Please Speak To Me

OPENING PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, I am grateful for your life, example, instruction, and guidance. I wait now for the Spirit’s direction.

READ: Job 13

“My eyes have seen all this, my ears have heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. 3 But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God. 4 You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you! 5 If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom. 6 Hear now my argument; listen to the pleas of my lips. 7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him? 8 Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God? 9 Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal? 10 He would surely call you to account if you secretly showed partiality. 11 Would not his splendor terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you? 12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.

13 “Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may. 14 Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? 15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely[a] defend my ways to his face. 16 Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him! 17 Listen carefully to what I say; let my words ring in your ears. 18 Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated. 19 Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die.

20 “Only grant me these two things, God, and then I will not hide from you: 21 Withdraw your hand far from me, and stop frightening me with your terrors. 22 Then summon me and I will answer, or let me speak, and you reply to me. 23 How many wrongs and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin. 24 Why do you hide your face and consider me your enemy? 25 Will you torment a windblown leaf? Will you chase after dry chaff? 26 For you write down bitter things against me and make me reap the sins of my youth. 27 You fasten my feet in shackles; you keep close watch on all my paths by putting marks on the soles of my feet.

28 “So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.

Footnotes

[a] Job 13:15 Or He will surely slay me; I have no hope — / yet I will

REFLECT:

‘Your Father knows what you need’ (Matthew 6:8). How does it affect your prayer life, knowing that God is able to meet your needs, even before you ask?

Paul repeatedly asserts in 2 Corinthians that he always spoke the plain word of God; neither deceiving people nor distorting the truth (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:1-3). It is a grave error to speak falsely about God. Job’s complaint against his friends is that they have misrepresented God. Having misdiagnosed Job’s problem, they have pre- scribed the wrong medicine (v 4b). They have a go at Job for being a sinner. It turns out their attempts to speak for God end up in deceit (vs 7,9). Best if they just kept their mouths shut (vs 5,13). But please don’t you stop speaking about God! Just know who you are speaking to and avoid slot machine type answers that help no one.

Job doesn’t want to dialogue with his friends. He wants to speak to God (vs 21,22), who seems to have turned his face away. Job longs for their relationship to be restored (v 24). He does not know what has happened but would like some explanation. Can humans speak to God like that? It seems there is a place for lament (vs 20–22 especially), where we tell God exactly how we feel. It is not something to be taken lightly. Job himself is fearful, but hopeful, as he approaches God (v 15). He may die, but there is nowhere else to turn (see John 6:68).

APPLY:

Reverently but honestly take your needs and feelings to the Lord in prayer.

CLOSING PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, there are times when I feel you are far away. Keep me praying and trusting, assured that you will never leave me or forsake me.

WORSHIP:

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