Job's friends were miserable comforters. If their roles were reversed, Job could speak like them: words of accusation, a disappointed shaking of the head. Or Job could speak encouragement, comfort and relief. Words are so important. We need each other to speak words of comfort and relief.

Job's own words couldn't comfort him. He was suffering unbearable loss and physical pain. He didn't know why this was happening. Although he cried out to God, there seemed to be no answer. Having such a respect for God's sovereignty, Job believed it was God who devastated his household. God was assailing him; God turned him over to the ungodly, God who seized him by the neck and crushed him. Was there any advocate, anyone who was truly on his side? His friends were implying guilt as the cause; God was not answering. But Job had faith that there was a witness in heaven who heard his pure prayers. He believed that there was an intercessor, a friend, who was not like his three friends, but who was pleading his case.

We too have an advocate with the Father: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He always lives to intercede for us.


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus, our friend and advocate. What a comfort to know he pleads for us when we don't know why suffering happens. Help us to be such advocates and friends for others.
One Word: Jesus is our friend and advocate