Hope?

So, what is the point of Job's "friends" input? They are merely using human logic to show that Job's circumstances must bbe the result of his actions. We'd be thinking likewise. The patience of Job really shows in ch19, as Job declares he has endured their assults 10 times! We might do a few,then violence might break out. Job is able to withstand this due to his hope. Ch 19v25 spells this out beautifully. It might remind you of a song! Job knows that his redeemer lives and that he will see God. Is that enough to carry us through difficult times? Do we rely on hope to get us through? After all, none of us know what the day brings....

Get a bigger hammer...

What is the best way to get someone to see your point of view? In Job c 15-17, Eliphaz seems to want to try brute force! If someone will not accept your counsel, or conform to your way, simply force them! Seriously, does that ever work? Out of impatience, we try to force things our way all of the time. We think we are right, but probably have not considered other views. Eliphaz leans on his age and experience as fuel for being right and wise. Job knows his own heart and can sense what others aside from God cannot. Never assume to know someone. So round 2 begins, and Job is no closer to an answer of his delimma than before. Perhaps his "friends" need a bigger hammer...

When does inquiry become demand for answers?

Now, in Job 11-14, the third friend, Zophar, gets a crack at helping Job understand the delimma. Again, his motives are good (God is in control), yet he does not have enough intel. Job is becoming more hostile in his response. See in C13v13. One point they all agree upon is that God is in control. We, as humans, try to fix things and control events. We look to our leaders to make everything ok. Money, we think, can fix things. As idol worship goes, it is never enough...because those "fixes" are just idols. Job is correct in his response to reach out for God. But careful Job, you might turn that response from hurt inquiry to angry demand.....lest we do similar in similar situations.....

Next "fixer"...

Sounds like Job is onto something! In Job ch 8-10, Bildad replies to Job that there must be some secret, unknown sin. Job's reply in ch 9 almost sounds like he's read the end of this book...but does he believe it. We must also realize that God's ways are not ours and that we do not see the entire story,only a paragraph. Check out C9v4. So Job sounds like he gets it a little in ch 9. Still he reverts back to loathing and self pity in ch 10. We must all be related to Job eh? Bildad, on the other hand, is human. He is trying to help as he thinks being helpful is. Would we do differently? But like Eliphaz, he lacks the big picture info and tries to "fix" Job. (Any wonder why we refer to our job as work-I know this doesn't relate but it is ironic). Strike two??

How can we "fix" this....

Ok, who wouldn't want to help Job? Perhaps provide words of comfort? After all, we usually want to "fix" things. In Job C 4-7, we see Eliphaz attempt to do just that. He realizes the severity of the situation and does not try to offer empty words. He speaks from his heart and offers what appears to be good advice from his own experience. That is really all he can offer....except his silence, but we've covered that. Job's response is in v 24, "all I want is a reasonable answer"...true for all of our sufferings. So we see Eliphaz providing no comfort, perhaps the others will not fall victim to trying to make sense out of something they do not understand....not likely....

The patience of Job

Ah the patience of Job, as the saying goes. But what does that mean? Was he patient? We begin Job ch 1-3 with a sort of spiritual battle between God and Satan. God allows Satan to test Job be taking his material wealth and family. Job seems to take this in stride and mourns for the loss, but does not curse God, or ask Him why. Then God allows Job to be inflicted with boils. Job continues his reaction, even admonishing his wife in C2v10. Notice his friends reaction in C2V13. Sometimes it is best to just be there. Ch 3 is interesting because this does not sound like a man of patience. He is basically saying "I wish I'd never been born"...like he has some say in the matter....purely childish (we've all been there). So get ready, for the silence of friends is about to get broken..

So ,what will you do with this info!

Talk about happy endings, Esther is truly a feel good story in ch 8-10, unless you are related to Haman. How many times throughout history have the Jews faced extinction? How many times has God provided a way out? How many times have we sinned and disobeyed God? How many times has He blotted out that sin with the blood of Christ? The Jews were thankful in that they celebrate the Festival of Purim each year. Remembering how God worked through His people to save the Jews. We might want to do likewise, only more often! As we leave Esther, keep in mind that there are useful principles to draw out and apply in our lives. Job is on deck, see if you can apply drawing out principles from that book!