Day 10, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Job 19–21
Alienated and Misjudged
Have you ever been alienated from acquaintances, friends, and loved ones? Someone judged you unfairly and then separated his contact from you. Although you know you are right, they don’t think so. You are no longer invited to parties or family functions, and you can no longer go out with your friends. When you call them to spend time together or get a reason for their aloof behavior…silence. Then you receive elusive answers, or they hang up on you. What do you do when you feel alienated and misjudged?
The patriarch Job lived around the time of Abraham (more...).He lost his family, friends, servants, business, respect, and even his health. He does not understand why—he has always lived a righteous life and been blessed by God.
Job is alienated and judged
Now, Job is separated from his family and friends, feeling alienated from God. Yet, he can find no reason for the distance. The heavens are like a brass ceiling—God does not answer his prayers. He believes the LORD is unfairly punishing him, and he doesn’t see God’s purpose.
Job’s friends think they know the answer. Their theory is that God only brings trouble to the wicked. Job is in terrible pain; therefore, he must have done something terribly wrong. Theory, however, does not always match reality. Things are not always as they appear, and what is usually true is not always true.
Kind counselors will listen to their friends. They will not try to fit them into pre-fabricated molds, and they will not give the impression that they have all the answers. Real friends will console those who are suffering. Job’s friends, however, are not helpful.
Then Job replied: “How long will you torment me and crush me with words? Ten times now you have reproached me; shamelessly you attack me.
If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone. If indeed you would exalt yourselves above me and use my humiliation against me, then know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around me” (Job 19:1-6, NIV).
Because of what has happened to him, Job feels wronged by God and alienated from everyone. Then Job takes an honest look in the mirror of his soul and asks himself, why should anyone want to know me?I look disgusting and cursed by God.
Have we ever felt alienated? Where was our hope?
Job’s hope
Even experiencing physical pain and alienation, Job says,
I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes-- I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27, NIV)Job knows that someday after he dies, he will see God. He then warns his friends that when the day of judgment comes, the Almighty will punish them for their false accusations and pride (Job 19:28-29).
Wealth and fame doesn’t equal righteousness
The judgments of Job’s friends are faulty. Job challenges his friends to take an honest look at life. If they have traveled, they will see that evil people do not always get punished in this life, and sometimes they get rich and famous.
Many people enjoy watching television programs like “The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” Entertainers, movie stars, and sports figures captivate our attention. We admire them and graciously forgive their sins because they are heroes in our minds. We watch them because they are fascinating, even though some are eccentric. We might envy them because they have what we might not have—extraordinary abilities, wealth, and the opportunity to have or do whatever they want.
Job says the wicked
… spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace. Yet they say to God, “Leave us alone! We have no desire to know your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What would we gain by praying to him?” But their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stand aloof from the counsel of the wicked (Job 21:13-16, NIV).
What will we do? Will we stand aloof from the counsel of the wicked or join ourselves to them because they are successful? We shouldn’t allow the world’s false philosophies to change our commitment to Christ. Life isn’t about us and our desires for fame and riches. Let’s seek God’s wisdom and favor. He will provide all we need and contentment if we patiently seek his face. Some of us may yet be alienated and misjudged, but God sees us and will eventually reward our righteous deeds.
Discussion
Where should we turn when we feel alienated and misjudged?
Are the “how to be rich and successful” philosophies right or not? What should we do?
How can we be a real friend to those who are suffering?
Focus Verses
Job 19:25-27 (see above)
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response: Dear Father in heaven, sometimes we feel alienated from everyone, but you are there, even if a brass ceiling seems to block our communication with you. You are present with us, and you care even when silent. May the testimony of our continued trust in you lead others into your kingdom. We know it’s your will for us to endure, to keep trusting in you when bad things happen. As our daily bread, please provide us the strength to endure. If we have sinned against you or others, we confess our sins right now and ask for forgiveness.
Furthermore, we ask for the grace to forgive others who falsely us. Please, lead us away from the temptation to despair and give up on you. May even the things we say and do when we are suffering bring glory and praise to you, our God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: What do we do when we suffer injustice, and correction for the wrong doesn't come right away? Find out in our Next Lesson, called Timely Justice.
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