In what ways does Job 21:15 connect with Romans 1:21 about rejecting God? Reading the Verses Side by Side • Job 21:15: “Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what would we gain if we pray to Him?” • Romans 1:21: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Tracing the Shared Themes • An attitude of dismissal – Job’s mockers question God’s relevance: “Who is the Almighty…?” – Paul describes people who know God yet deliberately refuse to honor Him. • A rejection of worship – Job 21:15 rejects serving and praying. – Romans 1:21 rejects glorifying and giving thanks. • A heart-level rebellion – Both verses show that the issue is not evidence but willful resistance (cf. Psalm 14:1; Hebrews 3:12-13). The Progression of Rejection 1. Recognition: Both groups are aware of God’s existence (Job’s friends lived in a culture familiar with the Almighty; Paul says “they knew God”). 2. Rejection: They deny any benefit in obeying or thanking Him. 3. Rationalization: Futile thinking grows—“What would we gain?” (Job) becomes darkened reasoning (Romans). 4. Ruin: Darkness of heart leads to further moral collapse (Romans 1:24-32; cf. Proverbs 1:24-31). Consequences Highlighted Elsewhere in Scripture • Exodus 5:2—Pharaoh echoes Job’s scoffers: “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice…?” • 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12—Refusing love for the truth brings strong delusion. • Proverbs 14:12—Man’s way “seems right… but its end is the way of death.” • Job 21 itself shows earthly prosperity can mask impending judgment (vv. 17-20). Romans 1 shows judgment begins now as God “gives them over” (v. 24). Personal Application Today • Guard gratitude: thankfulness keeps the heart soft and the mind clear. • Embrace humble service: serving God counters the lie that obedience has no profit (Hebrews 6:10). • Remember the stakes: rejecting God’s glory darkens understanding; seeking His glory brings light (John 8:12). |
    |