READING: Job 33-36
“For he repays a person according to his deeds, and he gives him what his conduct deserves.”
Job 34:11
If I were Job’s friends, I wonder if I would have gone the same direction they did. Given their worldview, I probably would have reasoned the same way they did. God is God, and as Elihu said in today’s reading, “It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly. For he repays a person according to his deeds, and he gives him what his conduct deserves” (Job 34:10-11). If I start with that understanding, it’s easiest to look at Job’s tragedies, assume that God would not allow such difficulties for a righteous man, and thus conclude that Job had committed some great sin.
Elihu apparently thought he had it all figured out, and he wanted Job to hear him well. In fact, he was right that God will hold us accountable for our actions (Psalm 62:12, Matt. 16:27, Rom. 2:6), though he likely did not accurately grasp all that truth meant. Those who follow God in repentance and faith will reap reward in the final days, and those who do not follow God will reap judgment and wrath. The latter reflect God’s justice, but the former reflect God’s mercy.
Indeed, here’s the good news for those who follow Christ:
- “For he repays a person according to his deeds, and he gives him what his conduct deserves” (Job 34:11), but . . .
- “In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us” (2 Cor. 5:19), and . . .
- “How joyful are those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered! How joyful is the man the Lord will never charge with sin!” (Rom. 4:7-8).
Elihu got it partially right. I thank God there was still more to the story.
ACTION STEPS:
- If you are a follower of Christ, thank God that He does not count your trespasses against you.
- Knowing His mercy, live in gratitude to Him today.
PRAYER: “God, help me to serve You fully without turning to the right or left.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 37:1-40:5, Psalm 19
