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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Job 4:1-7:21
1 Corinthians 14:18-40
Psalm 37:30-40
Proverbs 21:27
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1p3Ku4L
Commentary from Pastor Mike White:
Remember now, who ever perished being innocent? Or where were the upright ever cut off? – Job 4:7
Eliphaz wrongfully accused Job of sin. If Job were upright, Eliphaz argued, such calamity would never have fallen upon him. This is retribution theology: the idea that if we experience suffering, it means we deserve it because we have been sinful. In other words, if we do bad, we get bad.
New Testament Christians should not – and cannot – live with this faulty mindset. Retribution theology is not consistent with the Cross of Jesus Christ. According to Scripture, we are saved, “by grace, through faith” (Eph 2:8-9). Of course we deserve wrath! But Jesus already took on the wrath we deserve on the Cross! When we trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, we inherit the reward only He deserves; not the punishment we deserve.
Eliphaz had a severe misunderstanding of God’s heart. Recall how the Book of Job ends:
And so it was, after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is aroused against you and your two friends, for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.” – Job 42:7
Eliphaz had it all wrong. God was not the source of Job’s calamity; Satan was! Trust in the Cross of Jesus Christ for deliverance, knowing that God’s ultimate desire is to love you in every way He can!
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your love! I know I deserve punishment for all the bad things I’ve done; but Your Son Jesus Christ paid the price so I can enjoy eternal life with You!
© Michael D. White, 2015. All rights reserved.