With friends like these, who needs enemies? Have you ever had a close friend turn on you? There’s nothing worse.
Eliphaz really seems to “take the gloves off” when he accuses Job in this discourse. He goes through a long list of sins that Job “must have committed” in order to be so afflicted. He demands that Job confess and repent of these sins so that his life can be restored. The whole thing is starting to remind me of the Salem witch trials.
But when Job spoke in the 21st chapter, he has a point doesn’t he? Why is it that the wicked people seem to be the ones who get ahead? How come their sons aren’t the ones coming home from war in flag draped coffins? I am not that old, but I am old enough to see that the tables are tilted in favor of the rich and powerful. And this isn’t just an American enigma, it’s happening all over the world. Men and women with low moral character take advantage of others and gain wealth and power. Sure, there are some honest and godly people in leadership positions, I don’t mean to say that there aren’t; but power corrupts, and if you live long enough you’ll see it.
So, since God is all powerful and “power corrupts” is there a chance that God is corrupt and we simply can’t do anything about it? In Greek mythology the gods were petty and vindictive.
Job is implying that God isn’t fair in the way that He treats people. This is a serious charge against an almighty being who by His own definition prides himself on being just and loving. Is Job right? Does He have a point here? Why do the wicked people seem to be the ones who get ahead?
The issue is one of perspective, and that’s where we get it wrong. For instance, Let’s say that you and I were waiting to get into a football game and you had your face painted, an authentic team jersey and 50 friends all gathered around your car enjoying a tailgate party waiting for the gates to open. You’re having a great time…barbecuing steaks and laughing…really enjoying the moments. At the same time, I am standing in the hot sun, with only a half bottle of stale water. None of my friends are with me because they don’t want to wait in the sun…and they don’t really care about football anyway.
Who is better off? Who is having the better time? It would seem obvious, wouldn’t it?
Oh, there is one other difference: I have a ticket and you don’t.
You see? Perspective. David had the exact same thought as Job. He saw the wicked prosper and he was filled with frustration. He wondered if he had served the Lord in vain. If this is resonating with you…read Psalm 73.
In verse 17 of Psalm 73 David says that he “went into your Sanctuary and finally understood the destiny of the wicked”. David gained perspective.
My friends, wealth and power are simply illusions that appear here on earth for a short time. They mean nothing when it comes to securing an eternal future. Better to be a beggar on the earth all your life and enter heaven a prince than to run after what doesn’t satisfy.
Our friend Job will eventually have his perspective changed, and so will his friends. In the meantime let’s see what we can glean from their conversation that will help us in our times of struggle.
faithfully,
PR