Job was my scheduled reading for this morning. No matter how many times I read Job, it appears that I cannot like his “friends”. Why are they so judgmental and bereft of compassion? Do you happen to know a Bildad?
When I tried to understand Job’s friends, it occurred to me that they are unaware of God’s compassion and ability to forgive. They were hyper focused on cause and effect. They assumed that Job’s transgressions caused the misery he was facing. They missed God’s instructions in Ezekiel. They did not realize God wants us to intercede for others.
‘So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.’
-Ezekiel 22:30
Many moons ago when I was going through my fire storm, I had “friends” like Job. My fault for having friends who lacked compassion. In their defense they have their minds wrapped around karma. I am sure that I reaped consequences for my iniquities but not nearly as bad as I deserve. Jesus bore it all and he carried me out of the firestorm into the safety of ever-lasting life. That is our one-true God. He carries us through firestorms, sustains the burns, pains, injuries and sets us on safe ground unscathed.
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,
-Isaiah 41:13
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ “
We have an awesome God. He gave us clear instructions to pray for one another; even pray for our enemies He said. So, I am hoping that I will be a prayer warrior and not a Bildad when someone needs my compassion.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—”
-1 Timothy 2:1
Dear God,
Please grant me the goodness to pray for Your children when they are in trouble. May Your kindness and compassion flow through me and bring You glory. Amen.