Highlights:
Job testifies that he is an upright man and has done nothing to deserve his suffering (chap. 13 — 14). He speaks directly to God (Job 13:20 — 14:22). Eliphaz calls Job a windbag (15:2) and uses his own experiences to show how wrong Job is (15:17-35). Job's 5th speech calls his friends miserable comforters (16:2)
Satan prompted the attacks on Job by his wife and by his "devoted" friends in an attempt to substantiate his own accusation that Job would curse God if his many blessings were removed.
Job's suffering intensified with days and weeks of sleeplessness and painful, ulcerating boils that would only become more intense since he had no painkillers. It may appear that he wavered at times, but Job always ended his comments on a high note of praise. Job could say with utmost confidence: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. . . . I know that I shall be justified (Job 13:15,18).
Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, he looked forward to being with the Lord after his death, saying: If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come (14:14), meaning: "After death, I shall live again and I will be changed."
How different Job's attitude was from many today who blame fate, circumstances, God, or others for what goes wrong in their lives. Some easily become dissatisfied, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. Job didn't need praise from people to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of his Creator.
Christians can thank God for the perfect Savior and great High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession for them (us) (Heb. 7:25). Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives, we should have a sincere desire to know His will by reading all His Word.
Job's unshakable faith in God resulted from obedience to the revealed Word of God. He said: Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).
Thought for Today:
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:1-2,6).
Christ Revealed:
Through the smiting of Job (Job 16:10). Christ also was struck by those who ridiculed Him (Matt. 27:29-44; John 18:22-23; 19:2-3; Ps. 22:7-8; 109:25; Is. 53:3-5,7-10).
Word Studies:
14:5 days are determined =allotted time to live depends on you; 15:4 restrainest =binder; 15:25 strengtheneth himself against the Almighty =defying the Almighty; 15:26 even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers =with massive shields; 15:27 collops of fat =figuratively speaking, blinded by self-importance and wealth; 15:29 neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof =the abundant crops he cannot harvest; 15:34 consume the tabernacles of bribery =their houses shall be burned with fire; 16:12 broken me asunder =thoroughly crushed me; 16:13 reins =heart and mind — the center of emotions; poureth out my gall =leaves me no hope of life.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Kevin Jennings • Government Officials: Sen. Mike Johanns (NE), Rep. Gerald McNerney (CA), Sen. John Rockefeller IV (WV), and Rep. Paul Tonko (NY) • Country: Nepal (24.3 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India • Major language: Nepali • Limited religious freedom • 85% Hindu; 10% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you mercy and compassion for others (Jude 1:21-22).
Optional Reading: Ephesians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 1:9