JOB 11-12: DAY 40 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
February 9, 2023
JOB 11-12
DAY 40 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verse for Today: Job 12:5
In our continuing journey through the book of Job, Zophar, the third of Job’s friends, speaks for the first time. Unfortunately, Zophar does not provide any more encouragement or help than Job’s previous two friends.
Take a few minutes to read Job 11-12. Seek God in prayer, asking Him to guide you through today’s journey through Job 11-12, and the rest of our journey this year; for a clear understanding, His understanding of the message He is delivering to us through His servants at The Forgiveness Foundation Christian Ministries.
Job 11-12: Zophar, a friend, and supposed comforter to Job, missed the mark on both counts, chastening Job in chapter 11, for the terrible sin Job must have committed for God to put Job in such a miserable state. Like Job’s other friends, Eliphaz and Bildad, Zophar assumed facts that were not in evidence, which revealed his understanding of the ways of God was deficient. Zophar, Eliphaz, and Bildad came to comfort and encourage their friend Job in his time of distress. Upon seeing Job’s condition their purpose changed from encourager to chastiser. Job responds to Zophar by mocking the efforts of his friends, and declaring that he would continue to look to God for guidance and protection. (Job 11:1-12:25)
Our focus verse for today:
Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
(Job 12:5, NIV)
Do you think Job is speaking of his friends, Zophar, Eliphaz, and Bildad? It is very easy to assume the role of Job’s friends. Probably much easier than we are willing to admit. If you recall, Job’s wife didn’t comfort him. Job hoped for more from his friends. His friends knew Job – you know what I am expressing – they knew Job. When they arrived to comfort Job, they forgot the Job they knew and allowed Job’s circumstances to redefine Job to them.
Suppose you have a friend who lost his job. Suppose he was unemployed for a period of time and needed help: your help! Would you chastise him for being a bad worker; the only reason he could lose his job? Would you gently help him meet his needs allowing him to find a new job? What would you do? Does it matter why something has happened? What if there is no explainable reason? What if? Can you only help someone who admits to what you claim placed them in their predicament? Jesus’ love is unconditional! Is ours?
Godspeace!
