PERSPECTIVE

Don Atkin

MANIFEST EVIDENCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD

Paul writes that the evidence (of the righteous judgment of God) is the patience, faith and endurance of the saints in the face of persecutions and tribulations (II Thessalonians 1:4-5). 

Peter explains to believers,

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. – I Peter 4:12-13.

We sometimes open the door for suffering, persecutions and tribulations by wrong choices.  We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

There will also be times when God’s purging and purifying fire will baptize us as He did Job, apart from any specific action or failure upon our part.  Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” (Job 1:8).

The testimony of Job’s experience demonstrates the sovereignty of God in matters concerning men.  The Lord drew Satan’s attention to Job, and then gave him the parameters for his attacks upon him.  Job successfully passed many trials that were apparently initiated by God, not by Job’s wrong choices. 

It would be good for us to internalize the rhetorical question that frustrated Satan:

“Does Job fear God for nothing?  Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?” – Job 1:10.

God knows what we need, and when we need it.  His 24/7 oversight encompasses both the divine protection and the discipline that we need to purify us of everything that would hinder His purpose.  He is bringing many sons to glory by conforming us to the image of His Son.

Those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe. – I Thessalonians 1:8-10.

Those who have learned obedience by the things which they have suffered (Hebrews 5:8), and thereby have been conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, will bear the glory, presence and power of the Lord in that Day.  He will be glorified in His saints.

Job was taken from glory to glory.  He progressed from the hearing of the ear, testifying, “But now my eye sees You.  Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

See your destiny in your suffering.  Embrace the cross daily by living in repentance.  Count it all joy.  Rejoice in the Lord always.

As you do so in faith, you manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. – I John 3:2-3.