Job: The Grace of God

Job: The Grace of God

It is reasonable to assume that Job’s attitude likely reflected this sentiment: “Just leave me alone!” However, another individual felt compelled to speak to Job and took his turn. His name is Elihu, and he is a bold young man I introduced last time. We will continue exploring his message to Job.

Job: A Magnificent Burst of Faith

Job: A Magnificent Burst of Faith

Job desired that his words be recorded on parchment and preserved in book form. Or better yet, his testimony should be carved in stone, with hot lead poured into the letters. This would ensure his story is “engraved in the rock forever.” Job didn’t realize it, but God answered his prayer! His story has been read and studied throughout history, and Job has served as a master teacher for all who love and follow God.

Job: Though He Slay Me

Job: Though He Slay Me

In our time, we’ve learned about Job’s patience, resolution, and perseverance, as well as God’s sovereignty. The story of Job presents complexity and raises questions as we contemplate God’s character, Satan’s attacks, and Job’s responses. When I read the book of Job, my questions quickly become, “How would I have responded if I were Job?” and “How do I act now when facing a period of difficulty?”

Job: The Last Thread of Hope

Job: The Last Thread of Hope

Losing hope is a dreadful experience. Many individuals have taken unimaginable actions when they felt hope was gone. At some point, they concluded that life was no longer worth living. The American psychiatrist Karl Menninger called hope “the major weapon against the suicide impulse.” When you feel hopeless, reach out for help. If you know someone struggling with hopelessness, guide them to the needed resources.

Job: God in the Darkness

Job: God in the Darkness

Imagine packing for an eight-day trip, only to find yourself still away… two hundred eighty-six days later due to unforeseen circumstances! That’s what happened to astronauts, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore. Their Starliner spacecraft successfully delivered them to the International Space Station but could not bring them home because of a mechanical failure. Recently, the SpaceX Crew-10 spacecraft launched, docked at the International Space Station, and returned the stranded astronauts to Earth. Williams’ first words upon returning were, “I’ve a really good feeling.”

Job: God in the Darkness

Job: God in the Darkness

One of my favorite authors is C. S. Lewis. I quote him often, yet I sometimes hold back to avoid giving the impression that he is the only author I read! However, if that were true, I believe I would be all the better for it. The great thing about Lewis is that since he passed away many years ago, he can’t change his doctrine like many contemporary writers have done.

Job: Stars in the Darkness

Job: Stars in the Darkness

We have followed Job’s disappointment with his friends and with God. Yet, a tension remains: pain persists, and God is sovereign. Job endures immense physical and emotional distress. He has questions and still longs to meet God in court. However, for now, Job shifts his focus from his loathsome situation to contemplating God’s greatness.

Job: Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

Job: Why Do the Wicked Prosper?

The beauty of studying Job lies in the fact that we’re not merely viewing a single snapshot but experiencing the whole story—from his blessings to his tragedies, including Job’s questions for God and God’s responses to him, culminating in Job’s restoration. Additionally, God gives us a glimpse into heaven, allowing us to listen in on his conversations with Satan. What a gift God has granted us in the book of Job!

Job: Can Anyone Help Me?

Job: Can Anyone Help Me?

In this section of our Job study, we’re exploring Job’s disappointment with God. His words are honest and raw. As we noted last time, God’s willingness to hear us speak from our hearts is a remarkable demonstration of his unconditional love. However, I must emphasize an essential point in this part of the story: Job expresses his disappointment but doesn’t linger there. So, let’s ensure we do the same—learn and continue moving forward.

Job: Disappointment with God

Job: Disappointment with God

Job lost his ten children and his means of making a living. Then, the final blow struck when disease ravaged his body. The painful sores forced Job to isolate himself at a garbage dump to cope with both his suffering and the oozing wounds covering his body. Three friends came to help, but their words were as hurtful as his ailments.

Job: RESET

Job: RESET

Above all, Job loved God. He was upright and blameless, devoted to serving the Lord. He lived a disciplined life of integrity and was the spiritual leader for his large family. He was the most remarkable man in all the East. Then, one day, he lost everything.

Job: A Friend You Want to Stay Away

Job: A Friend You Want to Stay Away

Zophar listened to Job respond to Bildad’s second speech and became impatient. He is one of those people who would rather talk than listen. Do you know anyone like that? Zophar said, “My thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me.” He doesn’t listen while others talk. Instead, he thinks about his response and can’t wait to share it. Zophar also noted that he was insulted by Job’s remarks (Job 20:3).