This week’s Pastor to Person is written by Pastor Caleb Beller.
[Job 22:5 NIV] Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?
As we read Eliphaz responses in chapters (5, 15, & 22) there is a progression of false assumptions. The overarching issue that leads to Eliphaz’ slander of Job is he never considered that he (Eliphaz) could be wrong? He was so convinced Job must have sinned that he creates an alternate reality of things Job must have done to deserve all this (22:5-9). Sadly, Eliphaz moves from false thinking to false accusations.
How painful this must have been for Job. Like salt in the wounds, Eliphaz words aren’t just wrong they are painful. As the story closes, we will see God ultimately confront these false accusations and vindicate Job.
What can we take away from Eliphaz? In a world where a few clicks on the keyboard can end friendships or memorialize accusations we must consider the possibility we don’t have all the information. How different Eliphaz must have felt after God rebukes him (42:7-9). Eliphaz thought he was defending God, but he was actually misrepresenting Him (42:8).
Have you had this happen to you? Remember Jesus was falsely accused and slandered by people that thought they were serving God. Press into Him and let Him vindicate you. Have you done this recently to someone else? What can you do to make it right? We all have an Eliphaz in us, we must filter that voice through the lens that we might be wrong.