The Light of the World (John 9)

[Sung Psalm: 44]

There are some really interesting parallels between Job's friends and the Pharisees. Job's friends are very orthodox in their doctrine. They understand the principles of the Law – even the principles of wisdom! The wicked falls into the trap that he laid for others! And – for that matter – his children perish with him. (Think of how the firstborn of Egypt died in the plague – or when Hitler brought war to Europe – German children paid a high price!).

But Job's friends – and the Pharisees after them – tend to take that principle and work it backwards: therefore, if you are suffering, it must be because you sinned – or because your parents sinned.

Job insists that he is innocent! Plainly, God has kindled his wrath against Job. Plainly, God is the one who is destroying God's family and health and wealth. But Job insists that he is not guilty before God. He has done nothing to deserve this.

And in the end, the LORD agrees with Job that Job is innocent! Job is the innocent suffering servant of the LORD.

When Job says that God has put his target on him – Job is simply speaking the truth...