The key issue being debated in the book of Job is the idea of rewards and punishments. Deuteronomy 28-30 clearly indicated that, if God’s people were good, they would be rewarded and, if they disobeyed God, they would be punished. However, as I have said, this does not always unfold in a clean-cut way in the subsequent history of Israel, at least not in the long term. Eighth century prophets like Isaiah, Hosea, Amos and Micah had to remind Israel that her prosperity did not signify godliness on their part. Habakkuk and Asaph (Psalm 73), like Job, lamented their seemingly nonsensical suffering while evil enemies seemed to prosper. Does this mean that the promises of Deuteronomy 28-30 became obsolete? Not at all. As with many promises in the Old Testament, these promises envisage immediate tangible fulfilments that prefigure an ultimate fulfilment. We may not see consequences for our actions immediately, or even in this life, but there will be consequences. Rebellion against God always receives its just punishment. There will be an ultimate day of judgement when each person will receive from God the just consequences of his/her actions. The only exception will be those who seek God’s mercy and find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It is important to note that God does not answer our cry for mercy by cancelling out the just consequences of our actions. Rather, God himself bears these just consequences in Christ. If you feel guilty, let that drive you to God, not away from God. He paid for you to receive Christ’s reward, and he wants to get what he paid for.
Ask God to examine your heart and seek mercy from Jesus Christ.
Read Job 20 and 21
