20 August 2010
Psalm 140, 142; Job 2:1-13; Acts 9:1-9; John 6:27-40

Verse ten says that in all these things Job did not sin “with his lips.” Does that imply that his thoughts weren’t quite as pure? It seems strange that Job’s wife is not included in the deaths of the remainder of his family, only his children. John Chrysostom (4th century Archbishop of Constantinople) opined that she was spared so that Satan could use her to further torment and goad Job to curse God here. Job’s reply probably did little to enhance his marriage, calling her a “foolish woman.” This man, sitting in emotional and now physical agony, surely did not need her to add to his mental anguish. It seems that Job is going to get some comfort and sympathy when his friends hear of his situation and come to be with him, at least they have the good sense to know that they have nothing to say to Job when they arrive. Sometimes the greatest comfort we have to offer is our presence. There are times when words add nothing.

It seems we have an innate desire to do something about our situation. The people ask, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Surely what He really wants is for us to do something but Jesus says that what God wants us to do is believe in the one He has sent. This exchange is very similar to the conversation with the Samaritan woman except instead of water Jesus offers bread. They express their desire in the same words she used, “Give us this bread always.” His offer is the bread provided from heaven, Himself. His words are clear concerning who He is and what His identity and mission are, just as they were with the woman.

Saul knew how to sit and wait. When he met Jesus on the road and was taken to Damascus we see him wait upon the Lord there, fasting. At that time all he knew was that he had grievously sinned against God in persecuting the church. The words spoken to him could not have been more painful to hear. He thought he had been doing the work of God, protecting and defending God’s honor which was impugned by these who were worshipping the man crucified by the leaders, this Jesus. In the moment his question of “Who are you?” was answered with the words, “I am Jesus”, Paul was guilty of the worst sin imaginable. As he waited on the Lord, what was going through his mind? Did he lose all hope, was he awaiting God’s punishment and judgment or God’s forgiveness? It is easy to understand why he neither ate nor drank, how awful those days must have been for him spiritually and emotionally, waiting on the next words from God. Like Jonah, he had three days to wait for God’s decision on his life and judgment on his sin.

With my voice I cry to the Lord;
with my voice I make supplication to the Lord.
I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
When my spirit is faint,
you know my way.