IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Jehovah Healed Job

At last. the small group of men fell silent. Perhaps the only sound left was the whispe of a warm wind from the Arabian desert.  Job hd run out of words, exhausted after a long debate. Picture him glaring at his three acquaintances, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-almost daring them to continue. But they could only look down or away, frustrate that their clever arguments, their "blustery" words, and their hurtful insinuations had failed.  (Job 16:3)  If  anything, Job was more determined than ever to defend his integrity. 

Job may have felt that integrity was all he had left. He had lost his wealthy, all ten of his children, the support and respect of his friends and neighbors, and finally his own health. His skin was blackened  with disease, encrusted with scabs, crawling with maggots. Even his breath was foul.   (Job 7:5; 19:17; 30:30)  Yet, the attacks o t hose three men had stirred up in Job a fierce indignations. He was bent on proving that he was the not the corrupt sinner they said he was.  Job's final speech had just silenced them.  Their torrent of cruel words had finally run dry.  However, Job's pain remained. He still  needed help-desperately! 

Job's thinking, understandingly. was out of balance.  He needed guidance and correction.  He also needed genuine consolation and comfort, the very things that his three  acquaintances should have provided but did not.  Have you ever felt in dire need of guidance and comfort?  Have you ever been let down by people you thought were your friends?  Learning how Jehovah God helped his servant job and  how he responded may fill you with hope and give you practical help.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - A Wise and Kind Counselor

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