Zophar speaks again, and focuses on the suffering of the wicked.
” ‘Do you not know this from of old, since man was placed on earth, that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment? In the fullness of his sufficiency he will be in distress; the hand of everyone in misery will come against him. Utter darkness is laid up for his treasures; a fire not fanned will devour him; what is left in his tent will be consumed. The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The possessions of his house will be carried away, dragged off in the day of God’s[b] wrath. This is the wicked man’s portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God.’ ” (v4-5,22,26-29)
Zophar is correct in his statements that God will not ultimately allow evil to prevail in this world. Those who commit themselves to evil will live fruitless lives and be forgotten in eternity.
What Zophar seems to ignore (or not understand) is that the innocent also suffer in this world. However, there is a contrast: the wicked will have fleeting joy/success followed by eternal separation from God, but the righteous will have momentary suffering followed by an eternity of bliss in God’s presence.
The fantastic news is, we get to choose which of the two paths we walk. Thanks to Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross, we are no longer slaves to unrighteousness.
I want to encourage us to continue fully submitting ourselves to following Jesus our Lord. We do this so we may inherit the crown of life, and more importantly, we do this so our lives will be a living testimony to those around us as well. Just as Job’s enduring faith is a testimony to us, our faith can teach and lead others, being a light in this world of darkness.
Father God, our holy and righteous Lord, Your name is higher than any other name, greater than the greatest name on earth. Father please continue to keep our feet on the path of righteousness so we may testify to Jesus’ work and love in our lives. Please give us the boldness to proclaim Your love and grace, so others may too experience Your lovingkindness. We ask this in the name that is more precious than any other name, Jesus our King, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training