Solace
I also could speak as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you. I could strengthen you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would assuage your pain.
Job 16:4-5
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Solace
The old saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is quite fitting for Job in these verses. Job longs for a kind and caring word form his friends, yet they are not to be found. Job responds by saying if the roles were reversed then Job would offer these kind word to his friends. He understands when the Law is needed and when the Gospel is needed. In Job’s suffering and misery, he needs to hear God’s Word of comfort for him. He does not need the accusing barbs which are hurled his way. So it is for us as well. When in true affliction and torment from the devil, we need to hear God’s Word of love and mercy. We need to know God has not abandoned us or forsaken us. This is the gift of the Gospel. This is what Christ offers us through His death and resurrection. We need the solace of our Savior’s lips to usage our pain. And so we have it in His Gospel, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).
Job 16:4-5
+
Solace
The old saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is quite fitting for Job in these verses. Job longs for a kind and caring word form his friends, yet they are not to be found. Job responds by saying if the roles were reversed then Job would offer these kind word to his friends. He understands when the Law is needed and when the Gospel is needed. In Job’s suffering and misery, he needs to hear God’s Word of comfort for him. He does not need the accusing barbs which are hurled his way. So it is for us as well. When in true affliction and torment from the devil, we need to hear God’s Word of love and mercy. We need to know God has not abandoned us or forsaken us. This is the gift of the Gospel. This is what Christ offers us through His death and resurrection. We need the solace of our Savior’s lips to usage our pain. And so we have it in His Gospel, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).
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