A congregational study of the Book of Job. By Pastor Jose Luis
Session Fourteen. Read Job Chapters 20-24
Chapters 20-24 are discourses about the presence and duration of the power of the wicked. For Job´s friends, Job is a wicked man that is suffering the retribution for his wickedness, and his wickedness is his resistance to accept that he is not an authentic faithful person, because a faithful person (a righteous one) would not be suffering calamities in this life. Job friends believe that only the wicked suffer in this life, and the power of the wicked is limited and very short 20, 5, 15-16 & 20.
The exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless is but for a moment?
Even though they mount up high as the heavens, and their head reaches to the clouds, they will perish forever (20, 5-7)
Job disagrees on this interpretation. Based on his experience he is convinced that many times the wicked remain in power for long time and create a dynasty of evil that will persist in time until the final day when all wickedness will be judged. (24, 2-8)
Why do the wicked live on, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?
Their children are established in their presence, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, (21, 7-9)
Eliphaz answers that he cannot imagine serving God “for nothing.” For him religion should bring some benefit to God and the believer. A non-profitable religion makes no sense for him. What is then the benefit of being righteous?
“Can a mortal be of use to God? Can even the wisest be of service to him? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous, or is it gain to him (22, 2-3).
Job answers that only God can determine the value of the righteous and judge his cause 23, 3-4. But how can he appeal his cause to God? God is a mystery for him (23-8-9).
How should we confront wickedness and the power of evil in the world? How does the prosperity (long or short) of the wicked affect your faith in the justice of God?
Will you appeal your cause to God when justice is not possible in this world?
Tell me your impressions. pastor@lcostampa.org