May 7 - Job 15-17
Eliphaz speaks up again in response to Job's words of hopelessness and defeat. I think that he thought that Job was turning against God. (15:16) Job was not just saying that God caused his suffering, but he was having a negative attitude toward God because of this. Eliphaz tries to set him straight. He points out to Job that it is always tempting to act defiantly against God, but that is folly. I know you have seen this many times as I have. When a person has a painful trial, he can turn to God or away from God. It is always right to allow the trials to bring us closer to God. That is what Eliphaz is saying to Job here.
Job responds by saying that he needs comfort and not criticism. That is true. When a person is in pain, those who try to help must put the stress on comfort instead of correct problems, especially at first. However, even Job does admit that he was "at ease" before the trial came. Then, his ease was broken by pain and loss. This upset him, because it seemed that God was just interrupting his quiet life for no good reason. Job wanted to continue in his ease of life. God knew that Job needed to have this test. This is a good lesson for all of us. We want to take it easy in life. God wants to make us like Jesus. We can't become like Jesus without some trials. However, we are set on comfort instead of holiness, so we get upset with God. That is the wrong response to trials. We must accept the fact that life is not about being "at ease." Life is about knowing God and doing His will.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 18-19.
Job responds by saying that he needs comfort and not criticism. That is true. When a person is in pain, those who try to help must put the stress on comfort instead of correct problems, especially at first. However, even Job does admit that he was "at ease" before the trial came. Then, his ease was broken by pain and loss. This upset him, because it seemed that God was just interrupting his quiet life for no good reason. Job wanted to continue in his ease of life. God knew that Job needed to have this test. This is a good lesson for all of us. We want to take it easy in life. God wants to make us like Jesus. We can't become like Jesus without some trials. However, we are set on comfort instead of holiness, so we get upset with God. That is the wrong response to trials. We must accept the fact that life is not about being "at ease." Life is about knowing God and doing His will.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 18-19.