Job 2

Scripture Job 2:13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.Observation Job has already suffered the loss of his family. And still there was more to come. Understanding Sympathize - to share in suffering or griefJob 2:11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.We have all been able to tell when something is not right with your friend or family. “From a distance” they are acting or speaking  different, you can tell they are not their usual self. Job 2:12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him;Job’s friends were emotional “from a distance”  because they could already sense the suffering. They didn’t inquire how this happened or even try to cure him, they immediately began to weep, tore their clothes, and sprinkled dust on their heads. And when they finally got to him, they were willing to sit “on the ground” in the dirt with him. Not offering advice, or even encouragement. Just sat on the ground with him, sharing with their friend in his suffering. Sometimes I just need someone to share the experience with me. When my heart is broken cry with me, when I’m depressed feel my emptiness, when I am mourning imagine my loss.Immanuel, came down to where we are. He chose to experience what it was like “on the ground” with humans as a human. He came down and experience childhood, singleness, friends, loss, betrayal, hunger and thirst, physical pain, death...God chose to be “on the ground” with us.Application Are we willing to get on the ground and in the dirt with people. When we notice them from a distance, will you go closer?This year I was challenged by God to sit “on the ground” with those around me. I was challenged to follow Jesus’ example to live and “be” with the people around me. We can show the example of Jesus to people of a God that loved us so much to come down to us. God is with us even now, he never left. The Holy Spirit is here with us living and dwelling among us, comforting us like Job’s friends did with him. We can impact people's lives in a way that speaks louder than just an invite to church.We are the church. Job’s friends shared in his suffering for seven days without a word. And then the conversations began. It’s for a short time to sympathize with people before the conversations begin to talk about moving up from the ground. The closeness and trust we build with them just may be what moves them to better days. Be strong and courageous. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be brave. The holy spirit will guide and give us discernment. We share in the suffering and look forward to sharing in the time of joy that comes after! Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings ...

Deborah Lee