Reading today in Job 29, the past is being looked at by Job. Sources of happiness for Job in the past included God’s friendship (v. 4), his children (v. 5), and respect among others (v. 7-11). In reflecting on today’s passage and about the past, I remember how relationships were back thirty or forty years ago. We didn’t have personal computers, smart phones, and social media. Being social was being in the same physical location with family and neighbors. 

I’m reflecting on days when things were different. I’m thinking about coming home for a lunch mom had made. Sometimes I wish I could relive a day from the past just one more time. I’m remembering the days of the past like riding bikes and playing games like hide-and-seek. When there was a respect of parents and when young people learned from their parents rather than depending on schools.

Later in this passage, noted is that Job and his friends were not together. Job’s friends had charged him with being wicked and sinful (See 22:5-11) which is in complete contrast to Job’s statements in this passage. Job claims to have been a man of integrity in being righteous and just. In his past, he said he rescued the poor and the fatherless (v. 12). He was the father of the needy (v. 16) and people listened to his advice (v. 21).

The main thought for me in reading this passage is the need to work together along the journey. Like the geese in this photo as they form the shape of a “V” to help with the headwinds. They are unified for victory to make it to their destination.

Apart we are weak but together we are strong. Like geese going south for the winter, we help each other along the journey and the Holy Spirit provides a means whereby each individual provides something for the cause of Christ. In return, each member receives the combined strength of the whole. Together as ONE in Christ, the application of our faith then becomes combined excellence and God’s glory is the ultimate outcome.

We should consider our neighbors as a part of our team. When we lend a hand to neighbors, the light of Divine favor and protection will brightly shine upon us. This day with God, let us give all praise to God as unifier so that love of family and neighbor is again a part of our society. The light of Divine favor will make our future more free from adversity and help us prosper as a society.

Lord, we are not at our best scattered and isolated. We pray for an end to this pandemic so we can gather with others and do life together. You made us as Your people working together and moving forward step by step encouraging each other. The common thread that binds our faith together and helps against the headwinds we face is Jesus Christ In whose name we pray today … Amen.