Job 2:11–13 11Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. 12And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. 13So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
In one day, Job had lost almost everything, his fortune, his home, his livestock, and worst of all his precious family. His children had died and yes, his wife remained, but she was so bitter in her pain that their relationship was only a source of more sorrow.
He tells how he lost many a fake friend when he lost his fortune, and a lot of family forsook him too.
Job 19:14 My kinsfolk have failed, And my familiar friends have forgotten me.
Calamity certainly has a way of clearing out the counterfeits, but it also reveals real friends.
Job had some genuine friends.
Job 2:11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
It is true that for the bulk of the book these fellas are the bad guys, they say wrong words, accusing Job of blame but say what you will, they came.
Many justified criticisms have been levied against these men but I would like to point out a few wonderful things about Job’s friends. Look at how much they cared.
1. They Cared to be There
Do you want to show someone you care? There is no better present than presence. Each of these men lived in other countries but when Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar heard of Job’s despair, despite the distance they came to care for their friend. Doesn’t it mean a little more when someone shows you that you are worth some inconvenience?
2. They Cared Enough to Prepare
The scripture says they made an appointment to come together. They communicated with each other and planned on this meeting to try to help their friend. Being a great friend may require being purposeful. In other words, life is busy and distracting so being intentional to show and cultivate friendship may be required.
3. They Cared Enough to Cry
Job 2:12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent everyone his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
When these faithful friends saw how his troubles had hurt Job, how the grief had aged him, and how the boils on his body had disfigured him, they wept! Isn’t that what we are supposed to do, share in all the experiences of our friends?
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Yes, we share the good times.
Yes, we laugh together.
We aren’t really friends if we stop there.
4. They Cared Enough to Stay
Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
These were such faithful friends that they were willing to sit on the hard ground with Job and share his sorrow for seven days and nights.
5. They Cared Enough to Stay Silent
Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
They didn’t say a single word for seven days and nights. They sat with their friend in silence and yet there could be no greater message than their presence communicated to their companion's hurting heart. I have often struggled to know what to say to folks who are hurting but Job’s friends teach me a lesson, sometimes just sitting still with someone says enough. If the story stopped here, there could hardly be greater friends than these three. It is when they started talking that the scene started going downhill.
Today, I wept as I read these words because I have a few friends that have been willing to come to my aid, sit while I weep, and even share my sorrow.
I am challenged this morning to be a better friend. If I have called myself your friend and have not been there for you then I truly am very sorry.
I am aware that my greatest friend, Jesus Christ, shared my sorrow and bore my grief like no other and he has promised to never leave or forsake me.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
What’s true for me is for you.
I hope you have good friends.
I hope you are a good friend.
Either way, you have the greatest friend in Jesus.
Have you trusted him too?
2021 Bible Reading Plan
January 6, 2021