SCRIPTURE: JOB 16
JOB EXPRESSED HIS AGONIES AS FOLLOWS:
- All of my friends are miserable comforters. (v. 2)
- They keep on arguing and their long-winded speeches never end. (v. 3)
- God have worn me out and devasted my entire household. (v. 8)
- God assails me and tears me in his anger and gnashes his teeth at me; my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes. (v. 9)
- Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me. (v. 10)
- God has turned me over to evil men and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked. (v. 11)
- He shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target. (v. 12)
- He pierces my kidneys with his archers without pity and spills my gall on the ground. (v. 13)
- He bursts upon me and rushes at me like a warrior. (v. 14)
- I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and buried my brow in the dust. (v. 13)
- My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure. (v. 17)
- Only a few years will pass before I go on the journey of no return. (v. 22)
JOB’S PLEADING: “O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest!) (v. 18)
JOB’S FAITH IN GOD: “My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God” (v. 20)
THOUGHTS:
Job’s three friends were “miserable comforters”. They added to his pain and shame. If it were his friends who were suffering, Job would have spoken words of strength and help them in the suffering. Do you use your words to encourage and bring new life to others?
Job was defenseless because God had permitted people to scorn him, reprimand him and condemn him. He needed a mediator to represent him in heaven and bring justice.
WAYS TO BE A GOOD COMFORTER TO THOSE IN PAIN.
- Do not talk much. Instead, pray for them.
- Do not give sermons.
- Do not accuse or criticize.
- Put yourself in other person’s place.
- Offer help and encouragement.