October 31, 2016: SOAP #2524:  Job 22; Mark 7-8

Scripture:  Job (NIV) 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: 2 “Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise man benefit him? 3 What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless? 4 “Is it for your piety that he rebukes you and brings charges against you?  5 Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?

Observation:   Job was suffering yet maintained that he had not sinned.  His friends were convinced that he must be a great sinner or he would not be experiencing such great suffering.  Eliphaz asks Job, “What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous?”   Every time I read this passage, I want to interrupt and say, “Eliphaz, if you only knew!  It is so important to God to have a righteous man that He sent His Son Jesus to die on a cross in payment for man’s sins!  That is how much it means to God for man to be righteous!”

Application:  To take a careless attitude toward sin is contrary to God.  After what He was willing to sacrifice to pay the price for my sins, how can I think of sin as though it is unimportant?

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, how can I express my appreciation for your extravagant sacrifice made for my sins?  One small way is to consider sin as disgusting as you do.  A second way is to bring you pleasure by living a righteous life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!