For 7 days Job and his friends sat in silence. But sometimes, actions speak louder than words. How were those 7 days spent? Were there pats on the back and looks of sympathy? Or was there some whispering and looks of condensation. Whatever it was, when Job finally speaks, it seems to be out of frustration.
He curses the day he was born, and wishes he had died at birth. Depression has set in. Or is it anger, the second stage of grief. It appears that Job is angry. Why did this have to happen to him? Why had he been born? Why hadn't he died at birth? Why him?
How do you deal with a friend who is angry or hurting? One thing is sure, you deal with him in line with your belief system. In Chapter 4, one of Job's friends will begin speaking to him. He will speak from his belief system, from his depth of experience. Problem is, experience is not always a good theologian. Or is it?
5 comments:
I believe that all answers of a religous nature should come from the scriptures read by onesself and not a friend, often not a pulpit, and hardly ever a commentary.
Of course all Job had was well meaning friends.
I'm sorry...I want to change that first statement to say, "I believe MOST answers"
Hello,
I enjoyed and respect a comment you left in another's blog. I invite you to visit my blog at Thought of the Week Devotion and if so led, become a follower.
I write weekly devotional studies to encourage fellow believers and inspire those who are yet lost to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Sometimes the best thing one can do to support a friend in times of trial is simply be by his/her side without offering advice. This was the case with Job as you point out. The initial presence of his "so-called" friends brought him some level of comfort that is until they opened their mouth.
I hope you will visit Thought of the Week Devotion.
Blessings!
Blessings!
Job is an object study in the grieving process. I reacted in similar ways when my first wife passed away.
Regarding theology, Job and his friends shared the same erroneous theology of divine judgment - only Job knew that he was blameless and could not understand why he was being judged.
You and your daughter are in our prayers.
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