« And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. » Job 42.10

Beloved (s),

In the book of Job, the Bible tells us the story of Job’s life. During the ordeal Job faced, the visit of his friends had been the hope of consolation. But their speeches were accusatory sessions that were quick to tip over into a depression like no other.

In such a circumstance, what is hoped for is attentive listening, compassion, consolation and intercession. Job got none of this except the aggravation of the wounds and pains he felt as he confessed in the following verses:

« I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. » Job 16.2 « How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? » Job 19.2 « How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength ? » Job 26.2

The attitude of Job’s friends is not unique as today it is still manifested. What makes people on the list of friends to go on the list of the worst enemies.

It was then that God made a special request to Job, which sounded like an ultimate test: Pray for the three friends who afflicted him so that God could have mercy on them. What a unique opportunity for Job to take revenge and allow his fake friends to live even a part of what he lives! But in the heart of Job, as in every citizen of heaven, there can be no place for any bitterness which leads to the violation of this recommendation of our Lord Jesus Christ: « But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; … » Matthew 5.44-45

And, as our basic verse says, Job saw the end of the ordeal. Let us not develop a program of retaliation and revenge for those who have troubled or persecuted us; and if we have done it, let us renounce it with supplications; and pray for them, and soon God will raise the dawn of deliverance.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I wish you a good meditation and a good week in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.