JOB SERIES:CHAPTER 42 – THE BLESSED LATTER END

In the earlier chapters of the book of Job, Job listened to his friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar) and young associate (Elihu) accusations and recommendations for him to repent which he refused to do because he vehemently professes his innocence. However, after hearing from God and recognizing his previous knowledge of God was from hearsay, he humbly acknowledged his errors and repented.

God addresses Eliphaz the Termanite and informs him of His displeasure toward him, Bildad and Zophar because of the misrepresentation and erroneous statements they made concerning Him. He instructed them to have Job offer up a burnt offering which they provided and have Job pray for them for He would only accept Job’s prayer.

This last chapter ends describing Job’s captivity being turn around after he prayed for his friends. God gave Job a double blessing; he had twice as much as he had before. His relationships with his family and countrymen were mended, his livestock was doubled, and he had seven sons and three beautiful daughters. The last verse fittingly states Job’s end, “So Job died being old and full of days.”

I believe in the Bible, we not only find the will of God but directions to handle various situations in our lives. I believe this book teaches believers that we must remain faithful to God, continuously worship and praise Him amid our suffering, and to forgive and pray for those friends that make false accusations about us during our time of suffering.

Additionally, I concluded this blog and series with these reflections:
1. Man often speaks out of ignorance and without knowledge.
2. Admit when you have spoken unadvisedly.
3. Personal experiences are more impactful than the testimony of others.
4. Personal encounters with God are transforming.
5. Suffering brings a revelation about ourselves.
6. Understanding God’s greatness as compared to man results in repentance and submission.
7. When God finishes speaking to us, we realize our questions don’t matter.
8. It is futile to argue with God.
9. God may never answer your “whys.”
10. Suffering should not hinder servanthood.
11. After repentance and forgiveness come blessings.
12. Don’t become discouraged during the in-between.
13. God will vindicate you.
14. We are to forgive and pray for those that abuse us and say all manner of evil against us.
15. God is a restorer.
16. God will give you double for your trouble.
17. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.