A FRIEND IN NEED – ANGLICAN COMMUNION
READ: Job 6:14-30 King James Version (KJV)
14 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
16 Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
17 What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
18 The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.
19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
20 They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed.
21 For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.
22 Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
23 Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
24 Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25 How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
26 Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
28 Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
29 Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.
30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
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THE MESSAGE:
Job has continued to react to his friends’ conviction over his suffering. He described them as pitiless, deceitful and fearful (vs.14-15; 21). They offered him no help. Though Job was disappointed with his friends, he stood his ground and maintained his innocence. How do you relate with your friends who are suffering and need your help? Like Job’s friends, with grievous assumptions? God forbid! A friend loveth at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
The word of God recognises the need for the afflicted and has instructed on what to do to help out. Some of them include: mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12: 15); carry each other’s burden (Galatians 6:2); cloth yourselves with compassion (Colossians 3: 12); let your conversation be full of grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6); do not judge or you will be judged (Matthew 7:1); pray for each other (James 5: 16).
When we willingly obey God’s injunction for those who are suffering, God will make a way for them and they will smoothly overcome their situations. A friend in need is a friend indeed. May we be friends in need in Jesus, Name!
PRAYER: Lord, make me a friend in need to save souls for eternity.