LINK: Job 22
by Katrina
BACKGROUND
Eliphaz began the third round of "debate" with the same accusation as the previous two times. Eliphaz insisted that Job would not be having these troubles unless God was punishing him for some sin. He began with a series of sarcastic rhetorical questions (vs 1-5) ending with, "Is not your wickedness great, and your iniquities without end?" Then, he suggested several sins that maybe Job had committed (vs 6-11) and accused him of thinking he could hide his sin from God (vs 12-20). He concluded by urging Job to repent, and God would hear and forgive him (vs 21-30).
REFLECTION
It is true that repentance brings forgiveness, but Job hadn't done anything! Imagine how frustrated Job must have been feeling by this time. His friends were not comforting him at all, only condemning him. And he had no idea why he was suffering such loss. God seems to be unreachable, and the only people who will talk to him keep insisting that he must have done something terrible to deserve this suffering.
APPLICATION
If you were in Job's shoes, how would you respond to Eliphaz?
PRAYER
Father, give us hearts that are tender toward others, not accusing but understanding, not condemning but comforting, not assuming but allowing others to share their hearts. Let us learn to bring your comfort to those who are hurting. Amen.
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