Seeing God, Seeing People

How did Job get to be an advocate for the powerless and poor?  Job 24-28.

Several times from their soapboxes Job's friends have decried the burdens he carries as the result of his own wickedness.  They repeatedly launch into long-winded explanations of how God deals with the wicked and why Job needs to realize his troubles have to be the result of his own shortcomings.  After all, anyone experiencing rejection, weakness or hardship must have only themselves to blame.  People are poor and afflicted because they deserve it.  And people who are good, pure and upright get the good stuff they are entitled to.  Right?

Throughout the story Job refuses to accept this reasoning, turning away from human logic and instead seeking God in relationship and humble fear.  It's not until his friends' incessant talking really starts to grind on him that we hear his bold retort and learn more about Job's views.

Job describes in detail the poverty and hardship he has witnessed in his community.  Adults have few opportunities to work.  Families scrounge in fields and wastelands for food.  There is no clothing or shelter to keep warm and dry.  The work that is available is not enough to provide a meal, even though it may involve preparing food for others.  Parents' children are taken away to repay debts.  People are hurting.  Alone.  Ignored.  Exploited.  Dying.

In reference to these people, Job says that God is not assigning blame.  Job points out the difference between experiencing a miserable situation and choosing to rebel against God.  Job does not think there is something wrong with those who are powerless and weak, and he criticizes his friends for thinking they can help those who are struggling by giving them advice on how to stop being "wicked."

Job again is demonstrating a vital difference between him and his friends.  Just as Job lists the attributes of God and seeks to know Him while his friends recommend rituals to try and give easy-answers, Job sees people as individuals like him instead of others to sit in judgment upon.  Job may not mention any solutions to the problems, but simply returns his focus to the relationship that has given him meaning in the midst of distress.  Which apparently has likewise produced compassion and understanding within him.