Sharper Iron — There Is a Redeemer – Job 4:1-21: Eliphaz Tells a Ghost Story
Eliphaz begins to respond to Job. Whereas Job had once been the teacher, Eliphaz claims that now Job is being taught. Eliphaz says that he has seen that the innocent do not perish; instead, those who have iniquity are those who suffer. Eliphaz even claims that a spirit came to him by night to reinforce the point. If even angels can fall, then Eliphaz is sure that Job must have done something wrong.
Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Job 4:1-21.
To learn more about Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, visit dakotaranch.org.
“There Is a Redeemer” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the book of Job. The suffering of Job raises important questions. Does man fear God for no reason? Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? Who can be an arbiter for man? As this book of wisdom literature wrestles with such questions, God reveals to us that He is our Living Redeemer whom we are right to fear, love, and trust above all things.
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.
Job 4:1-21
Eliphaz Speaks: The Innocent Prosper
[1] Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:
[2] “If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?
Yet who can keep from speaking?
[3] Behold, you have instructed many,
and you have strengthened the weak hands.
[4] Your words have upheld him who was stumbling,
and you have made firm the feeble knees.
[5] But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
it touches you, and you are dismayed.
[6] Is not your fear of God your confidence,
and the integrity of your ways your hope?
[7] “Remember: who that was innocent ever perished?
Or where were the upright cut off?
[8] As I have seen, those who plow iniquity
and sow trouble reap the same.
[9] By the breath of God they perish,
and by the blast of his anger they are consumed.
[10] The roar of the lion, the voice of the fierce lion,
the teeth of the young lions are broken.
[11] The strong lion perishes for lack of prey,
and the cubs of the lioness are scattered.
[12] “Now a word was brought to me stealthily;
my ear received the whisper of it.
[13] Amid thoughts from visions of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men,
[14] dread came upon me, and trembling,
which made all my bones shake.
[15] A spirit glided past my face;
the hair of my flesh stood up.
[16] It stood still,
but I could not discern its appearance.
A form was before my eyes;
there was silence, then I heard a voice:
[17] ‘Can mortal man be in the right before God?
Can a man be pure before his Maker?
[18] Even in his servants he puts no trust,
and his angels he charges with error;
[19] how much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
whose foundation is in the dust,
who are crushed like the moth.
[20] Between morning and evening they are beaten to pieces;
they perish forever without anyone regarding it.
[21] Is not their tent-cord plucked up within them,
Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).
