Job 21:14

He looks at the other side, at the case of the prosperous wicked, and points out that evil men often go on unchecked. They live to old age and become mighty in power. Their families grow up about them, and all stays quiet without the rod of God falling upon them. Flocks and herds increase. His children are like a group of lambs skipping about the home — a sad contrast to Job, who has now lost his own. Inside the home you hear tambourine, harp and pipe. All their days are in prosperity until the end comes. Yet these very men said to God, "Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of Your ways." Like Pharaoh, they ask, "What is the Almighty that we should serve Him?"

"They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore, they say to God, Depart from us." Job's words are far more solemn and more true than the violent picture Zophar had painted. "We do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what do we gain if we pray to Him?" It is not meant that they say that to man, but that is what their conduct says to God.

They would gladly have a god of their own imagination, one like themselves, who can make light of sin and tolerate all sorts of evil. The God of the Bible, the God of Christianity, the God of the Cross, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, does not suit such unbelieving reasoners. Their deep cry of heart to Him is, "Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of Your ways."

Why is it that men can talk freely about the world, its business and material progress? They can even talk about moral things, questions of reform, and so on, and they gladly tell you their minds about them. But the moment you speak of God, or Christ, the moment someone sets out the truth and the holiness of God, a soul that is estranged from God shrinks back into silence at once. And the silence shows a state of soul which says to God, "Depart from us! We do not desire the knowledge of Your ways."

Can we imagine that God is indulgent with such an attitude? Certainly not! He shows marvellous patience, but this does not mean indifference. Those who defy God are in a far more dangerous condition than they realise. Future judgment is infinitely more terrible than Job's few years of suffering. They consider they have no profit in praying to God. Such is the self-centred pride of man! They are after present advantage. What they do not know is that even in this life they may find great profit in depending on God's grace.

No creature is enough for himself. Even the whole creation is not enough for the creature God has set in intelligent relationship with Himself. God alone can satisfy the heart of man. Unspeakable woe must be the portion of those who said to God, "Depart from us." In the day of judgment they must hear Him say to them, "Depart from me, you cursed." The souls that will not have Him in time need not expect Him to have them in eternity.