Today, we study the Book of Job Chapter Six where Job attempted to justify his complaint.
The Pertinent Principle for us today is “FRIENDSHIP & LOYALTY”
How Supportive are we to Friends in Need?
Theme:
“Friendship & Loyalty”
Key Scripture
Job 6:14
“To him who is afflicted, KINDNESS should be shown by his FRIEND…”
Scriptures
Job 6:14
Job 2:11-13
John 9:1-3
Matthew 25:40
Proverbs 18:24
Romans 5:8
John 15:13
John 6:67-68
Reflection One
“A Friend that sticks close” (Prov.18:24)
According to Job 2:11-13, the “Friends” of Job, ELIPHAZ, BILDAD & ZOPHIR spent time with him PHYSICALLY, empathized in silence and gave “speeches”!
Indeed, Job 6:14 admonishes FRIENDS to be KIND & LOYAL- We agree with Job on this Requirement for “GENUINE FRIENDSHIP”
We DISAGREE with the “speeches” suggesting that the trials Job endured were related to his ‘SINS’. On the contrary, God used the sufferings as a test and as a part of His sovereign plan in Job’s life.
John 9:1-3 supports this principle.
Lessons From Job’s Friends
1. Job’s Friends mourned with him – Be there for Your Friend(s) in times of Trouble.
2. Do Not Presume that Troubles are the sure sign of God’s judgment – Job’s Friend missed the Memo!
3. Give Hope – Be an ENCOURAGER!
4. Let’s show Kindness!
After all, Jesus said-Inasmuch as you SHOW KINDNESS to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it for Me” (Matthew 25:40)
Brethren, Anyone that has FRIENDS must be FRIENDLY (Pro. 18:24)
Good FRIENDS stick close especially in the day of Trouble – Let’s be LOYAL!
Reflection Two
“What a Friend we have in Jesus?”
Jesus! Jesus!! Jesus!!!
How I love calling Your Name!!
Folks, compared to the “Friends” of this world, Jesus is the Ultimate Friend. Hallelujah!
“What a Friend we have in Jesus”- That Great Song asked a Critical Question:
“CAN WE FIND A FRIEND SO FAITHFUL, WHO WILL ALL OUR SORROWS SHARE”?
Jesus knows our every weakness. Hallelujah!
For Sure, God commanded his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
The Bible testified that: “Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one’s life for His FRIENDS”. (John 15:13)
That was the unusual sacrifice of Jesus.
In view of this Great Love that Jesus has demonstrated towards us All, what will our response be if Jesus asked TODAY: “Do you also want to go away?”
(John 6:67)
We pray to answer correctly as follows:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
(John 6:68)
Jesus deserves our LOYALTY.
Prayers
1. Dear Lord, please help me be the friend you have been to me.
2. Father let me find ways to let my friends know that I love them.
3. Lord Jesus, we pray for the grace to follow you loyally and forever. AMEN.
