Central Truth

In times of hardship, we sometimes make statements like,"This isn't fair." God is sovereign and perfect. He never makes a mistake and is never unfair. When the time is right, His righteous judgment will be complete--without fault and without exception.

Reflections

In this passage, it seems like Job has been watching our current evening news. That may be a little discouraging if you put your faith in laws and societies to control the wickedness in the world. Job’s ancient culture and the social evils were very similar to the ones we struggle with today in our “advanced society." What do we do with our belief that God will not tolerate evil and will bring judgment and wrath on the wicked? Why has He allowed injustice and cruelty to go on for so long?

Job insisted that he was guilty of no unrighteousness, but in this passage we get a glimpse of those to whom he is comparing himself. If God were to judge righteousness on a scale, then Job may have an argument, but what would happen if God were to apply His standard of perfection? I don’t think even Job would stand up to the test, as righteous as he was in the eyes of men. The best of men are but men at best. 

Personally, I am very glad that God is not quick to judge. I know that I would have suffered the consequence of His wrath a long time ago. It is wonderful to come to know God under grace. I am guilty of unforgivable sins and have had bigger regrets than I could even bear. God has made Himself known to me and has forgiven me despite what I have done or deserve.  

I think that is why I have a passion for seeing "bad guys" changed. I mentor middle school kids who come from difficult backgrounds. We talk about a life perspective very much in contrast to the one they know about with their broken families, violence, gangs, poverty, oppression and self destruction. In our casual conversations, I try to show them that there are alternatives within their reach. I demonstrate my confidence that God is in control of my life and theirs. I want to be able to see righteousness from God’s perspective and give Him all of the glory.

Discussion Questions

1. When was the first time you did something you regretted and are now glad that God is not quick to judge and punish wrong doing?  How about the last time?

2. Have you ever looked at a person who really messed up and thought about that person compassionately, wishing that they had a different perspective?

3. If you take God's grace to heart, do you consider your right relationship with God an opportunity to offer intercessory prayer for wrongdoers or do you build yourself up in comparison to others who are so lost?

4. If you see yourself as one of those on Job’s list of wrongdoers, what would it be like for you to surrender to God’s mercy so that you will not experience His certain, perfect judgment and wrath? Contact HCBC if you need help in taking the next step.