“…the wicked man suffers torment…” Job 15:20a
/These five words sum-up Eliphaz’s world view… and theology – one completely absent of God’s grace. He explained this perspective in the verses following his assertion. The suffering of the wicked was even quantified by Eliphaz as being, “All his days” – in other words, it would be safe to conclude that those whose
lives are shown to have prolonged periods of suffering are guilty of some wickedness.
Eliphaz went on to explain how the suffering would manifest itself:
“Terrifying sounds fill his ears…” (v.21a);
“…when all seems well, marauders attack…” (v.21b);
“He despairs of escaping the darkness…” (v.22a);
“…he is marked for the sword.” (v.22b);
“He wanders about – food for vultures…” (v.23a);
“…he knows the day of darkness is at hand.” (v.23b);
“Distress and anguish fill him with terror…” (v.24a);
“…he will inherit ruined towns…” (v.28a);
“…his wealth will not endure…” (v.29a).
Then, Eliphaz concluded his description with these concluding remarks:
“He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. Before his time, he will be paid in full, and his branches will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms.” (vv. 30 – 33)
While Job trusted in God’s faithfulness and goodness, his friends trusted in a system of rewards and punishment; that those who are suffering are merely receiving their just desserts… reaping what was sown in wickedness. Eliphaz and his friends (and even Job to a point) subscribed to such a theology of works, even
to the point that Eliphaz stated, “Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless…” (v.31a). Evidently, Job’s hope in God’s restoration was considered delusional by his friends. Their God would only reward the faithful and perfect lives of those unstained by sin.
There is a basis for perpetrating this view even in our day. The apostle John’s Revelation to the first century church has language reflecting a similar theology to that of Eliphaz. When addressing the church of Thyatira, he warned of a woman named, Jezebel, stating:
“By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will now that I am He Who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” (Revelation 2:20b – 23)
See the similarity? A bed of suffering, striking children dead, and repaying one according to his/her deeds. John continued with the address to the seven churches, where Jesus addressed the church of Sardis, stating:
“…you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy.” (Revelation 3:4 – 5)
At first blush, it appears only the lily-white innocents will populate heaven. However, there may have been a phrase we read and often pay little attention to: “unless they repent of her ways” (v.22 in the previously cited
passage). It cannot never be overstated: With God, it’s always about the heart. God is the God of a second chance. He is patient, and He will go to great lengths to bring a change of heart to those trapped in sin. Repentance is the person’s response to God’s working in one’s heart and mind. It is taking an about face from sin, and walking to the embrace of The Father’s arms.
Job was counting on it. He knew his heart was completely abandoned to God’s purposes, and to have accusations of wickedness hurled at him was like one purposely pouring wine on an old heirloom tablecloth. Job’s friends were blinded to God’s provision of grace – covering one’s sin and offering a second chance at holy living.
How about us? Are we trapped in a religious system of works? Are we insistent on trying to win God’s favor for entrance into heaven? The ONLY way to win God’s favor is through faith in Jesus Christ, Who died on a cross for the sins of mankind. Come to Jesus and trust in Him for your second chance at living.
Have a blessed day…