Let us continue to worship our God by learning from Job and his friends; open your Bibles to the Book of Job…..
Here’s what we noted so far from Job chapters 1-5:
Without Job’s knowledge, Satan challenged God by taking away Job’s children and much of his possessions! Then again without Job’s knowledge, Satan challenged God again by giving Job painful sores all over his body. Job sat on a pile of garbage scraping off his sores without sinning against God!
Job was hurting so much and he had no idea why!! Let us note that God allowed all of this to happen for our learning!
Job’s 3 friends came and empathized with Job as they all sat together quietly in the pile of ashes for 7 days! But Job’s wife told him to curse God and die!
Job and his friends while grieving, acknowledged God BUT something was missing as we noted in Job’s speech and his friend’s reply!
Job didn’t really pray to God, just self-pity, then he opened himself up for “advice” from his friends.
Eliphaz trying to be a good friend, empathized with Job and brought up God! BUT, Eliphaz never really prayed either. Eliphaz gave advice not requested! Eliphaz spoke so boldly, placing himself on a pedestal (egotistic)! Eliphaz assumed Job sinned!
Let us now learn from Job’s reply to his friend…. Read along with me Job 6-7…. But to ease our understanding, let me comment on the passages as we read….
V1-3….
C6,v1-3: Job confesses that his words may be lacking but again sharing how terrible he was feeling!
V4-13….
C6,v4-13: Job expresses his belief that God is involved in his life BUT was too weak to do anything! Many of us can understand what Job is saying right? We can be so sick that nothing seem to help!
I hope no one listening to me gets Covid; there were nights when I was so sick with Covid that I was so fatigued and my mind kept wondering all over the place; I tried many times to pray but then my mind strayed away again quickly; nothing was helping me for a number of nights!
V14-21…
C6,v14-21: Job was disappointed with his friend for lack of kindness and respect!
v22-30….
C6,v22-30: Job never asked for advice and yet his “friend” accused him of sinning!
C7,v1-10….
C7,v1-10: Job understood that his life is not forever on earth.
C7,v11-19…
C7,v11-19: Job confesses God is watching but again calls for the end of his life.
C7,v20-21…..
C7,v20-21: Job asked God to reveal any sin he had committed and was ready to confess to rest in God!
And so, what Biblical Principles can we note from Job 6-7?
First of all, what were the good things we should follow?
1. Even though we may have rough times, always acknowledge Almighty God and pray appropriately! Pray C-A-T-S!
2. Cultivate friends and be a friend who will be empathetic!
3. Understand your life on earth with respect to your Holy, Loving God!
Do we falsely look for perfection? Do we falsely think we are perfect? Do we falsely think we will never die?
What are the things we need to watch out for?
1. Be careful of public self-pity; just ask for prayers!
2. Empathy should include kindness and respect for our friends; they could really be hurting!
3. Do not give advice unless it is asked!
Take a moment now to quietly ponder about these things and ask God about dealing with troubles and with friends (especially your brothers and sisters in Christ and immediate family……….
