Job 16:20-21, "My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. 21Oh that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!"

As you read through the book of Job you find over and over again the failure of Job's friends to minister to his needs.  They have failed to be what they needed to be to help this brother in time of trouble.  Notice his words:

 "My friends scorn me..."  They are speaking in terms of arrogance and mockery.  They are not relating at all to where he is coming from.  We need to listen well to ensure that we minister to people at their point of need.

"But mine eye poureth out tears unto God"  Job is overwhelmed and grief stricken.  He is weeping tears of grief, tears of need, tears of distress.  He is looking to God and others for help but can't put things together at this point in his trials.

"Oh that one might plead for a man with God..."  This is the part of the verse that really struck me.  To plead means to argue a case.  Job is looking for someone who in empathy will bring his case in prayer before the God of heaven.  I believe we need to do more pleading with God.  I need to plead my own cause, but I also need to be an intercessor for others.  Prayer is powerful and I need to pray more for God's power to be manifest in my own life, and in the lives of others.

May we become men and women who understand the needs of others and may we plead for them before the God of Heaven! 

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. What are some of the needs you have perceived in the lives of others?

2. Is there someone who could use your encouragement now? Are you willing to reach out?

3. Would you go so far as to pray and plead to God on behalf of someone in need? What would your prayer be like?