Job is perhaps the oldest book in the Bible. The Hebrew language of the text is quite difficult. The events seem to have taken place parallel to the time of the Patriarchs, but not connected to them, as there is no mention of Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Thus the book gives some insights into general beliefs about God in that period of history before the more specific revelations of the Law and the Prophets.
Chapter 28 describes how men make great efforts to search for gold and jewels, mining in the ground to dig out precious metals. However, the text challenges us that it would be much more worthwhile to make the same efforts to search for wisdom. And what is that wisdom worth more than diamonds?
Job 28:28 –
The fear of the Lord is wisdom and to turn from evil understanding.
The logic behind this statement is that God is a just judge and will punish evil. If He punishes sin, then I better stop doing it, and quickly. God punishes evil– sometimes in this lifetime, and sometimes after this lifetime. He punishes sin, regardless of whether one is a believer or a non-believer.
In every sin there is an inherent “promise:” You may have to do wrong but you will supposedly benefit in some fantastic pleasure or profit. However, this “promise” is deceitful and will ultimately disappoint you.
God’s promises and warnings are true. His punishment of sin will be much more severe than any temporary gain or indulgence; and His rewards for turning away from sin will be much greater than the benefits the sin promised you.
Asher serves as president of Tikkun Global family of ministries and congregations, dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He is founder of the Revive Israel five-fold ministry team, and oversees both Ahavat Yeshua and Tiferet Yeshua congregations in Israel.
He and his wife Betty share a passion for personal prayer and devotion, local evangelism and discipleship in Hebrew, and unity of the Body of believers worldwide.
Asher was raised in a conservative Jewish home and holds degrees from Harvard University, Baltimore Hebrew College and Messiah Biblical Institute. He has authored numerous books, tracts and articles.