The conclusion of Job’s interaction with his three friends. A discussion that covers chapters 3-31, lasting perhaps several days, with a growing number of people observing and listening.

Job ends with a series of self-imprecations; “if I have done this, may God curse me.” This is a form of prayer used elsewhere in the OT (e.g: 1 Sam 12.1-4).

The chapter has a small section in parenthesis (v35-37); “Oh, that I had someone to hear me! … like a prince I would approach him.” Job bemoans God’s apparent silence.

And then a comment about crops and weeds.

And then silence.

It is as if Job is interrupted. Perhaps he had more to say but decided not to. ‘I have said enough. Lord, your turn!’

Earlier Job described huge changes in his life. “How I long for months gone by” (29.1) when he was highly respect in his community (29.7-25). His suffering brought unpleasant change – “now they mock me” (30.1) “Now their sons mock me in song” (30.9).

Life can be like that. An abrupt change of direction. Plans altered by an expected event. A new direction but someone else seems to decide that direction for us.

Yet God is in this. He is in the old season. And He is in the new season. Job is clear – everything, whether seemingly good or bad, is from God. If we think that there is another source, a different origin, then that does not help. Who can we pray to if life is simply a series of random events?

Our ultimate confidence is in God who is truly Sovereign.

The Bible is very real – the interaction of humans with their frailties and inconsistencies, desires and appetites.

Even the greatest of men have ‘feet of clay.’

Think of David, the great king of Israel.

David nearly lost the kingdom.

Jonadab, David’s nephew, was a schemer and influenced Amnon, David’s son, to get Tamar alone.

Taking this opportunity, Amnon raped Tamar his half-sister.

David failed to spot this turn of events, and failed to discipline Amnon (how could he, since he had previously been guilty of sexual sin?)

In revenge, Absalom killed Amnon.

David failed to reconcile with Absalom. Even Joab setting fire to Absalom’s field did not bring any improvement in the relationship.

In the meantime, Absalom usurped David’s throne, driving him out of his palace.

Absalom was killed by Joab, the loyal but brutal general of David’s army.

David returned to reclaim his crown, but things were never the same again.

Well, that’s life. Its messy.

The Bible tells it like it is. In part, that is why it is so relevant and powerful!

Further reading in the Old Testament – 2 Samuel 13-19.

In the context of maintaining unity (Eph 4.3) and attaining to unity (v13) we are commanded to be humble and gentle and patient and to bear with one another in love.

Unity is not achieved by us lording it over others; nor by demanding loyalty or subservience.

True unity is both sweet and powerful.

True unity can take time,

Verse 13 links unity with the character of Christ; the ultimate goal of gifted men and women serving amongst us.

Verse 13 refers to ‘knowledge;’ verse 15 to ‘truth.’ We do not diminish truth; we do not seek a lowest common denominator; we find the truth in Christ; we are no longer buffeted by false doctrines; we enjoy clarity nor confusion.

And, in v16, we all play our part – the whole body is involved and each part does its share.

And, as diversity increases, we will need to work harder at unity. And that is a good thing!