Job 4-7 With Friends Like This ...

The first of three friends listens to Job’s complaints and then responds.  Eliphaz bases his entire theology on his experiences and on a dream he once had in which a spirit scared him.  He basically believes that punishment and hard times are a result of God’s chastening of sin in one’s life.  His bedside manner is appalling.

 

My commentary had a good observation:  In 5:17-27, Eliphaz is saying, “Confess your sins and God will restore all that you have lost.”  In other words, bargain with God.  “But this is Satan’s philosophy said in different words!  ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? … Skin for skin!  Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life.”

 

Job knew he hadn’t sinned and maintained his integrity as he responded.  He felt targeted by God for no reason.  Of course, he couldn’t see the reason that we are given in chapter 1 as we are given a glimpse into the throne room of heaven.  Job needed illumination, not accusation.  He wanted to know what God was doing.  Job even said in 7:20-21, “If I have sinned, then forgive me.  Why should I be a burden to You and to myself.”  My commentary said this wasn’t a confession of sin, but an opportunity for God to deal with areas in Job’s life that he knew nothing about.

 

The entire problem here came from a limited perspective.  “The friends’ theology was not vital and vibrant but dead and rigid, and the God they tried to defend was small enough to be understood and explained,” my commentary said.

 

Job will learn that God was revealing more of Himself through these experiences.  But it’s hard to see the forest for the trees when we’re in distress.

 

Father, help me to know how little I do know about You when I don’t understand.  Help me to trust Your love for me in those times.  When I can’t feel You hand, help me to trust Your heart.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford