In Job 8, we have the first speech of Bildad. Its theme
is very straightforward. Sin leads to suffering (Job 8:4). Obedience
leads to prosperity (Job 8:5-7). This teaching is presented in a
heavy-handed way. In Job 8:20, we have an attack on Job’s character:
“Certainly, God does not reject a person of integrity or give a helping
hand to wicked people.” When this statement is applied to Job, it has
the effect of saying to him, “You’re not a person of integrity. You’re a
wicked person.” There’s a problem with Bildad’s words. He doesn’t
recognize that there is an eternal perspective within which the divine
judgment is set. Here, on earth, the wicked may be prospering, but the
time of judgment will come. It may not be in this world, but it will
come, in God’s final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Here, on earth, the
righteous may suffer much, but their suffering will not be forever. The
day of salvation will come. There will be “a great reward in heaven!”
(Matthew 5:10-12). Our suffering is “for a little while now”, but it
will not last forever: “Your faith is more precious than gold, and by
passing the test, it gives praise, glory and honour to God. This will
happen when Jesus Christ appears again” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be ...
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