Job 28-30

In 29:24-25 Job summarized his past expressions of compassion to the oppressed. It shows a dramatic contrast to the efforts of his "comforters". Job brought to them a face of cheer. I picture a sincere smile regardless of the suffering one's condition. The smell of death may have lingered near but Job sought to offer hope that would build confidence. In a time when death seemed closer to each illness and accident an unending smile must have been a very welcomed sight. The second expression of Job was leading the charge for comfort. I expect that when Job responded to a person in need he seldom came alone. His well run enterprise was probably a model of contemporary efficiency. Maybe his action where like neighbors joining together to plant or harvest a disabled farmer's fields. Or a group of women descending on the house of bedridden mother to cook and clean in her place. We often remember Job's patient endurances through his sufferings which we are challenged to imitate. Yet we should also recount his active compassion and seek way to incorporate those traits in our everyday lives as well.
Stuart