“Will you never get enough…?” Job 19:22b

Yesterday, we made a brief look into the complaints Job aired before God and his friends. As Job’s life points to Christ, let us never read over Job’s complaints casually without considering our Savior and the suffering He endured upon the cross. The Father turned His back upon His Son as Jesus took the sins of humanity upon Himself. For that moment, Jesus was stripped of His honor (v.9), was torn down on every side (v.10), abandoned by His friends (vv. 14 & 19), and ridiculed by an angry crowd (v.18). Yes, Job’s suffering points to Christ in a very real way.

Once Job had aired his complaints before God and his friends, he begged his friends to have pity on him (v.21), erroneously declaring God’s hand had struck him. Then Job pleaded with his friends through two simple questions:

1. “Why do you pursue me as God does?” (v.22a) The accusations from his
   friends were like a free-for-all pile-on. Job was already overwhelmed by his
   circumstances, only to be flooded all the more by his friends’ non-stop verbal
   assaults.

2. “Will you never get enough of my flesh?” (v.22b) In other words, Job was actually saying,
   “Give me a break!” His physical condition was proof enough of the suffering he
   had endured, and any reasonable, compassionate human would be sensitive to such
   hardship.

Job had clearly had enough of such badgering. On the cross, Jesus endured the suffering without ever complaining of his treatment, though He once said He was thirsty. Jesus, however, did voice his prayer for those inflicting His pain – asking God to forgive His tormentors (Luke 23:34).

When observing another’s pain, jumping to the conclusion that it stems from his/her own doing could bring just as much added pain as Job’s friends brought to him. It seems people never get enough pleasure in bringing pain to others. As developed as mankind has become, the pattern of inflicting pain upon others has
continued. Sometimes the way others inflict pain is hidden by some sophisticated approach. It happens every day: removal from one’s work position; public humiliation through some inquisition; bullying; condescension; etc.

If we are to be Christ to the world, we are to bring healing and hope to those suffering in silence. Instead of looking for ways to judge another, we should be about looking for ways to interrupt the cycle of pain without first seeking a reason for it. Who might you offer help and hope as you journey through life?

Have a blessed day…