From the Place for Truth online, they outline several themes in the book of Job that direct you to Jesus: The righteous one who suffers (Js 5:11). The longing for a mediator. The lack of answers to the problem of suffering. We read some verses about the character of Jesus yesterday and explored Jesus’ habit of always longing to do His Father’s will. Even though He suffered on the cross, He did not blame God. He only tried to get His head around why it was up to Him, alone. He exclaimed, “Why have You forsaken Me?”
Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God. Job 1: 21-22
My mother told me never to point my finger at anyone. Okay, so I will not raise my hand and point my physical finger towards a person that I want to blame for something. But I might think it; I might whisper it; I might roll my eyes a little bit.
What happened to Job? What didn’t happen to Job? He lost his oxen and donkeys, sheep, servants, camels, his sons, his daughters. He got severe boils and experienced fear and dread. He couldn’t sleep, he had oozing skin, nightmares, bruises and shortness of breath. He felt deep bitterness, shame and his brothers and friends left him. Darkness and gloom permeated him. He was taunted and spit at by those who thought God had cursed him. His skin turned black, and he had high fevers.
“Despite all this, Job did not sin, nor did he blame God.” No matter what, he was faithful, even though his friends encouraged him to forget God.
He continued to proclaim the power, the love, and the majesty of God throughout his ordeal. Eventually he received double what he had lost back from the Lord. He lived another 140 years and had 4 generations of happy and beautiful children.
Who is rolling their eyes now? Psychological terms that interact with blaming are gaslighting, narcissism, blame shifting, victim syndrome, and deflection. Some spiritual terms are “the devil made me do it”, spiritual bypassing, sin, and responsibility. But truth, faithfulness, and forgiveness are spiritual ideals that can prevent blaming.
Adam blamed Eve (Genesis 3:12). Clearly, blaming is not new.
In what ways have you pointed a finger (or wanted to) when something did not go right this week?
Ask yourself these questions when you want to blame someone:
What is the truth about this situation?
What part was my responsibility?
Who could I forgive? (it may be yourself)
What eternal or spiritual perspective may God want to teach me?
Exposing your blame to the light of Christ’s full-on faithfulness takes away its power to harm you or others. When you point a finger and you notice three fingers pointing back at you, point your thumb toward heaven, He is in control and unblameable. Then pull that pointing finger back!
Blessed LORD, You have given me much and You may take it away as You did with [my late husband]. I will still bless Your name. I know that I know that I know that there is no other way to live and no other god to worship. You are the only God. I accept Your will and Your plan. Amen.
happy hunger 
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