I read through the bible cover to cover almost every year. I am amazed at the wonderful collection contains. And I’ve always been fascinated by the book of Job. Job, a pious man, was willing to endure suffering, and rather than curse God, he cursed the day he was born. Job 3:1-4, reads, “At last Job spoke, and he cursed the day of his birth. He said: “Let the day of my birth be erased, and the night I was conceived. Let that day be turned to darkness. Let it be lost even to God on high, and let no light shine on it.” Wow!
God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith beyond what we could imagine or think, as long as Satan did not take Job’s life. Job even loss his seven sons, three daughters, and all his material possessions. But he stayed true to his God. Job had a hope and belief that he would see the Savior. He even said, in Job 19:25-27, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Another wow! What faith.
Three of Job’s friends, and even his wife, provided counsel during his suffering that was not helpful. Elihu, another of Job’s friends and advisors told Job in chapter 36:15, “But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.” Neither Job nor God spoke against Elihu’s advice as they did the other three.
Getting our attention through diversity? Then why do so many of us not pay attention, when God is trying to rescue us? We just think we’re having bad luck, are going through a season, and for some, you think you’re cursed. Did you every stop to think that the God, who formed you in your mother’s womb, wants to show you how much He loves you? That He wants you to look to Him to get you out of this mess you’re in? That in your predicament, you have an opportunity to build on a relationship with Him?
I looked at comparisons of Job to Jesus. 1) Job was an imperfect son tested by Satan. Jesus was the perfect Son tempted by Satan. 2) Job had hope of the Redeemer. Jesus is the Redeemer. 3) Job was hung out to dry. Jesus was hung up to die. 4) Job had a vision he’d see God. Jesus arose and is the Reality of that vision. 5) Job felt forsaken. Jesus was forsaken. 6) Job believed his Redeemer would stand on earth. We are certain Jesus did; and He died on the cross; raised from the dead; and because of His saints, Jesus is coming back! We should all say hallelujah, to the glory of God!
In the end, God restored Job. Job 42:7-11 reads, “After the Lord had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has. So take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer on your behalf. I will not treat you as you deserve, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has.” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord commanded them, and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him.”
Job had stated in Job 1:20-22, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” What awesome and strong faith in a God he knew loved him.
In chapters 32 and 33, Elihu had waited for Job’s other friends to speak first. He said they were older and he thought wisdom should come with their age. But sometimes, they are not wise and do not understand justice. Elihu stated that a spirit within him urged him on, and he would speak with all sincerity and truth. God said the others did not speak accurately about him (chapter 42).
God did not express anger against Elihu, the fourth friend of Job. Nor was Elihu included in the prayer God said Job would offer for those who angered Him. Elihu spoke truth about God. He was the one who said, “But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.” People, friends, family, adversity is ever-present in our lives today. It is time to give God our attention. Maybe, we all need a fourth friend. One who will confirm to us, that it’s all about God. For it’s only in Him, do I know, my Redeemer lives.
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