Editor's Note: I will attempt to summarize some of the themes and statements made by Job and his visitors. My observations are by no means the final word on this; please feel free to weigh in and give your thoughts on what's going on
Job 11
Zophar responds to Job
...your words don't make you right, or innocent
...I wish God would set you straight
...His ways are beyond you, but you can still understand Him
...if you humble yourself before him, things can still turn around
Job 12
Job answers
...thanks for your historic wisdom and advice
There is another reality, too:
...those who follow the Most High are ridiculed
...normal folk tend to avoid (and maybe judge) the afflicted
...the bad guys do sometimes "get away with it"
Nature will testify: the LORD is active in how things go.
...He accomplishes what he wants, and humbles us in the process.
Job 13
(Job, to his visitors):
I want to speak to the Almighty; you're no help to me, and you don't fool Him
"Though he slay me, I will trust in Him"...but I will defend my way(s) to Him
...Please, Lord, stay with me, and let me not be afraid to come to you.
...Show me my sin, and engage me, don't just punish me
Perspective. That's the word that comes to my mind. Am I gauging the relationship I have with my Heavenly Father based on my circumstances in this life or am I proving my relationship with my Heavenly Father through the circumstances of this life knowing I will be rewarded in the one to come?
ReplyDelete2Ki 6:16-17 16 He answered, “Do not be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “LORD, please open his eyes, that he may see.” The LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and look, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
-Stacy