Today we dive back into the book of Job. In the first two chapters of today’s reading, we see Job continue his defense against his “comforters” and is continued lament to God. In the last two chapters of our reading, we see the beginning of the second set of conversations, beginning again with Eliphaz and then Job’s response.
Let’s take a look at the situation for a moment.
Job has and is experiencing some horrific suffering. He has lost all of his belongings and wealth. He has lost all of his children – all 10 of them at once. And he is in the midst of physical suffering being covered in sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Now on top of that, he finds himself having to defend himself against the counsel of his so-called comforters and friends. He is trying to understand why this suffering is happening and is lamenting God. It is a battle being fought on all fronts.
His friends are taking the stance that the reason suffering has come upon Job is that he has committed a sin which he is being punished for. Job maintains his innocence in respect to their accusations. Job, while maintaining his faith in who God is, wants vindication from him. As we progress through the book, we will see that while Job becomes increasingly bitter and demanding with his lament toward God, he never turns his back on God or his faith in him.
I cannot help but continually going back to the opening chapters of this book and being reminded of the conversation that took place between God and Satan. Neither Job nor his friends are privy to this interaction. It is a reminder that we, in our finite being, cannot know the reasons for why things happen. We forget that God is not like us (Psalm 50:21), yet we live so often like he is. But he tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher that the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We also see it in Romans 11:34, “For who can know the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
Whether we are the one suffering or the one who offers comfort to the sufferer, we would be wise to remember these things. As the one suffering we must be reminded that all things come from the hand of the Lord. Our suffering is not random. It is ordained and allowed by the One who is sovereign. Suffering will test our faith of who we truly believe God to be. I know I keep repeating that in various ways, but it cannot be repeated enough. We cannot fully prepare ourselves in advance for suffering. We can acknowledge and accept that it will come in some degree at some time, but we can never be fully prepared because we do not know the how, the what or the why. The only way to prepare for whatever suffering may come our way is to fully root ourselves in the truth of who God is. We can’t do that if we are not immersing ourselves in his Word. We must build our house on the rock and not the sand. (Matthew 7:24-27)
As I reflect on these verses, I am reminded of the many times I have “comforted” like Job’s friends. It has been convicting to me especially these past few days. And I am grateful for this. When we are called into a situation with someone who is suffering let it not be about our own wisdom or opinions. But rather that it would be rooted in the truth of who we know God to be. May we have humility, empathy, grace and love in our approach. May we take every opportunity to gently and lovingly point them to the sovereignty and goodness of God. And may we be mindful of the times when we need to just sit with them (either literally or figuratively) and be quiet.
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