His life for our sins, promising to come again and remember us! He forgave our sins and remembers them no more! We will live with Him forever! This is available now to all who will repent and confess their sins to the Lord! (1st John 1:7-9)