Accused
I’ve been accused of negative stuff. I’ve been accused of being hateful and unkind. I’ve been accused of speeding. I’ve been accused of running a yellow light. I’ve also been complimented of being patient (that one is a bit funny to me), I’ve also been complimented of being a good Dad & husband. (I like that one.) Accusation carries with it a negative of wrongdoing or guilt. Complement implies something positive and good.
Job’s three friends really like to “pour it on”. Here’s a guy who is righteous and follows the Lord. He is tested by Satan and suffers the loss of his family, his possessions and his health. He is suffering greatly and his friends accuse him of being wicked. It has to be God punishing you for evil. Check this out…
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2 ‘My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
because I am greatly disturbed.
3 I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
and my understanding inspires me to reply.
4 ‘Surely you know how it has been from of old,
ever since mankind was placed on the earth,
5 that the mirth of the wicked is brief,
the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
6 Though the pride of the godless person reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds,
7 he will perish forever, like his own dung;
those who have seen him will say, “Where is he?”
29 Such is the fate God allots the wicked,
the heritage appointed for them by God.’ (Job 20:1-7; 29 NIV)
I can feel the frustration of Job’s friends. They do not know what is going on, but they “wax eloquently” like they probably always do. They feel like that they have an explanation for everything. I don’t like it when people are quick to pass judgment or accuse when they don’t have all the facts. I think if they would have looked closely at Job’s life, they would not accuse him of being wicked.
I have seen bad things happen to good people and I don’t understand it. I don’t start accusing them of sin and wrong doing. We live in a fallen and broken world and there are laws of physics in play as well as the super natural presence of God. The thing I don’t always understand is why God doesn’t prevent bad things. He has the power to save and to keep bad things from happening, but chooses not to.
I’ve learned that God’s ways are higher than my mind can begin to understand. I’ve had some pretty blunt conversations with the Lord over the years when bad things happen to people I love. His grace and mercy has helped me understand that I have to trust Him. One day when I meet Him face to face – I’ll understand. For now, I just have to trust Him without all the answers.
Pressing On!
Dwayne