I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
The verse belongs to Job's account of serving people in need, in which he became help and support and guide to those who could not see or walk for themselves, acting as their eyes and feet. His righteousness was expressed in this practical compassion for people with disabilities and those in need. His success and honor were joined to this practical care for those in need. In its setting the verse stands with his further description of himself as defending the poor and rescuing victims from the wicked.
Serving in this way means noticing suffering, finding out what help is needed, and relieving needs where help is most needed. Those blessed with sight have a duty to serve those without sight by visiting them and reading to them as often as possible and ministering to their need, so the afflicted feel their loss as little as possible, instead of criticizing them as restless, complaining murmurers. The church is to apply this by acting as eyes for a blind person, helping make the loss of sight weigh as little as possible and protecting him from wrong and exploitation.
Living the verse means taking a lively interest in relieving suffering humanity and responding to the appeal of the needy, doing the Master's work by caring for the widow and fatherless and the needy, suffering poor, so Jesus is not disappointed. That life feeds hungry little children and clothes the destitute. It revives those ready to perish and makes the widow's heart sing for joy.
Job's guiding of the blind and helping of the lame to walk was temporal kindness to suffering humanity that others can copy out of love for Christ. Such self-sacrificing labor brings blessing and reward, for unselfish help may seem unappreciated, but God sees every action and weighs every motive, and some on earth do appreciate it. In the day of judgment all spiritual and temporal good done for humanity will be recognized and rewarded, with gratitude expressed for unselfish actions that save souls. Doing this work brings blessing to the workers themselves, giving life from the dead to those who are indolent, selfish and self-centered and bringing revival of heavenly charity and wisdom and zeal. When zeal for Christ's honor places people in the channel of God's providence, heavenly messengers impart new spiritual power to combat difficulties and triumph over obstacles.
The verse belongs to Job's account of serving people in need, in which he became help and support and guide to those who could not see or walk for themselves, acting as their eyes and feet. His righteousness was expressed in this practical compassion for people with disabilities and those in need. His success and honor were joined to this practical care for those in need. In its setting the verse stands with his further description of himself as defending the poor and rescuing victims from the wicked.
Serving in this way means noticing suffering, finding out what help is needed, and relieving needs where help is most needed. Those blessed with sight have a duty to serve those without sight by visiting them and reading to them as often as possible and ministering to their need, so the afflicted feel their loss as little as possible, instead of criticizing them as restless, complaining murmurers. The church is to apply this by acting as eyes for a blind person, helping make the loss of sight weigh as little as possible and protecting him from wrong and exploitation.
Living the verse means taking a lively interest in relieving suffering humanity and responding to the appeal of the needy, doing the Master's work by caring for the widow and fatherless and the needy, suffering poor, so Jesus is not disappointed. That life feeds hungry little children and clothes the destitute. It revives those ready to perish and makes the widow's heart sing for joy.
Job's guiding of the blind and helping of the lame to walk was temporal kindness to suffering humanity that others can copy out of love for Christ. Such self-sacrificing labor brings blessing and reward, for unselfish help may seem unappreciated, but God sees every action and weighs every motive, and some on earth do appreciate it. In the day of judgment all spiritual and temporal good done for humanity will be recognized and rewarded, with gratitude expressed for unselfish actions that save souls. Doing this work brings blessing to the workers themselves, giving life from the dead to those who are indolent, selfish and self-centered and bringing revival of heavenly charity and wisdom and zeal. When zeal for Christ's honor places people in the channel of God's providence, heavenly messengers impart new spiritual power to combat difficulties and triumph over obstacles.