Job 18

Summary: Bildad responds again to Job, claiming that the suffering of the wicked is the way of the world and chastising his friend for wanting to pervert justice to save his own skin. 

Response: He kind of goes at this in reverse, asking Job if he wants to change the rules first and then describing what he thinks the rules actually are. As I've discussed in previous weeks, though, it seems to me that there are just as many cases of wicked people prospering on earth as suffering, much as our TV morals would like us to think. Lord, keep my focus on the needs of those around me. 

Job 17

Summary: Job continues, declaring that

- he wishes he could die

- his friends are no help

- he feels he's still innocent before God

Response: This is more or less the part where I start to look away because it is so brutal. I'm not sure of any fun little nugget of wisdom to find because this man is just so hurt and so exhausted. Lord, give me Your eyes and perseverance in situations like this, even though I'm grateful I don't have to encounter them every day. 

Job 16:18-22

Summary: Job understands that he will probably die soon. He acknowledges that God is a witness to all this suffering, and asks that he at least be remembered and not swept under the rug. 

Response: Lord, who have I left behind in the wake of tragedy? Help me to slow down and be Your hands and feet. 

Job 16:1-17

Summary: Job again responds to his friend Eliphaz, wondering if he would be so callously pious if their places were switched. He quickly returns to speaking directly to and about God; Job puts God less in terms of a romantic pursuit and more like a wild boar chasing hapless prey. 

Response: I have to remember that my experience is not the only one. I do find it charming that God keeps running after me. Someone else might find that creepy, invasive, desperate, or even threatening. And do my words, actions, and attitudes ever reflect Eliphaz and not God and His love? Lord, try me in this. 

Job 15

Summary: Job's first friend Eliphaz pipes back up, accusing Job of tainting religion as a whole. After all, if he goes around questioning God, everyone would do so! He gives many warnings about wicked people, relying on their own ways, that are unable to fend for themselves and meet an untimely end. 

Response: How many times can I use the Relient K line? "But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair." We don't need to be perfect for God to love us. Whatever we have to say to God, He can take. As our heavenly Father, I believe He's just happy we're talking to Him. Lord, help me to keep communication open with you.

Job 14:7-22

Summary: Job acknowledges that he can't escape his own death, where (as he sees it) there would be some relief from God's judgement.

Response: My mother-in-law tells a story of how, growing up, she would put my now-wife in her own room when she got in trouble, not so the child could stew but do the parent could calm down. Maybe Job is thinking along these lines: God, can You hide me away until You calm down?