Being there for the long haul
Job 18 sees us back with Bildad, Job’s friend. One of Job’s comforters.
Bildad: Oh for goodness sake, Job, you’re being ridiculous. When are you going to stop talking such rubbish? Be sensible, and then we can talk.
Why do you treat us as idiots? Look at you. You’re the one tearing yourself apart with your rage. Are the rules going to change just for you? Are you actually expecting things to be different from how they’ve always been?
There’s no hope for the wicked. In the end, it all goes wrong for him. You know that. No one will remember him when he’s gone. No one wants to remember him. They don’t want to face up to what he has been through. That’s the fate of the man who doesn’t know God.
So what are you going to say to that, Job?
Job: How long will you all go on like this? You’re tormenting me with your words. What’s it been, ten times or something? You have no shame, do you? Attacking me without any let up. If I have gone astray, it’s my problem, not yours. If you want to feel superior to me, then that’s up to you. If you want to use my suffering and shame to prove a point, then that’s up to you too.
Just know that I’m trying to do the right thing and yet God is ignoring me. I’m calling for help and getting no answer. It’s the truth. He’s allowed all this to happen but given me no explanations. He’s taken away all my hope. There’s nothing left of the old me. I feel completely alienated from everyone around me. No one knows what to say so they all avoid me. No one can handle what’s happened to me. I’ve been brought low and no one wants to be reminded of that.
I am nothing. I have nothing.
I am no one. I have no one.
Please have pity on me. You’re my friends. Please don’t abandon me. I know I’m a nightmare to be around right now, but I need you.
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. I have not lost my faith, you know. I know I will see God when this is all over. I can’t wait.
If you keep trying to find a reason why this has happened, you’re the ones who should be worried.
If you keep trying to find fault in me to explain all this, then you’re the ones with the problem.
Famous phrase of the day: I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth. Job 19:20
Final words of hope: I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. Job 19:25
Challenge of the day: How often am I there for someone when disaster first strikes, but then forget after a couple of weeks? How faithful am I to my friends who are suffering month after month after month?
