Day 20 – Chapter 20

“This is the wicked man’s portion from God, even the heritage decreed by God” (20:29).

Have you considered the wicked? They are the ones who know the will of God but in disobedience refuse to do it. They abound on every side and they are not just in the world. They also in the church; they are among the redeemed of the Lord. Their lot is not a happy one because they will soon reap the harvest of that which they have sown. Zophar’s words to Job are true, but misplaced. They are misplaced because he continues to operate on a false assumption, but we cannot afford to discount his words simply because they do not fit Job’s particular situation. Instead, we should take a step back and introspectively look at his words as they address wickedness. I admit it is not an easy task given the permissiveness of our generation, but it is well worth looking nonetheless.

Much of our western society, especially the church, could stand understand the punishment that awaits the wicked; and, though a contemporary church seeks to diminish or do away with altogether retributive justice that comes directly from God, we need to remember that our God is still a God of wrath. Far too many believers behave as though there are no consequences for their actions. They mirror and mimic what they see and hear in the world going about their business as though God does not really exist, or if He does, He does not mean what He says. The first twenty-eight verses in this chapter graphically detail the actions of the wicked and God’s response.

Zophar is not wrong in his analysis, but it simply does not apply to Job. It does apply to you and me. If we are going to be in relationship with the Lord it must show in how we live our lives. Like a marriage, we cannot limp between two different realities. A husband must be absolutely committed to his wife, and a wife to her husband. Anything less demonstrates a lack of commitment and leaves the door open for all sorts of ungodly behavior. Evening television sitcoms are entertaining and mirror some aspects of real life, but are always lacking because they only reflect the sensibilities and morality of the writer. But this is real life, disobedience and wickedness have dire consequences that may not be realized immediately, but they will come. If we understand the truth of this concept in our marriages, how much more so is true in our relationship with God? Though Zophar was off base with Job, let us look closely at ourselves today to make certain his words are off base with us as well.

Gracious heavenly Father, You are so awesome in all Your ways. Your standard of holiness is one we constantly strive to attain. Though we are weak and sinful, often unable to walk holy, we affirm Your intention for our lives. Forgive us today for every act of wickedness, whether in our actions, speech or thoughts. We surrender everything we are today to You and ask that, like the potter at his wheel, You mold and shape us according to Your will. Take the desire from us to be like the nations around us. Remove the taste from our mouths for the things of the world. Strengthen our will today that we may boldly say NO to unrighteousness and wickedness, and Yes to Your Word, will and way. We ask it all in Your matchless name, Jesus our Christ. Amen.