Commentary and reflection:
Job 29 gives us a description of Job’s life before his misfortune. It was a life that anyone could wish for. Not only did he have abundance, but he took pleasure in sharing his blessings with those in need, he was ready to listen to those who needed his ear, as a result, he enjoyed the respect of the elders, princes, and young people.
Everything was going well until suddenly disaster, or a series of disasters stroke. This is a point that is difficult to comment on; but the reality is that we are all subject to sudden events that can bring suffering. It is part of living in a sinful world. This is why we long for redemption when sin will be eliminated forever. In the meantime, we are in an environment under the influence of God’s enemy. In the words of Jesus,
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10:10
It is part of the so-called “mystery of lawlessness” that God allows the enemy to do mischief in this world, as in the case of Job. The apostle Paul says,
7 For the ]mystery of lawlessness (iniquity) is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7
God’s response to the “mystery of iniquity” is the “mystery of godliness”.
16 And without controversy great is the [i]mystery of godliness:
God[j] was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16
Jesus came and joined us in our pain,
3 He is despised and [d]rejected by men,
A Man of [e]sorrows and acquainted with [f]grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our [g]griefs
And carried our [h]sorrows. Isaiah 53:3,4
In chapter 30 Job makes a contrast with his previous situation. He lost a lot, and he has suffered a lot! His words come from pain. God listens patiently to his suffering servant. He understands because his Son will, also, unjustly participate in the pain caused by sin.
Glory be to God that in the final judgment “the mystery of iniquity” will be terminated. In the meantime, we must trust in He that knows, He is aware, He accompanies his children and extends his grace to them in trial. “My grace is sufficient for you” he says, His grace can sustain his people in the desert until the day of deliverance.
The apostle Paul also says,
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
“The more you trust your Redeemer, the more you will love Him. He is your Friend in life or death. He is the Crown of your rejoicing. He is worthy of your fullest faith. All the sorrows and afflictions that we suffer here only constitute our discipline for the higher life. God designs that thus we shall be fitted for heaven. Wait upon God. Lean upon Him in entire dependence; for His everlasting arms will sustain you. He who says that not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of the heavenly Father will care for those who love and trust Him. Jesus knows every throb of pain, every throe of anguish and distress, and He will give His children grace to endure the afflictions that He permits to come upon them. His heart beats in sympathy with suffering humanity and those who suffer most have most of His pity and sympathy.” Signs of the Times, February 28, 1906, Ellen G. White
May the Lord supply every need in your life today, when answers are lacking, that His grace may abound.
Pastor Abel Paulin
