January 7, 2017 – Job 14-16 – In the Beginning

Below are my thoughts from the daily Bible reading of the West Side Church of Christ. Today’s reading comes from Job 14-16. Before reading I invite you to pray and asked God to speak to you as you read His Word. Also above in the tabs is a link to the Bible reading plan.

What Does This Passage Say?

1. Here in chapter 14 Job is being honest about life. He realizes that man’s life is short. He realizes the realities of life, how it begins in the womb and ends in death. Other than his legacy and his children, when he is gone he is gone. Unlike the tree which can be cut down, as long as life is left in it, it will regrow into another tree. Plus … even when it is cut down, it can be usefully used in new construction. Job ends with depressing words … because he is severely depressed.
2. Again, Eliphaz joins back into the conversation. Again, he is not helpful. He is accusatory of Job. He doesn’t think Job should be speaking the way he is speaking. So, in many ways he criticizes him. He also believes Job is speaking worthless and empty words. Again, what to do fully do with this discussion by Eliphaz I am not sure.
3. Job words end our reading again today. Job doesn’t understand why his friends are speaking to him the way they are. Instead of giving comfort, they give long winded speeches. That is not what he needs in this moment.

What is This Passage Teaching?

• As we have said in a previous post on our Job readings, there is balance to be had when asking God why. Sometimes we work through things by asking questions, by running through scenarios. I believe God understands this. When we approach God in anger … or when we lack reverence before God we find ourselves in sin. But when we are working through something, asking challenging questions, trying to understand is a good part of the process.

How Can I Apply this Passage to my Life?

• Examine your approach. How do you respond when someone you love needs comfort? When you don’t understand what is going on in life, what kind of questions do you ask? What tone do you ask those questions with? Where do you turn when life is rough? Do you turn to worldly resources, or do you turn to God? I am confident that God is the right one to ask the tough questions to!