May 8 - Job 18-19
Bildad shows his impatience with Job as he responds again. Then, he goes on to repeat the same refrain that the wicked are punished. Even though this is true, it is almost like he is talking just to be saying something. That is always dangerous. In fact, when you are trying to comfort someone in grief, and you don't know what to say, it is better to remain silent. Your presence is a comfort. In any situation it is better not to talk, if you are not sure of what the Lord wants you to say.
Then, Job gives a remarkable response. He shows his friends that he is trusting God in his grief and pain. He doesn't understand why, but he knows God has done this to him. He is hurt greatly by his rejection by people around him. His physical appearance and even his breath drive them away. However, in this response Job speaks of his Redeemer. Job's relationship with God had somehow brought him to know that there was a Redeemer, and that one day He would stand on the earth. Job knew that there would be a time of Judgment. He knew that he would see God and give an account before Him. This was an amazing revelation for Job to understand since he lived so long before Christ. It shows that Job had a close relationship with God, and it shows that God reveals wonderful things to His faithful children. Could that be why God was comfortable with allowing Job to go through this terrible pain? I think it is.
When we go through trials, it is much easier if we keep in mind that heaven is our eternal home, and one day we will see Jesus. All of the pain of this life will be forgotten. There will be joy forever. Once you have a glimpse of eternity, and a close relationship with the Lord like Job did, you can endure whatever comes in life. It won't make it easy, but it is possible with the Lord's power.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 20-21.
Then, Job gives a remarkable response. He shows his friends that he is trusting God in his grief and pain. He doesn't understand why, but he knows God has done this to him. He is hurt greatly by his rejection by people around him. His physical appearance and even his breath drive them away. However, in this response Job speaks of his Redeemer. Job's relationship with God had somehow brought him to know that there was a Redeemer, and that one day He would stand on the earth. Job knew that there would be a time of Judgment. He knew that he would see God and give an account before Him. This was an amazing revelation for Job to understand since he lived so long before Christ. It shows that Job had a close relationship with God, and it shows that God reveals wonderful things to His faithful children. Could that be why God was comfortable with allowing Job to go through this terrible pain? I think it is.
When we go through trials, it is much easier if we keep in mind that heaven is our eternal home, and one day we will see Jesus. All of the pain of this life will be forgotten. There will be joy forever. Once you have a glimpse of eternity, and a close relationship with the Lord like Job did, you can endure whatever comes in life. It won't make it easy, but it is possible with the Lord's power.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Job 20-21.