“And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?’ Then Satan answered the LORD and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge of protection around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.‘” – Job 1:8-12
“Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” – Job 13:15
I don’t think it’s an accident that the Book of Job follows the Book of Esther in the Scripture. Both of the Books are unique and present very important aspects about our Heavenly Father. To gain some understanding in these areas at this time in our story will help us address some questions later. With Esther, we are reminded that even when God is not mentioned or seen He is still present in the circumstances of our lives. This gives us strength when we feel that we have been forsaken. Like David in Psalm 22, which begins, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” but moves to, “But you, O LORD, be not far off! You have rescued me! You who fear the LORD praise Him!” (Psalm 22:1, 19, 23). As we live out our story, Esther gives us the confidence that God is not only with us, but calls us to join Him in His work.
Job shows us another truth that can radically change our perspective on another important issue…suffering. To know God is with us always is comforting, but what about during hard times? Knowing God is present when we are suffering can bring questions and sometimes “rock” our faith to the core. We find ourselves asking, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” or, “If God loves me…?”
The story of Job illustrates for us a relationship between the Creator and the creation that is so powerful…so wonderful…so grounded in love and trust and faith…that it can survive anything! Maybe this is the first time that you have thought about this mysterious and, somewhat disturbing chapter in our story this way. I challenge you to hear it today.
When we read the Bible, each parable…each event…each story is filled with unending lessons and insights into God and how He works in our lives. That is why we can always gain “fresh” understanding every time we read it. But each story has also has a meaning that is foundational…a bigger picture purpose that ties it in with the greater story. This “big idea” in every story is consistent with what we have read from the beginning and what we continue to find true in living our story today. These Truths are timeless and forever relevant in our relationship with our God. In other words, the story of Job is filled with many insights and spiritual truths, but all should be grounded in the context of a loving relationship with a God who wants us to become all we were created to be in life. And, as we know, sometimes that involves suffering and how we deal with it. God uses Job to teach us about the strength of a genuine faith relationship with God.
Job is doing great! He is described as a righteous man that has pleased God. Satan questions the sincerity of Job’s love and commitment by pointing out that anyone can stay faithful when things are good. And, by the way, he’s right…right? Genuine love stays true no matter the circumstances. God expresses His confidence in Job and His expectations of Job in the following 42 chapters. “Me and Job are solid. Through thick and thin, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health…you’ll see.”
How about you? Is your faith in God based on your circumstances and convenience? Is your relationship to Him measured by how well He can please you? It sounds ugly because conditional love is. Job’s story is an example, extreme to be sure, of the strength of genuine love.
Today, no matter what, love God!
This is your story.