OPINIONS

When Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place … They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.—Job 2:11 ESV

Through the book of Job, we learn much about Job himself. We learn about his background, his relationship with God, the ways he was tested, and all he learned. We also learn much about God Himself. But central to this book are the contributions of Job’s friends, each of whom interacted with Job in personal ways. We read their individual perspectives on life and their own explanations for the cause of Job’s problems and what they believed he should do. Their exchanges remind us of people we encounter in our daily lives, the words we hear in the media, and debates about politics. We hear gossip, rumors, and how they develop. The opinions of these friends symbolize theological arguments and the various perspectives that develop about the Bible and the nature of our faith. Ultimately, the observations of these friends remind us of how easy it can be to develop opinions and justify our conclusions. But they also remind us why it is so important to know God’s Word, be sure about His principles, commit every situation to Him, and humbly seek His definitive perspective. Remember that it can be easy to have opinions and develop conclusions that make sense to you. But as the end of the book of Job reminds us, the key is remembering the sovereignty of God. His perspective is always right. His views are the only ones that really matter.

Reflection Question: How are you seeking God’s wisdom daily?

CLEAR VISION

Elisha prayed and said, “LORD, please, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.—2 Kings 6:17 NASB

For years, Benjamin Franklin was forced to take two pairs of glasses wherever he went—one to see close objects and a second to see distant objects. This solution was acceptable but awkward. Then one day in 1785, Franklin announced that he had solved this problem: two lenses combined in one frame. He asked his optician to cut the lenses of his spectacles in half horizontally and fit these half-lenses in a single set of frames. Franklin was thrilled with the results. “I have only to move my eyes up or down, as I want to see distinctly far or near.” He called his invention “double spectacles,” but they would come to be known as bifocals. The problem Franklin faced parallels the problems many people have seeing the world with clarity. All of us need clear perspectives on the things going on around us, in the world, and in our spiritual lives. That is why we need God. His vision is 20/20. He sees all the details of our daily lives but also has command of world events, both now and into the future. He can help us see clearly in every situation we face. Today, ask God to help you have His perspective on the world and your life. Ask Him to help you see clearly. Fill your mind with His Word. And ask Him to give you spiritual discernment.

Reflection Question: What situation do you need God’s clarity for right now?