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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Job 4:7
“Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?”
Classical Christian religious theology.
Indeed almost the fundamental foundation from which most people start. I was going to call it ‘modern’ Christian theology because it is so rampant today - all over the world - but this was said way back in the days of the ancient. However, this theology is almost universally accepted today.
People invariably criticise Job’s comforters but rarely ask the question, “Would I have done, said, or at least thought the same things?”
This stance, however, has helped perpetuate the theory that God is a harsh God. He is seen as either an imposing, grumpy judge sat waiting to hand down hard sentences and punishment on all offenders - which, unfortunately, quite clearly includes us all - or a school teacher with a raised cane in his hand ready to administer painful retribution for any misdemeanours, however slight.
Ironically, the corollary is seldom considered - viz. if I am good, I will be rewarded.
Eliphaz was only verbalising what most people believe. His speech recorded over Chapters 4 and 5 is one of paradox. On the one hand, he seems to be trying to encourage Job, by admitting the good he has done and that it should all come right in the end. On the other hand, he says that for the present, he is in the wrong - he has obviously done something wicked and is paying the price for it - so “Work it out, repent and move on.”
We see this attitude today in the so-called ‘witch hunts’ that take place in churches, ministries and families. Something ‘goes wrong’ and answers have to be found and the guilty party exposed - just like Achan at Ai (see Joshua 7).
That’s O.K. - if that is the case - but what if it isn’t?
Have the innocent never perished? Have the upright never been destroyed? What was Abel guilty of? For what sin was Joseph thrown into prison? Integrity? Is that really a crime worthy of prison?
What about all the babies at the time of Herod? What about all the babies that are aborted today? What is their crime? What about all the martyrs throughout history?
Stephen - what was his crime? Those speared to death by the Auca Indians? What was their misdemeanour?
What about cancer and A.I.D.S.? Some have A.I.D.S. merely because all they did ‘wrong’ was to receive an infected blood transfusion. Does that make them guilty?
No, we’ve all seen the unrighteous prosper and many innocent suffer.
Yes, it is right to ask yourself the question but don’t pre-judge someone else’s case.
If you know someone who is going through difficulties, be an encourager and pray for them, if you can’t help them out of the situation yourself.
Love them and support them.
(See also John 9:1-3 & John 10:31-33.)
And think about JESUS on the Cross - He was innocent, wasn’t He?
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