Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Job 25-26
Billy Sunday, the noted evangelist of the early twentieth century, was once approached by a talkative woman who tried to justify the speaking of her mind by saying, “I just speak my mind and it is over quickly.” To which the evangelist replied, “So is a shotgun blast.” Yes, the devastation of a quick tongue may be spoken quickly, but it also harms quickly, and the effects can last a long time.
John Wesley was once approached by a young lady who said, “I think I know what my talent is.” Wesley said, “Tell me.” Without hesitation she replied, “I think it is to speak my mind.” Wesley said, “I do not think God would mind if you bury that talent.” Anyone who speaks his mind, running roughshod over others, should bury his tongue before others are hurt by it.
This is what Job had been facing. He was subject to attacks by the quick tongue of friends who had not hesitated to speak their mind. Rather than speaking with sensitivity to Job, they spoke with the subtlety of a shotgun blast. The result of these tongue-lashings was soul-jarring for Job, leaving him reeling under its force. Rather than helping Job, they reloaded and fired their verbal ammunition with renewed intensity.
This twenty-fifth chapter contains Bildad’s final speech. It was brief, but he held nothing back. This short, pithy lecture may indicate that Job’s three friends were running out of arguments and accusations. Also, the absence of a third speech by Zophar indicates that their one-sided arguments were finally running out. What is remarkable about Bildad’s final speech is that everything stated here is true. Job could not disagree with a word that Bildad spoke. Neither would we. He stated the sovereignty of God and the sinfulness of man in clearest terms.
The problem with Bildad’s speech was not so much with what he said but in what he did not say. Bildad spoke of man’s depravity, but he forgot to offer God’s grace. When the Bible speaks of human depravity, it also offers a way of salvation, something Bildad failed to do. He brought bad news but neglected to bring good news. His words lacked love and, although they were true, they were filled with selfish agenda.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to keep my opinions to myself rather than risk hurting the people who have not asked to hear them.
- Lord, please help me to discipline my tongue, knowing that control of it allows me to control my whole body.
- Lord, please help me to use my tongue to edify rather than destroy.
Political
- Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo – District 008 – Detroit
- Senator Erika Geiss – District 006 – Taylor
- Representative Annette Glenn – District 098 – Midland