The poet and painter William Blake produced various illustrations of the book of Job. This is the same man who wrote of the ‘dark satanic mills’ in the same poem as describing ‘England’s green and pleasant land.’
Job had a mostly fortunate life; he was a man of God and successful by the world’s standards. He also went through a phase when everything went wrong. He was ill, he lost close family and his business failed. In the hardest of the tough times Job’s friends pointed out to him why all he was suffering was a judgement. He must have brought everything on his own head, they said.
In the troubled times when he struggled to pray, Job never lost faith in the God he considered to be just. His friends were ever more unhelpful.
If that story feels like the story of life for some people it is probably because it is. The three friends pointing at Job in the picture I have shared are like those who love to make bad times worse and explain why we have made our own circumstances. Whether we have done that or not, there are times when the best one’s friends can do is to keep quiet and just be there.
The book of Job ends happily. Job was right about God, he was restored to health and success and lived on happily for many years, ever faithful to God. Job even prayed for his three friends who God had ‘visited’ and told to offer sacrifices in repentance. In chapter 42, verse 7 we read God’s words, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.”
The truth in question was that of the nature and power of God; his goodness and faithfulness.
A Prayer
Lord, we rejoice in the outcome of Job’s troubles and his restoration. We admire his faith and would emulate his loyalty. We pray to be strong to avoid being like those who undermined Job when he most needed encouragement, and to be supportive when people need us most. Lord Jesus, be by our side when the world seems tough and help us listen to you for help and hope. Amen.