Reaping What One Sows
As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.
Job 4:8-9
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Reaping What One Sows
Eliphaz here again continues with this train of thought which says only the wicked would suffer in such a way as Job. Job must be hiding a secret sin which others do not know about. Yet God’s own Word testifies to the opposite. The prophet Jeremiah declares, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” (Jerimiah 12:1) As the song goes, only the good die young. So, if Eliphaz is wrong, why do the wicked prosper? This can often be very difficult for people to understand. In fact, one of the main reasons young people give for not believing in God is that they believe a loving God would not allow the suffering we see in the world. Yet we are asking the wrong question when we approach suffering in this way. It is not how could God allow this to happen, but rather why does God allow any sinner to continue. We should all be struck down and cast into the outer darkness, yet we are not. Why? Paul tells us in his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering…” (2 Thess. 1:5) Which is to say, suffering in the times of trouble is often part of God’s plan to purify His church to mold and conform us for the coming glory of Christ and His kingdom. We are made worthy in Christ and His suffering. In fact, when suffering does come because of your faith, remember the apostles as “they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41)
Job 4:8-9
+
Reaping What One Sows
Eliphaz here again continues with this train of thought which says only the wicked would suffer in such a way as Job. Job must be hiding a secret sin which others do not know about. Yet God’s own Word testifies to the opposite. The prophet Jeremiah declares, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” (Jerimiah 12:1) As the song goes, only the good die young. So, if Eliphaz is wrong, why do the wicked prosper? This can often be very difficult for people to understand. In fact, one of the main reasons young people give for not believing in God is that they believe a loving God would not allow the suffering we see in the world. Yet we are asking the wrong question when we approach suffering in this way. It is not how could God allow this to happen, but rather why does God allow any sinner to continue. We should all be struck down and cast into the outer darkness, yet we are not. Why? Paul tells us in his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, “This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering…” (2 Thess. 1:5) Which is to say, suffering in the times of trouble is often part of God’s plan to purify His church to mold and conform us for the coming glory of Christ and His kingdom. We are made worthy in Christ and His suffering. In fact, when suffering does come because of your faith, remember the apostles as “they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41)
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