SSLS 2016-11-27

2016 4th Quarter

Lesson 10, November 26-December 2, The Wrath of Elihu

Sunday, November 27

Job’s three friends have been miserable comforters. They have accused Job of being a great sinner. Job has counter-accused them of being forgers of lies and worthless physicians. If anything can be learned by us as we comprehend a greater scope of the story than do these participants who cannot see the end from the beginning, it is that we can not hold an argument with the devil. Job’s three friends think they are doing a great work for God, but, in actuality, they are agents in Satan’s service. They are increasing Job’s burden instead of helping him bear the nearly unbearable.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.” Galatians 6:2-5.

At a time when Job’s faith was being stretched to the limits, Job’s friends needed to exercise their faith on his behalf. Ellen White wrote to one troubled and tried sister in the church, “If you cannot rely upon your own faith, rely upon the faith of others. We believe and hope for you. God accepts our faith in your behalf.

“You have tried to do right, and God is pitiful and compassionate to you. Be cheerful, and bid adieu to gloom and doubts. In indulging these doubts, you dishonor God. There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believing brings peace, and trusting in God brings joy.” (Vol. 2, Testimonies, 319, 320.)

It would have been nice to know how differently Job’s story would have been if his friends had helped him bear his burden with a humility all their own.