The Book of Job – Bible Lesson 46
Just for your thoughts
The Book of Job – Bible Lesson 46
Job’s Friends’ Misunderstanding About God
Job had lost his possessions and family relationships and was also suffering physically. His friends came to comfort him, but they made two major mistakes.
1. They concluded that Job’s suffering was caused by his sin and that if he recognized his sin and repented, he could return to his former state. Thus, they passed judgment on him.
2. They held the mistaken belief that God punishes sinners and blesses the righteous; that sin is the cause of all suffering; and that those who live righteously do not suffer.
God did not approve of either of these views. These ideas did not provide Job with any comfort. On the contrary, they caused him weariness and irritation.
Therefore, the words God spoke about Job’s friends at the end are very important:
“The LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: ‘My anger burns against you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.’”
Job 42:7
Because they had spoken wrongly about God and His works, God told them to plead before Job so that He would not deal with them according to their folly. He also said that He would forgive them when He heard Job’s intercessory prayer.
In the end, Job is seen as an intercessor between his friends and God. God accepted Job’s prayer and forgave his friends.
Lessons the Bible Teaches Us Through This
Those involved in the ministry of counseling among believers should not give advice based only on the knowledge they have acquired. They must know God well, understand His character and attributes, and counsel each believer on that basis.
We need to have a balanced view of God.
One of the greatest truths that the Book of Job teaches us is that those involved in Christian counseling must know the Bible well and correctly understand the character of God.
There may be many chapters in a believer’s spiritual life. Some chapters may be written by the believer himself. But only God writes the final chapter.
God will write the last chapter of every believer.
Another lesson that the Book of Job teaches us is that, in the midst of suffering and trials, we often lose our patience. Therefore, we must receive from God the grace to endure suffering patiently.
It is indeed difficult to remain patient in the midst of suffering. We must receive that grace from God.
With this, my Bible meditations on the Book of Job come to an end.
May God be glorified!
In your service,