Job 5 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Job 5.  Eliphaz continues to counsel Job.

Meditate on verses 3 and 8.

 

"I have seen the foolish taking root, and

I cursed his abode immediately.

But as for me, I would seek God, and

I would place my cause before God.”

 

“Oh, self-righteous, arrogant Eliphaz, how much I sound like you!  LORD, forgive me!”

We are only in chapter five, and the LORD is really using this book—I’ve been avoiding—to show me how much I need to grow in Him.  We hope you are taking it personally as well.

 

Eliphaz speaks from his experiences, and in a back-handed way, calls Job a fool (v. 3).  He even has the audacity to infer Job’s children were not kept safe and delivered because of their foolish father (v. 4).  Eliphaz assumes Job does not seek God because he tells Job that’s what he would do in this situation (v. 8).  Finally, Eliphaz prophesies prosperity over Job (vs. 17-27).  Perhaps he thinks his cutting words can be softened by self-willed declarations that everything will be fine in the end.

 

It is easy to be an Eliphaz, thinking we have God figured-out and telling others what we presume about the LORD.  Pray for God to keep you from saying foolish things, using the words from Job 5:3-4 as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“LORD, please give me Your heart and eyes for

those in whom foolishness is taking root. 

May I never curse the abode of anyone. 

Let no one’s children be far from

safety or oppressed in the gate. 

LORD, we all need a deliverer!

Deliver us in Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell