[Job 3b1 – continued]
If only my life could once again
be as it was when God watched over me.
God was always with me then
and gave me light as I walked through the darkness.
Those were the days when I was prosperous,
and the friendship of God protected my home.
Almighty God was with me then…
Nostalgia. In years past, my life had such potential; now, I find myself old and used up. Please don’t abandon me, Father (Psalm 71:9).
Everyone who saw me or heard of me
had good things to say about what I had done.
It’s good to be esteemed – but may I never seek it out (Matthew 23:5-7).
I was eyes for the blind,
and feet for the lame.
I was like a father to the poor
and took the side of strangers in trouble.
I destroyed the power of cruel men
and rescued their victims.
The two sides of a coin. May I live this, Lord!
I always expected to live a long life
and to die at home in comfort.
This sounds a bit too close to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:19). In the French version, there is the idea of the Phoenix rising from the ashes.
But men younger than I am make fun of me now! …they come and laugh at me;
I am nothing but a joke to them. …I call to you, O God, but you never answer… I hoped for happiness and light,
but trouble and darkness came instead.
Ouch.
I have made a solemn promise
never to look with lust at a woman.
I must show myself to be more disciplined here! Help me, Lord.
I would tell God everything I have done,
and hold my head high in his presence.
How much I would like to hear one day, “Well done”, Jesus (Luke 19:16-17)!
The words of Job are ended.
It’s always said for me to hear this. Thank you, Lord God, that his life continues to speak. May mine also serve such a purpose (Hebrews 11:4).
…
What happened to Sofar’s third response? After Elifaz’s swing and a miss and Bildad’s added short two bits, Sofar must have simply found himself running on empty…