October 18 - Discomforting Comforters

 Read today’s texts first: Job 3,4; Acts 8,9

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Beware of using the charismatic credit card, saying
“thus saith the Lord,” when it’s really “thus saith me!” 

Have you ever been advised or admonished by someone who claims to have a Word from God for you?  Job did.  After experiencing the tragic loss of his children, employees and possessions, now Job is faced with searing physical pain throughout his whole body.  His three good friends come to comfort him.  And they do, for seven straight days, just sitting with him when words simply aren’t as effective as silent reassurance.

But eventually Eliphaz can restrain himself no longer.  He tries to bolster his credibility by saying this message came to him directly from God in a vision at night (4:12-16).  He then proceeds to blame Job for his troubles, that good people don’t suffer like this, and that he is simply reaping what he has sown.  Thanks buddy!

We know that what he is saying isn’t true generally.  So much of Scripture (including both readings today) teach us that suffering is an important part of following Jesus and forming our faith.  We also know this isn’t true specifically about Job because of God’s recommendation of him earlier (1:8) and His condemnation of Eliphaz later (42:7) for misrepresenting Him.

There are at least two lessons for us from this story.  First, we must be careful that we don’t attribute to God what is essentially our own biased opinion formed through personal experience.  Unfortunately, I have been on both the giving and receiving end of such uncomfortable advice.

The second lesson applies to how we respond to such advice or admonishment.  It can also apply to personal prophesies spoken over us.  I have learned that if I stay close to Jesus, He can tell me what I need to know about my life personally (my sheep know my voice – John 10:4).  The words of well-meaning friends should only confirm what God has said or will say to me directly.

 “Lord, thank You that you do speak to me personally and I can trust You to guide, comfort and challenge me today!”