Read Job 4:1-21
Eliphaz has heard Job’s cry and wants now to bring his own perspective into play. After seven days of silence, Job’s friend has much to say to Job, whether he has permission to speak or not. He gets Job’s attention saying, “Will you be patient and let me say a word? For who could keep from speaking out?”
I suppose Eliphaz was trying to bring Job out of his “funk,” when he first reminded Job about his past and how helpful and respected Job had been. Apparently, Job had always been the rock everyone else relied on when they had their own problems. Eliphaz seemed surprised that Job had failed to take some of his own “medicine” when it came to dealing with his tragedy. It’s not always that easy.
Sometimes remembering the past can be helpful, but it can also intensify the pain. Especially when you realize that kind of success will never be experienced again. Helping people in their time of grief isn’t easy because what helps one may not help the next.
Then Eliphaz brings God into his response, specifically Job’s relationship with God. He says, “Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?” I’ve known very faithful people going through deep depression, and they describe it as feeling so forlorn even a strong faith in God cannot penetrate the pain. In those moments, this same unshakable faith is being tested. All reason and understanding about God’s power seems too distant to grasp, and our faith can crumble.
Apparently Eliphaz is not getting the response out of Job that he wanted, so he presses on. Eliphaz turns to fear. He shares a time when God revealed something frightening to him. Will fear bring Job to his senses? Eliphaz leaves these questions dangling. “Can a mortal be innocent before God? Can anyone be pure before the Creator?”
We know the answer to those questions is “no, not on their own power.” We also know we have a Savior who has become our mediator with God, who has taken our sins upon himself. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” But has Job sinned?
Job has probably sinned, we all sin, but his sins are not the cause of his trials. It would seem Eliphaz assumes he has. Why else would so much tragedy have rained down on Job? Job must have done something!
Eliphaz’s tone now shifts to be accusatory of God and God’s provision for his people. After all, people are just dust. Why should God care about us. Again, we know better. God is crazy about us. He sent his son to die for us! Of course, Eliphaz would not have all this knowledge and experience. But does creating doubt in Job’s mind about God’s intentions really help Job’s situation?
Eliphaz’s first response will be finished in the next reading. For now, let’s reflect on how helpful we think this perspective will be for Job. Rather than question God, Job needs to continue to trust God. How do you trust God when times are hard? Do you have any words of wisdom that would help Job?
Let’s pray. LORD, we often rush to the rescue of friends and loved ones who are struggling. Forgive me when my words have been less than helpful to their situations. Help me to remember to trust you and listen for your words of wisdom to share. You always know the right thing to say. Help me be quiet and wait. When the problems are mine to face, LORD help me keep my eyes focused on you, trusting in you and your power to see me through. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
