May 10, 2024 - Job 29-31

Job has more to say to his friends.  He reflects on his life past – “Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me . . . when the friendship of God was upon my tent, when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me” (29:2-5) -- has some things to say about the present – “But now they laugh at me, men who are younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of my flock” (30:1) – and speaks of wishes for the future, especially that he will be vindicated.

Suffering terribly, confronted by friends, full of questions, this man who was once respected and blessed so richly, now everyone laughs at him (30:1).  Terror and affliction are now his lot.  And all this, though Job has not trusted in riches, though he has been a help to the poor and needy, and though he has acknowledged his sins.  And now, Job is finished.  If only he could speak with God!  “Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!  Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me as a crown; I would give him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach him” (31:35-37).  Will he ever get his opportunity?  Have faith, Job!

Give me the faith which can remove

and sink the mountain to a plain;

give me the childlike praying love,

which longs to build thy house again;

thy love, let it my heart o'er-power,

and all my simple soul devour.   --Charles Wesley (1749)