Job 5 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+5&version=ESV

Have you ever had someone try to comfort you when you were in pain and they clearly didn’t really understand the situation? Eliphaz continues his advice to Job in chapter 5 and a lot of it sounds good. But Eliphaz is still missing the point entirely. He actually makes things worse. What he is saying to Job is, “You must have done something wrong. If you are good, then everything will be wonderful. Just trust in God because God is great and He blesses people.” Now again, there is much truth in what Eliphaz says, but he’s not helping. Job knows and believes everything that Eliphaz tells him. He knows of God’s goodness, he has tasted it for many years. He knows that God disciplines. That’s not the issue.

Job needs the cross. Job needs to see the forgiveness of sins. He needs to be reminded that this life isn’t the end-all be-all of our existence. Rather, Christ is preparing us for eternal life and that is why there is suffering now.

If you ever find yourself in a position to comfort someone who has experienced great suffering and tragedy, make sure to listen closely to them before speaking. Don’t use empty platitudes. Be with them in their pain. Simply point them to the love of God in Christ Jesus. That’s no empty platitude. That’s what it’s all about. And that is the light that can shine into any darkness.

In Christ
Pastor Ude