Job 29 Job Speaks of His Former Blessings
Job continued speaking: “I long for the years gone by when God took care of me, when he lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness. When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home. The Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me. My steps were awash in cream, and the rocks gushed olive oil for me.”
“Those were the days when I went to the city gate and took my place among the honored leaders. The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming. The princes stood in silence and put their hands over their mouths. The highest officials of the city stood quietly, holding their tongues in respect. All who heard me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me. For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy. Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban. I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. I was a father to the poor and assisted strangers who needed help. I broke the jaws of godless oppressors and plucked their victims from their teeth.
“I thought, ‘Surely I will die surrounded by my family” after a long, good life. (Hebrew after I have counted my days like sand.) For I am like a tree whose roots reach the water, whose branches are refreshed with the dew. New honors are constantly bestowed on me, and my strength is continually renewed.’
“Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak. And after I spoke, they had nothing to add, for my counsel satisfied them. They longed for me to speak as people long for rain. They drank my words like a refreshing spring rain. When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them. Like a chief, I told them what to do. I lived like a king among his troops and comforted those who mourned.”
For all of Job’s life, he has remained righteous, despite all the horrible things these men have said. Few things are more painful than being falsely accused, particularly when we have lived a lifetime of sacrifice. While Job has previously enjoyed wealth, he has earned that wealth honestly and he has shared it freely. Look at the long list of Job’s charitable works and you realize that Job has tried to pass on God’s blessings to all those around him.
Repeatedly during our missionary careers, we have endured false accusations from those with no idea of the scope of our ministry. Such accusations demonstrate far more about the accusers than they do about us. During one meeting, an official was so shocked at the amount of money we were channeling to the mission hospital where we work that he said, “I would never do that.” Obviously, this man would have kept donor money for himself; however, we feel that every bit of money that comes to us is God’s money; therefore, we must handle it as God directs, not as we decide.
Now that Job’s friends have spent huge amounts of time accusing him of crimes he has never committed, Job is finally informing them of his life prior to the onset of disaster. Job enjoyed widespread respect in the community, giving advice and helping the poor, widows and orphans, strangers, the blind, and the lame. Each day brought new honors and Job occupied a seat of honor in the city gate, dispensing advice and comfort and receiving adulation.
Considering Job’s description of life prior to the calamities that have destroyed health, wealth, family, and community standing, it’s baffling as to why Job’s comforters have been accusing him of unspeakable evil. Obviously, these men really don’t know Job well at all, so why have they turned up? Why did these men bother to mourn with Job for seven days and nights, only to pour vitriol on him?
Comforting sufferers is an art; however, pitfalls abound. From the remarks made by Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad, they have decided that their act of grieving has earned them the right to pummel Job with insults. These vicious remarks have been cloaked in pseudo-religious verbiage.
If we are going to comfort someone, we must think about them rather than ourselves. Sadly, would-be comforters can say incredibly hurtful things, blaming God for causing someone to die prematurely or to be severely injured in an accident or in a natural disaster. Equally unhelpful is the phrase “I know how you feel.” Nobody can possibly know exactly how someone else feels, and to say so is the height of presumption. It’s far more helpful to say, “I don’t know how you feel, but I love you. I’m praying for you.” And then find something practical to help those suffering.
During the recent floods in Texas, there were many examples of practical ministry. One group provided laundry facilities and shower facilities for rescuers, as well as dry socks and other clothing. Another lady with extensive experience with restoring antiques rescued personal belongings such as stuffed animals, refurbished them, and then posted photos on social media, thus allowing surviving family members to recover treasured mementoes. Yet other groups rescued family pets, posting their photos so relatives could recover them or finding new homes for those whose owners had died in the flooding. Numerous groups brought heavy construction equipment, cadaver dogs, rescue divers, and other experts to recover as many of the victims as possible. Churches and other groups sent food trucks, trailers, and all kinds of practical help.
Yes, there were critics who mindlessly blathered about mistakes made by emergency services who actually did the best they could under horrible circumstances. Wherever there are disasters, Job’s comforters will always show up. But something the late Fred Rogers’ mother used to tell him seems most applicable. Mr. Rogers’ mother always told him to “look for the helpers” in any bad situation, for there would always be those who would be helping. The take-home lesson for us is simple: Be a helper, not a critic.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to be helpers and not critics. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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