Reading Job 29-31
Have you ever had a friendship that was so special that when the relationship changed you missed it severely? Job considered God his best friend and he missed God. We see this in chapter 29 verses 1-6, “Oh how I long for the good old days when God took such very good care of me. He always held a lamp before the dark by its light. Oh, how I miss those golden years when God’s friendship graced my home. When the Mighty One was still by my side and my children were all around me. When everything was going my way, and nothing seemed too difficult.” MSG
Job reflecting to when his family was alive and the tragedy had not struck. I have had some sweet relationships that are nice to go down memory lane. My mother and grandmother I give them the credit for my spiritual heritage. Recently, I lost the very first friend I had in life. Job in chapter 29 states, ” (Job) was known for helping people in trouble, standing up for those who were down in their luck. He made bereavement visits, he was known for being fair to everyone, he was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.’ MSG
Job shouts to God in chapter 30 and gets no answer. In verse 23, he expresses himself, “I know you’re determined to kill me, to put me six feet under. What did I do to deserve this? Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help? Haven’t I wept for those who live a hard life, been heartsick over the lot of the poor? But where did it get me? I expected good but evil showed up……I walk under a black cloud . The sun is gone. I stand in the congregation and protest…” MSG
Job continues to lament in chapter 31. He wonders what he can expect from God. Back in Job 23:12 he has obey every spoken word. He questions God, isn’t calamity reserved for the wicked? isn’t disaster suppose to strike those who do wrong? Beloved, do you bring your honest questions to God?
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Weigh me on a set of honest scales so God has proof of my integrity. Job 31:6 MSG
Job proclaims that he did not hide his sin the way Adam did. In other words, he did not sin. He says in chapter 31:34,” Did I hide my sin the way Adam did or conceal my guilt behind closed doors. Because I was afraid what people would say, fearing that much gossip of the neighbors so much that I turned myself into a recluse? You know good and well that I didn’t.” MSG
I had a friendship go sour and despite my apology there was nothing I could do to win the friend back. Later the friend accepted my apology but the friendship wasn’t the same. Even with forgiveness and apology, my friendship’s different now that she is someone I know because to be a friend one have to work at the friendship, one has to reciprocate the relationship, one has to pray and care, one has to be willing to lay down one’s life for your friend.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV
Reading for tomorrow: Job 32-34
Beloved, are you a good friend? Are you a woman of integrity?
What do you have to do to be a good friend?
Job missed the golden years when God was his friend. T/F
Name three thing in chapter 30 that Job was known for?
Explore a time when a friendship went bad what were the feelings?
Describe a time you were angry with God.
Father God, even when we feel we are distant or we are mad at you, you are with us. You love us no such that you gave us your son to die on the cross. He is the mediator that Job was asking for, Job kept claiming that he did not sin. Lord let that be true of me. You have given us 1 John 1:9 that if we are faithful and confess our sin, you are just and will forgive us our sin. The thing with Job is that he worshipped you daily in the morning and at night. He worshipped for his children before they were killed in case they had sinned, Please Lord Let me be as faithful. Amen
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