Job 35:9 They cry for relief from being kicked around, but never give God a thought when things go well, says Elihu in his 3rd try to reach Job. Wanted relief more than trusting for rest. I wonder why his friends couldn't just sit with Job and hold his sorrow. Wait, they actually did sit wordless for what 7 days? Then, they finally had to say something to get Job out of his funk. But their words, their lives didn't draw out of Job the man God created him to be. They were all "curved in on themselves" as they tried to relate trying to have weighty words. They only frustrated Job more. Job felt "missed" by these 4 friends. I wonder how much we "miss" our friends and never know it thinking all is well?
Job 36:16 God is wooing you from the jaws of danger. The wiles of the devil. Our own depravity. He is using our suffering to woo us to a better place. I love how Elihu doesn't try to explain the suffering but focuses on the majesty of God. Let's worship God, o my friend Job!
And what about Job's wife. Wonder why she is not mentioned in all these subsequent chapters? Is she walking with God? Does Job pour into her life? Does he draw her out to be the woman God created her to be? She doesn't even have a name. You know, there is something wrong with all of us. I connected with some lifelong friends today whom I haven't seen in four years. We talked about what our Beautiful God has done and is doing in our lives. But one thing remains. There is something wrong with all of us whether it's Job's wife or Elihu or me. G.K. Chesterton submitted an entry to a contest that a local paper in England ran some years ago. They were soliciting essays to answer the question: "What's Gone Wrong With Our World Today?" Chesteron's paper caught their eye. It was two words. "I am." Sincerely, G.K. Chesterton.
Job lost his 10 children. I can't stop thinking about that. God asked him to carry that burden. He'll see those 10 gravestones til the day he dies no matter what blessings are in store for him. But Job will see far more than a stone that crumbles. He'll see his own depravity, once a pillar of strength but even human pillars crumble. Humbled, Job's eyes will be opened a little more to see his God in the midst. What am I doing with what has gone wrong in my own life? Do I hold hope for a very Good God to show up. Look for Him today. Isaiah 30:18 He longs to have compassion on you this very day.
"Look up at the sky. Take a long hard look. See those clouds towering above you? If you sin what difference could that make to God?" (Job 35:5b)
ReplyDeleteWhile out on errands the other day, I glanced up to see the 'towering clouds' above me in the shape of a beautiful elongated cross. God speaking to me through nature. "And the clouds are the dust of His feet." (Nahum:1:3b)
Then today I read the above passage and immediately thought of that cross-shaped cloud and the differnce my sin made...the crucifixion of His Son.
Mike Mason writes: "...[sin] crucifies Him. Yes, there is a wall between God and man, but the cross breaks down that wall and so produces a common ground upon which man's sin does directly affect God, in order that God's righteousness might also directly affect man. It is the cross that brings God close, that literally pins His shoulders to the mat and holds Him there until He blesses us." (The Gospel According To Job)
Reminds me of Jacob and Job...perseverance in the wrestling and the waiting. May we not let Him go!
Have a blessed weekend!
FG
Great comment FG...I really enjoy reading Mike Mason.
ReplyDeleteCici & Staci, do you guys want to do a bible study on psalms and proverbs which starts this Monday. We'll meet for 4 weeks and there's a study guide we'll go through when we meet. I'm posting it here just to save time. I am in FW at a wedding and housecleaning to rent our home here so I'm swamped...otherwise I'd call. I'll get back with you by Sunday but think about it. Would love to get with you girls and anyone you want to ask. Bev
ReplyDeletePS I'm doing a 66 Love Letter devo and bs through the church starting last Monday in June.
That's awesome, Bev. Keep us posted on the 66 LL and your other study. You serve Him so well.
ReplyDelete