How can Job 35:15 guide us in trusting God's timing for justice? Setting the Scene • Job’s friend Elihu is responding to Job’s complaints of injustice. • In verse 14 he reminds Job, “your case is before Him and you must wait for Him.” • Then Job 35:15 states: “Yet now, because His anger does not punish, and He does not take much note of transgression.” • It sounds as if God is inactive, but Elihu is really underscoring God’s deliberate patience. Key Truths Drawn from Job 35:15 • God’s anger “does not punish” instantly—He is slow to anger (Exodus 34:6; Nahum 1:3). • He “does not take much note of transgression”—not because He overlooks sin, but because He chooses when to act (Psalm 50:21). • The verse challenges the assumption that delayed justice equals no justice. Why God’s Waiting Is Good News • Space for repentance—His restraint gives sinners opportunity to turn (2 Peter 3:9). • Display of mercy—He judges, yet delights in mercy (Micah 7:18). • Perfect timing—He works “according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). Practical Ways to Trust God’s Timing for Justice 1. Remember His character – Righteous (Psalm 145:17) – All-seeing (Hebrews 4:13) – Faithful (Deuteronomy 32:4) 2. Release the timetable – “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). – Refuse the urge to hurry Him or take revenge (Romans 12:19). 3. Keep doing what is right – “Do not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9). – Obedience while waiting reinforces faith. 4. Talk honestly with God – Job poured out his heart; so can we (Psalm 62:8). – Honest lament anchors us to the One who can act. 5. Anchor hope in Christ’s ultimate justice – At the cross, justice and mercy met (Romans 3:25-26). – At His return, He will “judge the living and the dead” (2 Timothy 4:1). Supporting Passages That Echo Job 35:15 • Psalm 103:8-9—Slow to anger, yet He will not always accuse. • Ecclesiastes 8:11—Sentence delayed tests hearts, yet justice comes. • Habakkuk 2:3—“Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come.” Encouragement to Take Away When justice seems stalled, Job 35:15 reminds us that divine delay is not divine neglect. God’s restrained anger proves His patience; His patience proves His sovereignty; and His sovereignty guarantees that justice, when it arrives, will be perfect and complete. |
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