Job 19-21

By this point in the dialogue between Job and his friends it is becoming very evident that the grace of each man is wearing thin. Job is stretched to the limit of his survival and then his friends begin to argue with this wounded man. Among the questions Job asked is this one in 21:7; “Why do the wicked go on living, grow old, even increase in power?” Neither God, Eliphaz, Bildad, or Zophar answer Job’s question. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. It seems like this compassionless Jewish man fit Job’s description of the wicked. Consider what Job said in 21:13; “They live out their years in prosperity and go down to the grace in peace.” Jesus’ assessment of the rich man’s death (Luke 16:22b) give no indication of the peace and prosperity ebbing during his lifetime. Did that rich man ever echo Job’s word, arguing with God when he passed Lazarus sitting at his gates; “Turn away from us! We do not want to know your ways”(21:14)? Job asks a very good question; why does God withhold the punishment that might have led to repentance? That question applies to the wicked in Job’s mind and the rich man who ignored Lazarus’ need.

So I wonder if there might be a reason that we can comprehend which leads God to withhold the punishment of the wicked in this life? Is it the same reason that he sometimes allows the poor to starve to death? Or some women in tribal wars to be raped and beaten repeatedly? Job’s question for social justice is a call that all believers need to ponder. But we should not wait for an answer to respond to the needs God sets before us.

 

Stuart