Job: God is Just
We considered Elihu’s presentation based on God’s graciousness in our previous discussion. Today, let’s explore Elihu’s argument regarding God’s justice.
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.
Episode 71 Porn Is Not The Problem
Heidi Erickson on the dangers and destruction of porn in marriage relationships.
Job: Truth in Love
Today, I want to introduce you to a man named Elihu. Perhaps Elihu was a Dallas man. He vacillates between arrogance and expressing solid biblical truth!
Job: I Want My Old Life Back
Job was exhausted—both in body and spirit—deeply grieving and suffering physically. His friends blamed him for the loss of his family, wealth, and declining health, convinced that he had committed a great sin. The God whom Job had feared and served was silent, or so it seemed.
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
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
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: Temptation and Testing
What is the difference between temptation and testing? Is there really a difference? Does God tempt us? Does God test us? And if he does, why is it necessary for believers to experience this?
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.”
Episode 70 When Porn Hits Home
Counselor Heidi Erickson on the mental and psychological effects of pornography in the marriage relationship.
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
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?
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: Alone In Our Pain
Is there anything lonelier than pain? I’m not sure there is. When we know a friend or family member is going through a tough time, we reach out through texts, calls, and visits, doing our best to support them. Yet, most of the time, we must face our pain alone.
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 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: Disappointment with Friends
Job’s friends did not sit quietly drinking coffee with him. They believed that the tragedies Job was grieving and his afflicted body resulted from his sins. We have examined their counsel to Job—well, their insinuations and accusations. Now, we will explore the themes that emerge in Job’s responses.
Episode 69 A Tribute to Craig Wolfley
Former Steeler and Color Analyst Craig Wolfley on football, Tunch Ilkin, and following hard after Jesus.
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.