Read 254.) Job 3:1-7:21. Growing up, I often heard the expression, "The patience of Job." This meant someone had a lot of patience. So when I first read Job I expected to read of a man having a whole lot of patience. Well, he did, but it only lasted for the first 2 chapters. But that's okay. When we reflect upon what he had just endured in those first 2 chapters, he did have a lot of patience! I could not have endured the half that he did and fared even half as well! Could you?
If you leaf thru Job you will note a pattern. A friend will speak, and Job will reply. This will cycle thru 3 times, then a 4th and final friend comes on the scene. The pattern isn't important, but it is there, and I want you to be aware of it.
Chapter 3 opens with Job cursing the day he was born… ever been that low yourself? Think about it; Job has lost everything but his wife, including his health. He possessed a great deal and had 10 children! Read the entire chapter aloud and try to put as much emotion into your voice as the words call for. You cannot read this and not feel a touch of depression, no… Despair! Job is complaining bitterly and whatever there was of his patience seen in the first 2 chapters is gone!
Chapters 4 and 5 are the 'comforting' words and counsel of Eliphaz unto Job. What does his dear friend have to say to him? He does not go beyond 4 verses before Eliphaz becomes critical of Job. And so it begins; with verse 7, Eliphaz has all but accused Job of some grievous wrongdoing! See that? It's only beginning. This will be a common theme throughout the book. Watch for it and for the truth concerning this, as the idea is vitally important to learn and to understand. With chapter 5 and verse 8, we do find a word of great wisdom. His friend has counseled Job to take it to God in prayer. But the question becomes, right here, why did his friend not lead this prayer, and 'lift' his brother up before God Himself and encourage all the others to begin to do the very same. The idea was great, but there was no follow-through! Verses 17 and 18 are helpful also. But the closing verses, 19 thru 27, Eliphaz errs, and whatever hope he might have brought is stolen away from Job.
Job replies to Eliphaz in chapters 6 and 7. What does he say? 'Nobody's had it as bad as I have. This is God's doing. I have good reason for my complaints! If only He would just let me die! I have no future. And you friends are no help! I am innocent and undeserving of this! Life is futile and worthless.' And with the last of chapter 7, verses 17 thru 21, Job 'appeals' to God, but not from faith but in an accusatory manner. He is truly hurting. Been there? But there is hope. It's what the Book is all about!
ForeverKingdom,
Harold F Crowell
No comments:
Post a Comment