Read Job 2:11-13
Who is that one person, one friend, whom you turn to when calamity strikes? That’s probably the same person who would rush to your aid if you had suffered a tragedy. In this reading, we see three friends have come to Job’s side during his time of great loss.
At first, I got stuck on where all these friends were from based on how they are introduced to us. But, we’re not even sure where Uz is, the town that Job hails from. Nor have scholars agreed as to the time period in which Job lived. So for purposes of our reflections, we are going to simplify that Job was a man of God who had three friends. Job’s example will help us all in our own time of testing.
Job definitely needed support through this time. I’m not sure we can even begin to imagine. We can glean how much agony Job was going through because of his friends’ response when they first saw him. We’re told they were “Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief.” Generally, the consoler will try to keep their composure to bring comfort. Job’s friends joined him in his grief.
Do you know that awkward silence that often happens when you meet someone who has just lost a loved one? We find ourselves searching for the right thing to say. What comes out of our mouths is sometimes not helpful. It’s in those moments when less is more.
Job’s friends did a good job of that. For seven days we’re told they sat with Job without saying a word. When I find myself in those silent times with a friend or loved one, I pray. In my spirit, I quietly pray a lot. I invite God into that moment with us, asking for his loving care. I wonder if that’s what Job’s friends were doing?
Job’s suffering was “too great for words.” Job may have survived his two tests from Satan by not dying himself, but he had to be feeling dead inside. Without his children, his business, his livelihood, what was his purpose? Job must have been so blinded by his loss he could not see his way out. Silence was the only thing he could do well.
Have you had a time in your life when you’ve found it hard to speak? We can all identify with loss of a loved one, but not all of them at once! I did work on a personal injury claim years ago when I was a paralegal. In that case, there had been a tragic end to a family vacation with only one child remaining alive. One minute you have your parents and three siblings, and the next you don’t and you’re fighting for your life.
Many people wrestle with the question, “why?” When bad things happen, that’s a typical response. Why does God let bad things happen? Do you think Job or his friends were questioning that? Keep in mind that Job believed God had his reasons for taking everything from him. Job didn’t blame God.
Blaming or not blaming God–that’s a theme we’ll see over and over I’m sure. One way or the other, many people can identify with having struggled with it at some time in their life. Our problems can seem so miniscule now compared to what Job endured. Yet, the pain is or was still real.
Don’t be afraid to just sit quietly when you’re going through something painful. Seven days may be a little long in most cases. Spend time in prayer or with trusted, faithful friends who can support you, pray with you, help cleanse your heart. Remember you always have a friend in Jesus.
Let’s pray. Precious Jesus, I thank you that I can sit with you for hours and just be me, loving you and listening for your voice. Thank you for how you hold me in times of sorrow and pain. Cleanse my heart of feelings of dread or sadness so that I can be filled of more of you. Use me to be a friend for others. I am waiting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
