I've read the book of Job in the Bible numerous times, too many to count. What amazes me is how each time, I can uncover so much more than the time before. It is packed with life lessons, and more importantly, how to talk with God in prayer.
I choose Job because of the struggle, having much, losing everything, and then, in the end, blessed with more than ever. Sounds pretty simple, but it is not. The book is full of messages that few share when I tell them of my appreciation for Job.
The first comment I hear from Christians is that Job is a perfect man; he is without sin. Job was not without sin, but he was blameless, which is God's words to Satan, not man's words.
Satan goes to God and tells him he has been roaming the earth, to which God speaks of Job as a good and blameless man. Satan responds saying God put protection around him, but that he can change him. God answers Satan, challenging him to do as he wishes, but he cannot kill Job.
Satan proceeds to wipe out Job's family, takes everything from him, causes him immense pain with disease and Job does not relent; he stays loyal but believes God is punishing him.
Job's friends come to support him, and end up rebuking him, speaking on behalf of God, but not at God's will. They are filling Job with their beliefs, but not the truth. How often do we come to the rescue of others and fill them with our truths, but not God's truth? Are we supporting them?
Job's friends fear God so much that they warn Job not to question Him. They even mock him with the mere idea of asking God. Job continues to question God as to why he is doing what he is doing. Job cannot see or hear God, but he knows He is with him.
Finally, Job hears God, and speaks to Him, seeking the answers to his questions. God Answers, with a clear response, asking Him “Who is it that questions His wisdom, given that He is the creator of everything,” to which Job responds saying he takes back everything he said.
A few months ago, I prayed to God and made comments believing I am stronger than I am when a friend suggested I take it back, as I realized I am not that strong.
Taking Back My Words – Book of Job
I questioned being able to take my words back, but as I read the book of Job, it is clear, God allowed him to take his words back, and surely God will do the same for me.
“I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” – Job 42:6 NLT
God then admonishes Job's friends and once again speaks highly of Job to his friends.
“After the Lord had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has.” – Job 42:7
Job goes into prayer for his friends, only to have God bless Job restoring twice as much as he had before.
“So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning. For now he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 teams of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! ” – Job 42:10,12