Reading
SAA Notes
Eliphaz is an example of how not to go about evangelism. He comes right out and accuses Job of wickedness in verse 22:5, and goes on to speculate as to what that wickedness might be. There is a time to call for repentance and a time to refrain from such calls. God give us the discernment to know the difference.
SJA Notes
* Almighty Father in Heaven, please help us take care with our words and behaviour, and thank You that in Jesus we are not liable for the just punishment we deserve.
“If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents,”
The book of Job doesn’t say Job was without sin.
This would be contradictory to all other parts of God’s word, which teach that while God is holy and perfectly righteous, we are sinners – one and all.
The book of Job does tell us what we have seen, both in the introductory “heavenly council” workings and then the debates that have followed between Job and his friends.
Have you been in a conversation where someone accused you of something you hadn’t done?
Here Eliphaz assumes that Job has rejected God. Eliphaz tells Job that if he would just return to God, if he would just repent of his sin – Then all would be well!
What terrible theology this is.
When Jesus sends out the twelve disciples in Matthew 10 we read,
“… And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake.”
This is a truth and reality God wants us to understand through the book of Job.
Persecution will come. Both from people and from the spiritual realm.
So what do we do?
We need Jesus!
He is the answer. He is the solution.
* Father God,
Please show us Jesus today.
Please help us know You better today, and follow You closer.
Amen.