Sharper Iron — There Is a Redeemer – Job 11:1-20: A Multitude of Words Doesn’t Guarantee Truth
Job’s third friend, Zophar, takes his first turn to speak. Zophar notes that Job has spoken many words, but Zophar reminds Job that doesn’t mean Job is correct. Zophar questions Job’s claim to be pure and states that Job actually deserves worse punishment. Job may not know the wisdom of the Almighty, but Zophar is sure that he knows. Job just needs to repent, and his life will turn from darkness to light again. Like Eliphaz and Bildad before him, Zophar’s comfort for Job is the exact opposite.
Rev. Doug Minton, pastor-elect of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Waterville, ME and Hope Lutheran Church in Bangor, ME, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Job 11:1-20.
“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 11:1-20
Zophar Speaks: You Deserve Worse
[1] Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
[2] “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
and a man full of talk be judged right?
[3] Should your babble silence men,
and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
[4] For you say, ‘My doctrine is pure,
and I am clean in God’s eyes.’
[5] But oh, that God would speak
and open his lips to you,
[6] and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
For he is manifold in understanding.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
[7] “Can you find out the deep things of God?
Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
[8] It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
[9] Its measure is longer than the earth
and broader than the sea.
[10] If he passes through and imprisons
and summons the court, who can turn him back?
[11] For he knows worthless men;
when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
[12] But a stupid man will get understanding
when a wild donkey’s colt is born a man!
[13] “If you prepare your heart,
you will stretch out your hands toward him.
[14] If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,
and let not injustice dwell in your tents.
[15] Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;
you will be secure and will not fear.
[16] You will forget your misery;
you will remember it as waters that have passed away.
[17] And your life will be brighter than the noonday;
its darkness will be like the morning.
[18] And you will feel secure, because there is hope;
you will look around and take your rest in security.
[19] You will lie down, and none will make you afraid;
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).
