Dave R Phillips

March 2, 2017

Job Finishes His Lament

Psalm 74 begins by begging the question: why have you rejected us God? Hey, God, don’t forget us here! The first half lays out the plea for mercy, then verse 12 pivots:

But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.
Psalm 74:14

The rest of the psalm gives God the glory and reaches out to him to answer those of us who call on his name.

Likewise, we are at a pivot point in Job. Here we read Job’s last arguments before the quiet Elihu appears followed by God himself!

Chapter 28 is titled, Interlude: Where Wisdom Is Found, in the NIV Study Bible. The imagery is wonderful as Job compares the search for silver or gold deep in the darkest places where no foot has trod,

People assault the flinty rock with their hands
and lay bare the roots of the mountains.
They tunnel through the rock;
their eyes see all its treasures.
They search the sources of the rivers
and bring hidden things to light.
Job 28:9-11

We humans know where to look in the darkest places for the treasures we seek, but where do we go to look for wisdom? This is just too good not to re-read:

But where can wisdom be found?
Where does understanding dwell?
No mortal comprehends its worth;
it cannot be found in the land of the living.
The deep says, “It is not in me”;
the sea says, “It is not with me.”
Job 28:12-14

There is only one true source of wisdom:

God understands the way to it
and he alone knows where it dwells,
for he views the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.
Job 28:23-24

Job knows God is the creator of all, the one from whom wisdom begins and he truly fears the Lord.

In chapter 29, Job recalls the days of old when God was with him, when his children surrounded him; back in the good ‘ol days when people listened to what he had to say. Chapter 30 paints the opposing picture where he is mocked, where he has become the laughingstock of all, one to be avoided.

I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer;
I stand up, but you merely look at me.
You turn on me ruthlessly;
with the might of your hand you attack me.
Job 30:20-21

The pain that Job feels is real, the sense that his words are empty and unheard by God strike close to home. But I don’t think it’s fair to suggest that God has turn his hand on Job, though this is difficult to understand.

Chapter 31 provides a careful study of how Job has followed God’s ways carefully, or at least how he has tried to live an honorable life. He calls on God to show him the err of his ways while maintaining his innocence in all these sins.

I would be hard-pressed to pass all the tests that Job presents: he taught his eye not to lust, his lips not to lie, acted justly in business deals, properly treated the poor, the fatherless, the widow; he didn’t put his trust in wealth nor mock his enemy–basically, he’s done no wrong that he is aware of! Wow! I would fail on many accounts, but not Job, he cannot see why all of this has happened to him.

His case fully stated, Job signs his name: “the words of Job are ended” (Job 31:40).

If the book of Job were to end here, we would all be lost. His friends have not been much help and God still seems so distant. Lord, we try to do that which is right, knowing that our sinful nature deceives us. Find us, Lord, when we wander aimlessly, when our steps are unsure and our path is covered in fog. Here we are Lord, find us and show us the way out of despair and darkness. We completely trust in you Lord.

March 1, 2017

Bildad’s Last Thought, Job’s Final Words to His Friends

Job 25-28

In 5 short verses, Bildad concludes his arguments with a simple assertion that mere humans are only worms compared to God. This, of course, includes himself and his friends. In essence, we are all nothing.

Job replies with thick sarcasm:

How you have helped the powerless!
How you have saved the arm that is feeble!
What advice you have offered to one without wisdom!
And what great insight you have displayed!
Who has helped you utter these words?
And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?
Job 26:2-4

Job’s Final Words to his Friends

I will never admit you are in the right;
till I die, I will not deny my integrity.
I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it;
my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
Job 27:5-6

Job confesses nothing–he is innocent. After all the talk, all the tough love, Job is unmoved and unable to repent from sin he did not commit.

In verses 13-23, Job describes the fate of the wicked, how God will severely remove them.

He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more;
when he opens his eyes, all is gone.
Job 27:19

Job is finished arguing with these three friends. Tomorrow we’ll read Job’s lament as we round the last corner of the story of Job.

His friends showed up, but provided little help. Perhaps, at best, they distracted Job from his misery, his sores and physical pain. What they did accomplish for our sake is to display rather dramatically how not to reach out to friends in trouble. The challenge, of course, is often our friends can’t see their mistakes and a pound of tough-love is indeed in order. It seems the Bible is full of moments when this is the right course of action (e.g., Nathan confronting David, etc.). Perhaps God gives us these words of wisdom to help us weigh our thoughts when reaching out to those in need.

February 28, 2017

Last Speech from Eliphaz, Job Replies

Job 22-24 and Psalm 73

The last speech from Eliphaz covers lots of ground. He begins by arguing against the presumed piety of Job compared to the Creator of all:

Can a man be of benefit to God?
Can even a wise person benefit him?
What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous?
What would he gain if your ways were blameless?
Job 22:2-3

This is an interesting start to his argument, almost like Eliphaz was reading Ecclesiastes and begs the “why exist” question. But Eliphaz isn’t here for philosophy 101. He immediately shifts into high gear and begins confront Job for obvious transgressions, “Is not your wickedness great?” (Job 22:5). That’s just the beginning of this tirade as he effectively jumps to Matthew 25 and accuses Job of denying the people of clothing, water and food, of sending the widow away empty-handed. Even in his day, such actions would be offensive.

In verses 12-20, Eliphaz accuses Job of suggesting that God doesn’t see what is going on, “Yet you say, ‘What does God know?'” (Job 22:13).

The final words of Eliphaz in verses 21 to 30 provide a sure path for recovery for those who have gone astray. “Submit to God…” and he will restore you, everything will be made new. Eliphaz actually ends on a high note, but the middle of his speech burns Job’s ears as he criticizes deeply and joins his friends Bildad and Zophar in accusing Job of unrepentant sin.

Job Responds

In Chapter 23, Job explains that if he could simply find God, he could make his case and be exonerated, but God is nowhere to be found. “If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!” (Job 23:3). Searching east, west, north or south, God cannot be found; Job’s ability to defend himself is untried. A bit of self-pity wells up inside him. Poor Job.

Job recognizes that God is the Creator, the one who can and will judge.

But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?
He does whatever he pleases.
He carries out his decree against me,
and many such plans he still has in store.
That is why I am terrified before him;
when I think of all this, I fear him.
God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me.
Job 23:13-16

Chapter 24 turns to Eliphaz’s accusations about helping those less fortunate by first asking a question of God: why not set a day and time for judgment? Let us know when to show up and state our case. Why does God allow all of the thief and the murderer to continue their dark ways?

One day, however, God will deal with those who are mighty in power:

He may let them rest in a feeling of security,
but his eyes are on their ways.
For a little while they are exalted, and then they are gone;
they are brought low and gathered up like all others;
they are cut off like heads of grain.
“If this is not so, who can prove me false
and reduce my words to nothing?”
Job 24:23-25

Relentlessly, Job continues to support his innocence while giving God the glory, even when he’s completely frustrated and confused. God doesn’t have to explain himself to us, though it is difficult to understand why evil appears to flourish, we do not have any authority in the court of God.

The drama continues. Job’s friends are still present, though it’s a stretch to suggest that they are being helpful–at least they’re still there!

February 27, 2017

Zophar – Round 2 and Job’s Reply

Job 20-21

Zophar picks up his line of reasoning by expressing his personal disdain for Job’s words:

“My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
because I am greatly disturbed.
I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
and my understanding inspires me to reply.”
Job 20:2-3

How could someone like Job possibly rebuke Zophar? Zophar is doing fine, checking his lists, living in self-righteousness. He left his home to comfort a friend who has “obviously” committed some grievous sin as evidenced by the disaster that has fallen upon him. From his perspective, Job is not the victim of some injustice, rather he is the victim of his own misgivings and therefore unqualified to offer suggested remedies, much less rebuke those who have taken time from their busy lives to help poor old Job. “I hear a rebuke that dishonors me…” comes from this pious position.

“…my understanding inspires me to reply.” Zophar is so secure in himself that he has the ability to impart his special wisdom on Job. Here is Zophar’s incredible insight:

godless people don’t last long
these people will perish like dung
like a dream, they flitter away
he will swallow the evil that is so sweet in his mouth
snakes in his stomach will destroy him
God will inflict his punishment

In other words, my friend Job, all of this you are seeing is your own doing–you brought this on yourself.

When we sit with those who have far less material resources than we do, is it possible that these thoughts run through our minds? How did you get here? What mistakes did you make to land in your sibling’s house with two other families? “Obviously” you’ve made mistakes or you wouldn’t be here. Let me console you with my wisdom, then drive away in my car to my well-deserved house.

I’m not proposing a poverty or prosperity theology, only suggesting that we must guard against this line of reasoning. Perhaps we should teach something like a Zophar Test before heading into the mission field. Or perhaps on a more positive scale, a Mother Theresa test to be sure our hearts are in the right place.

Side note: Isn’t it interesting that we tend to focus on those who are outwardly struggling, those who have little income and few resources to overcome that which has set them back. The guy that just drove by me in a shiny new Porsche is probably farther from God than the man who sits on the porch on disability, unable to hold a job to support his family.

Zophar’s conclusion:

“Such is the fate God allots the wicked,
the heritage appointed for them by God.”
Job 20:29

Here we are in the center of Job, lost in the world’s definition of success, of cause and effect logic, as we witness how easy and absurd it is to slip down the path of self-righteous indignation. So much to learn from these extreme characters, but we’re not done yet!

Job Replies

Job counters Zophar’s line of reasoning with his own observations about the wicked:

Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?
Their homes are safe even though they are far from God
Bulls breed, cows calve — no problems there!
They have lots of happy children dancing about
The live and die in prosperity

Explain that Zophar! You’ve seen it. You’ve seen those who are far from God live in apparent prosperity while never darkening the steps of a church or even considering their sinful, self-indulgent behavior. How does that work, O most wise Zophar?

Job keeps pointing to God while his friends keep pointing to themselves. Interesting. “Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since he judges even the highest?” (Job 21:22). All are equal in God’s eyes, rich or poor, strong or weak, able or crippled. Job keeps prompting his friends to take a broader view of life.

Even in his personal pain and agony, Job offers this insight as he ends this round:

“So how can you console me with your nonsense?
Nothing is left of your answers but falsehood!”
Job 21:34

If I learn nothing else from this round, I hope that I learn to withhold judgment based on circumstantial evidence. God can certainly see beyond the temporal issues of today and see deep into the soul. I know I can’t look that deeply, but I can look beyond the surface if I would simply stop and pray for wisdom.

February 26, 2017

Bildad’s hurtful words and Job’s Response

Job 18-19

Bildad continues the rant against Job, “When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk” (Job 18:2), then provides a list of attributes to support his argument. In particular, I found this statement to be cruel:

He has no offspring or descendants among his people,
no survivor where once he lived.
Job 18:19

That’s a little too personal Bildad! Here’s a man who love his kids and just lost them all in odd circumstances and you dare to toss this in his face? But just in case Job doesn’t understand your position, you clarify it with:

Surely such is the dwelling of an evil man;
such is the place of one who does not know God.
Job 18:21

Job responds by pleading with his friends for pity, for an ounce of appreciation for all he’s gone through, “If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone” (Job 19:4). Job provides evidence that he is left alone, disowned by his family, his servants don’t listen, and even “My breath is offensive to my wife; I am loathsome to my own family” (Job 19:17).

Job wraps up his response to Bildad with this wonderful thought:

I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27

Job refuses to give up on God, though he is confused about the methods employed, he looks deep within for the Lord.

From their perspective, Job’s friends see the worst of all possible scenarios. Their digs are getting deeper and their words more harsh and personal. If they were trying the tough-love approach before, now they seem to have placed themselves in lofty places and cast Job among the dogs of earth. Sad.

These words provide a warning to look introspectively when we descend into an argument with friends, at the very least, we should set limits on our words, though James reminds us that,

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6

Lord, help us to remember! Tame my tongue, my thoughts, even these words I type this morning.

February 25, 2017

Eliphaz Speaks Again, Job Replies

Job 15-17 and Psalm 72

Round Two

Eliphaz takes the gloves off and pounds Job with 10 confrontational questions in rapid succession,

Would a wise person answer with empty notions…?
Would they argue with useless words…?
Are you the first man ever born?
Were you brought forth before the hills?
Do you listen in on God’s council?
Do you have a monopoly on wisdom?
What do you know that we do not know?
What insights do you have that we do not have?
Are God’s consolations not enough for you…?
Why has your heart carried you away…?

The 11th question is more philosophical as Eliphaz shifts from inquisitor to expositor, “What are mortals, that they could be pure, or those born of woman, that they could be righteous?” (Job 15:14)

“Listen to me and I will explain to you;
let me tell you what I have seen, what the wise have declared,
hiding nothing received from their ancestors (to whom alone the land was given when no foreigners moved among them):
All his days the wicked man suffers torment, the ruthless man through all the years stored up for him.”
Job 15:17-20

Eliphaz is convinced that all of the pain and suffering Job is dealing with is of his own doing. In his mind, this is a simple argument that needs to be pounded into Job’s head by providing evidence of many others who have fallen because of their sin.

It’s so much easier to ascribe pain and suffering to sin than to deal with the much larger issue that we are in a fallen world, that bad things do happen to good people. Honestly, it’s so much harder to have a conversation with those far from Christ because of this dilemma, but it is a real conversation about real life. Eliphaz wants to hold fast to the simple formula, if…then or your sin = your punishment, but it’s more complicated than that.

Job’s Reply

“I have heard many things like these;
you are miserable comforters, all of you!
Job 16:2

I’m reminded that during all of this discussion Job is dealing with sores from head to foot; the tragic loss of his family is compounded by disease and great discomfort. Then his friends arrive!

Job asserts he would approach the problem differently if roles were reversed:

But my mouth would encourage you;
comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5

Hmmm…I wonder if this would be the case. It’s a lofty goal to be pursued and worth mentally swapping shoes with those who are afflicted. Perhaps the perspective would do us some good after all.

Chapter 17 turns dark as Job concedes his death is imminent and afraid he will not be exonerated before the grave wins. His urgent appeal seems to mark the center point in the narrative:

“But come on, all of you, try again!
where then is my hope–who can see any hope for me?
Will it go down to the gates of death?
Will we descend together into the dust?”
Job 17:10, 15-16

Where then is my hope? Can we deal with worldly problems and yet hang onto hope? If Job was able to, in his extreme example, certainly we can without any doubt. We are on the other side of the resurrection, we have Christ to rely on–our hope is secure. But this is not so clear to those outside of the faith. Navigating these waters is difficult, challenging and costly (at least in emotional terms). We will be tried, of this we are certain. Lord, help us as we reach out to others who have given into the world, who see the simple cause and effect scenario and have given up on hope. May we be the small light that guides them to you. Help us to have eyes to see how you see, especially today.

February 24, 2017

Zophar Speaks, Job Replies

Job 11-14

Zophar picks up where Bildad left off with another cold slap in the face:

“Is this talker to be vindicated?
Will your idle talk reduce others to silence?
Will no one rebuke you when you mock? Job 11:2-3

To add insult to injury, Zophar then mocks Job by reducing his arguments to the phrase: “My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight” (Job 11:4). No, Zophar, that’s not what Job said, but thanks for throwing that in his face! He’s not done yet: “But the witless can no more become wise than a wild donkey’s colt can be born human.” (Job 11:12).

As a software programmer, I can’t help but highlight Zophar’s if..then logical solution:

if ( ( you devote your heart to him ) && 
     ( stretch out your hands to him ) ) 
{
   if  ( ( you put away the sin that is in your hand ) && 
         ( allow no evil to dwell in your tent ) ) 
   {
         then,
         free of fault, you will lift up your face;
         you will stand firm and
         without fear.
   }
} 
Job 11:13-15

Job Replies

Job’s reply goes something like this, “Isn’t it wonderful to know that you guys, my friends, are the wisest the world has ever known!! I’m so blessed to have such amazingly friends!” [the bright neon sarcasm sign is flashing]

“Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you! But I have a mind as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know all these things?”
“My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it. What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. Job 12:2-3, 13:1-2

The debate is really heating up now. In my imagination I see Job and his comrades in an open room stomping around as they take turns in venting frustration from the hand that life has dealt. His friends are confident that Job has committed some grievous sin that he simply will not confess so they turn up the rhetoric loud and clear. Job affirms his understanding that God is the God of the land, sea and sky; he is the Lord of all: the good and those who are evil. God’s power and wisdom cannot be questioned, “What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; those he imprisons cannot be released” (Job 12:14). Then he slips in another jab:

He silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away the discernment of elders. Job 12:20

Hint, hint my friends,

“If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom!”
“Will you argue the case for God?”
“Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may.” Job 13:5, 8, 13

I’m reminded of Brennan Manning’s, The Ragamuffin Gospel, chapter 7, where the story moves to a rehab center. Max is on the hot-seat, refusing to admit his addiction to alcohol and the tragic consequences. It’s a compelling story that unpacks the notion of counterfeit grace and quite difficult to read without getting swept up in the pain Max must have felt. Job’s friends are convinced that their “tough love” is exactly what he needs right now. From their perspective, they are simply being great friends that are not afraid to call him out–he’s just in denial!

Job turns introspective again and paints a picture that vividly reminds us of Grace upon Grace:

“At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.” Job 14:7-9

What a wonderful picture of hope: “yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots…” I love the imagery and the affirmation that hope runs deep.

Job, once again, inadvertently points us to Jesus:

“If someone dies, will they live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.” Job 14:14

He puts his faith completely in God, though he is completely confused and frustrated by all that is happening around him.

At this point, we’ve just finished round 1 of the discourses. Job’s friends don’t know that they’re wrong and Job is himself pretty confused. Here’s the real challenge: would we be able to see clearly in this situation? At the very least I pray that we would be willing to lock ourselves in the room with our friends and tough it out, that we would have friends deep enough and strong enough in our lives to convict us, to show us where we have strayed. Lord I earnestly pray for discernment. I pray the Holy Spirit would guide my thoughts as I try to love my brothers and sisters, especially the ones I don’t know yet! Keep me humble, Lord.

February 23, 2017

Bildad Speaks, Job Replies

Job 8-10 and Psalm 71

Psalm 71 is a great hymn of praise for every stage in life: birth to youth to old age. Twice David appeals to God in his “old age” and throughout this is a song of hope. Job didn’t have the psalms to play, no worship team to help him get back on track, just his friends. 🙂

As I awoke this morning I thought about Job, about the handful of friends that went to console him. The first wave of words crashed with a bit of a thud, but here’s the thought: they’re still sitting there with Job. Before judging his friends too harshly, at least they are there with him. Their words will continue to pelt him, but they are locking arms in support as best they know how. It seems appropriate to remember how few friends stop what they’re doing and attempt to provide comfort in times of trouble, there are few who extend a hand when their own hands are tired. I’m reminded to be careful as I cast judgment.

Bildad Speaks

Rereading my epiphany above, I hear soothing sounds of instrumental music in my mind. Then Bildad ruins it all!

When your children sinned against him, he gave them over to the penalty of their sin. Job 8:4

Thanks Bildad! Just what I wanted to hear. For years Job and his big family celebrated birthdays and he followed by providing a sacrifice just in case they sinned and you slap me in the face with this revelation! Yes Bildad, I’m so glad you came! Bildad is not done yet, he’s just getting started with examples to drive his point home: just ask your parents, check out the papyrus and reeds, you’re just a spider’s web easily swept away or a well-watered plant grabbing rocks with its roots. Suck it up buttercup!

Surely God does not reject one who is blameless or strengthen the hands of evildoers. Job 8:20

Job Replies

Yep. You are right Bildad. Who can fight with God? I love the eloquence with which Job describes the wonder of the Creator in phrase after phrase: His wisdom is profound, He moves mountains, He shakes the earth, He speaks to the sun, He alone stretches out the heavens, and more. In particular, I find his reference to constellations appealing:

He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. Job 9:9

Years ago when I was traveling with Tops in Blue, I was crushed with personal tragedy (something I’ll think about posting later). With many weeks yet to go on the tour literally around the world, I found myself wandering out late after the show was done to gaze at the heavens and ask God why? I found Orion each night as those weeks when on. Positioned in a different places it was interesting to find when we were in Korea for Christmas, or Japan, Philippines, etc., but always there. Though I don’t know that much about constellations, I was a star-gazer in my youth. I remember seeing Orion’s belt and thinking to myself that God is always there. Back to Job:

“How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him? Though I were innocent, I could not answer him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.” Job 9:15

Job is just beginning to vent with these words, his rant continues as he dives into a depressing discourse, “I despise my own life…it’s all the same…” In the heat of his argument, Job unknowingly points to Jesus:

If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together…Job 9:33

He continues with words that are often on my lips these days:

Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked? Job 10:3

I’m not proud of the fact that I have sinned in uttering those words. Life sucks at times, it’s not at all joyful some days, my soul is not always well, even as the song replays in my mind. My current struggle pales in comparison to that of Job and my sinful words bite me. If nothing else, I can learn that this morning.

The story is far from over. I really appreciate the words of Job here, how God allows him space to vent and especially how his friends stay there with him, even though their words are not completely on target or even appropriate, at least they are still there.

February 22, 2017

Eliphaz Speaks, Job Replies

Job 4-7

As Beth pointed out in yesterday’s post, the story of Job is set in Abraham’s time. In these ancient days before the temple was established, before judges and kings, people still had to deal with the lifelong debate about why bad things happen to good people. As part of the wisdom literature, this singular work shows up in the middle of the Bible alongside of Psalms and Proverbs.

Here we are called to learn many lessons from the debates that ensue. One of the most important lessons seems to do with true friendship, the permission to say what is on your mind with one another in love and respect. In the discourses that follow we certainly see truth come from the words of Job’s friends, but they are the most friendly of words! I watched a Tim Keller talk yesterday that reminded me of the core reason behind this tension: we have a tendency to believe we are smarter than God. This arrogance isn’t so obvious as that sounds–we assert our pious positions unknowingly and probably far too often. This is the beauty and the wisdom wrapped in the book of Job. It’s honest and real and encourages us to listen to one another in ways that are deep and true. Sometimes, as Dr DelHousaye would say, the volume of “our response needs to be turned all the way down to shut up!”

Job breaks the silence in the previous chapter with resounding words of complaint and a great desire not only to die, but to never be born! Now, the first of his friends enters the conversation to help him understand what is going on.

Eliphaz begins by asking permission to speak, then immediately reminds Job of all the good things he’s done and taught, but he quickly calls Job’s attention to that very teaching and lets him know:

“Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed?” Job 4:7

Eliphaz reminds Job that he should repent, there is no way to be righteous before God (Job 4:17), that trouble is a part of life (Job 5:7) and it’s wonderful to be corrected by God! (Job 5:17). In the middle of this first round of debate, Eliphaz is not shy to offer his advice:

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.” Job 5:8

Because, of course dear friend, Job hasn’t already done that! Seriously? Is this your best advice dear friend?

Job is not pleased with this advice, to say the least. His reaction smacks his friend in the face with some reality and a pound of bitterness:

But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams…Now you too have proved to be of no help; you see something dreadful and are afraid. Job 6:15,21

Job begs his friends to show him the err of his ways, reveal the mistakes, help me understand. These are somewhat rhetorical questions, but also clues to his friends to listen and help him unpack the calamity that has beset he and his family.

Job quickly turns his attention to God. He honors God by extolling his right to give and take. In a way, Job reveres God’s great position as giving him permission to complain: God wants us to express ourselves, to be completely transparent before him.

“Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 7:11

One of my favorite quotes here, and in a few of the psalms, is quoted by C.S. Lewis implicitly and explicitly in his writings. If nothing else, take time to soak this in:

What is mankind that you make so much of them,
that you give them so much attention,
that you examine them every morning
and test them every moment? Job 7:17-18

How is it, Lord, that we are worthy of your attention? Do you really love us so much that you would stop to consider our pain and suffering? Humble me this morning, Lord, and nourish my soul, my inner most being with your love. Show me in ways that words and music fail to express. When I hear the bird chirp to see the genuine smile from a friend, remind me that your love is oceans greater and my pettiness is unfounded. Teach me through the words of Job and his friends we can be real with one another.

February 21, 2017

Job – Prologue and Testing

Job 1-3 and Psalm 70

Years ago I was taking a psychology class and for some forgotten reason I used Psalm 70 as the text for a song I used as my presentation. This was not a Christian college, though the name was Saint Leo College, and certainly not a Christian class, but it was my rogue attempt at evangelism.

O Lord to my rescue,
O Lord to my help make haste.

For the next week I’ll be exploring Job. The timing of this quick study is somewhat apropos as worldly challenges surround our family. Immediately, I’m humbled by the small difficulties we face and honestly, I’m so far from being as worthy as Job was that to compare my challenges with his is ridiculous! That confession made, Job begins.

Job – How to Be Angry

The story of Job begins in a very unusual way, a heavenly staff meeting where God prompts Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (Job 1:8). Satan makes the case that were God to remove the hedge of protection from around Job, his household and all his possession, Job would not be such a fine example. In Satan’s mind, “stuff” is what Job is all about.

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Job 1:12

The first observation is this: God puts everything Job has in Satan’s power and his immediate response is to destroy it all. Satan’s craft is destruction, his skill is creatively taking from others. Let that sink in (I’m really talking to myself!).

In 7 verses Job goes from a happy father of 10 children with great wealth to poor and childless. Tragedy upon tragedy greet Job this day. Job’s response:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21

Job refuses to curse God, quite the contrary, but Satan is not finished.

The next staff meeting, Satan reappears and God once again asks him, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (Job 2:3). This time God adds, “and he still maintains his integrity…” Satan is fired up (so to speak) and enticed God to give him more leeway: “A man will give all he has for his own life…strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” (Job 2:4-5)

God agrees with the caveat that he must spare Job’s life, so Satan gets to work. Painful sores erupt from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. As he sits in the ashes scraping his sores, his wife provokes him: “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job’s reply needs to be engraved in stone and placed about 12 inches in front of my face:

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2:10

Job refuses to sin. I’m ashamed to admit I have faltered for far less.

Job’s Friends: Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar

Enter the counsel of Job’s friends. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar set out from their homes to find Job and comfort him. When they connect, they sat with him for an entire week without saying a word. I suppose they were caught between the place where you don’t know what to say and constructing an appropriate response. The week of silence is broken by Job:

“May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!'” Job 3:3

Job curses the day he was born, he quite verbally and unashamedly cries out for his present misery:

For sighing has become my daily food;
my groans pour out like water.
What I feared has come upon me;
what I dreaded has happened to me.
I have no peace, no quietness;
I have no rest, but only turmoil. Job 3:24-26

In my mind, Job has every right to whine and complain. The tragedy that has fallen on his family is like a tsunami that crashes on the shore and wipes out everything. Go ahead Job, let it out, your friends are there to comfort you, right? Hmmm…we’ll see in the following back and forth of discourses.

Lord, I read these words and know that I have spoken harsh words for the present difficulties that bite me deeply. Help me to learn from Job, to know without doubt that the things of this world are only temporary. Help me to keep my eyes on you as Satan does his best to take me down. And when he wins the battle of the day, comfort me with the assurance that you have already won the war. But far more than for my own pitiful reaction, Lord, help me to be a comfort to others, to say the right words or to say nothing at all. And may you be honored through it all.