Job Sees The Light - Eighth in a series
Hover over the Scripture references to read the verses under discussion
Job 7:1-4 NIV For Job, living is ruling. It is to be in charge. To have choices. To create choices. Not long ago he was the boss; now he feels like a slave, disinherited by God. Each day he sets his mind on the evening for he has no stake in the activities of the day.
Job 7:5-8 NIV The diseases and deformities of the skin are among the cruelest and most aggravating illnesses. They are painful, messy and they ruin one’s looks and distract the attention of others, causing the victim to feel tense and uncertain as he communicates.
As Job reflects on his suffering and pain, his appeal shifts to God. This is his first direct appeal to him.
Job 7:9-12 NIV What are my powers? What is my nature? Am I so incorrigible that I require the most severe level of discipline?
Job 7:13-16 NIV We must distinguish in a trial between and among God's judgments, what we have brought on ourselves, and where Satan has meddled. Had the Lord chosen to speak to Job at this time, perhaps he would have said, “I’m not the one torturing you in your sleep.”
He has said to us who have his full word — Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (1 Cor 6:2) We normally relate this to judging legal matters, but so much in life is less complex and only requires discernment.
Job 7:17-19 NIV Job has fallen into a state of confusion, and no wonder. He views God as a bully who has cornered his victim and will not let him go. He is like a policeman intent on forcing a confession from a suspect, but the suspect is innocent.
Job 7:20-21 NIV Job has been knocked down into a deep and waterless well. Through his words he is waving to God, crying out for attention and help. He wants to understand God's mind; to discover why God has turned his back on him. He is striving to work out his relationship with the Lord. This we must all do. (Phil 2:12)