August 26
Job 20:1-22:30; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4
Job and Zophar debate whether the righteous and unrighteous get what they deserve on earth. Zophar argues that the wicked always suffer; their joy is brief, and their wealth vanishes. They will experience "the full force of misery" here and now. Job says that the exact opposite is often true. The wicked live long, healthy lives, "safe and free". Job is not alone in wrestling with the injustice we see on the earth. The psalms are filled with people crying out for God to judge now when it seems like the righteous are suffering and the wicked are prospering.
As we think about the discussions in Job, should we like Job’s friends expect that following God will lead to prosperity and health, and to reject him will mean the opposite? Clearly, throughout Scripture, the answer is "no". We can see the examples of Job, the prophets, the apostles, and Jesus as examples of the righteous receiving suffering for obedience. 2 Corinthians 1 speaks of the suffering, trouble, distress, and pressure Paul and others faced. Their obedience to God and heart for evangelism only intensified their hardship. Paul describes their hardship as “the suffering of Christ” overflowing into their lives. Looking beyond the immediate pain, Paul can see the comfort, salvation, and hope that God produces during difficulty and how he transforms our suffering into a blessing for the world. God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. Obedience may not lead to an easier, more comfortable life on earth but in the end, God will reward his faithful people and judge those who embraced wickedness. Injustice may prevail now, but that is not the end of the story.
Father God, help me to follow you no matter where you lead. Give me eyes to view things through the lens of eternity rather than the perspective of the moment. Help me to courageously honor you with my life and in my death. Amen.
Question of the day: Why should we obey God even when it doesn't lead to an easy earthly life?
Job and Zophar debate whether the righteous and unrighteous get what they deserve on earth. Zophar argues that the wicked always suffer; their joy is brief, and their wealth vanishes. They will experience "the full force of misery" here and now. Job says that the exact opposite is often true. The wicked live long, healthy lives, "safe and free". Job is not alone in wrestling with the injustice we see on the earth. The psalms are filled with people crying out for God to judge now when it seems like the righteous are suffering and the wicked are prospering.
As we think about the discussions in Job, should we like Job’s friends expect that following God will lead to prosperity and health, and to reject him will mean the opposite? Clearly, throughout Scripture, the answer is "no". We can see the examples of Job, the prophets, the apostles, and Jesus as examples of the righteous receiving suffering for obedience. 2 Corinthians 1 speaks of the suffering, trouble, distress, and pressure Paul and others faced. Their obedience to God and heart for evangelism only intensified their hardship. Paul describes their hardship as “the suffering of Christ” overflowing into their lives. Looking beyond the immediate pain, Paul can see the comfort, salvation, and hope that God produces during difficulty and how he transforms our suffering into a blessing for the world. God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. Obedience may not lead to an easier, more comfortable life on earth but in the end, God will reward his faithful people and judge those who embraced wickedness. Injustice may prevail now, but that is not the end of the story.
Father God, help me to follow you no matter where you lead. Give me eyes to view things through the lens of eternity rather than the perspective of the moment. Help me to courageously honor you with my life and in my death. Amen.
Question of the day: Why should we obey God even when it doesn't lead to an easy earthly life?
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