*Scripture: Job 6:14-30 (NKJV)* 14 "To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, like the streams of the brooks that pass away, 16 which are dark because of the ice, and into which the snow vanishes. 17 When it is warm, they cease to flow; When it is hot, they vanish from their place. 18 The paths of their way turn aside, they go nowhere and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope for them. 20 They are disappointed because they were confident; They come there and are confused. 21 For now you are nothing, you see terror and are afraid. 22 Did I ever say, 'Bring something to me'? Or, 'Offer a bribe for me from your wealth'? 23 Or, 'Deliver me from the enemy's hand'? Or, 'Redeem me from the hand of oppressors'?
24 "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred. 25 How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove? 26 Do you intend to rebuke my words, and the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind? 27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, and you undermine your friend. 28 Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; For I would never lie to your face. 29 Yield now, let there be no injustice! Yes, concede, my righteousness still stands! 30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory? *Devotion* Job castigates Eliphaz for his counsel. His counsel is a like a stream in the desert. During the rainy season, when travelers have an abundance of water, the streambed is overflowing. During the dry season, when travelers are in need of water in the desert, the streambed is bone-dry. This is a picture of all human understanding in times of trial, and a portrait of human wisdom when dealing with the hidden things of God. How often do we hear people speak about God's will in hospital rooms, funeral homes, and accident scenes, as if any person can comprehend the will of God in allowing evil and misfortune to befall His children? We are tempted to explain the evils of this world when we are unable to do so. When Jesus was confronted with a question of why God allows suffering in Luke 13, He responds, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Jesus will not have us search the hidden things of God, because as the Lord told Moses in Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever." We are able to rejoice in our sufferings because we know that God has revealed Himself in Christ to be a God who is for us and not against us. The counsel of the Holy Gospel is not a dry streambed. It is a river of life which comforts us in all afflictions in Christ Jesus.
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