January 8 Job 1-2
The book of Job outlines the trials and tribulations of a righteous man. Job was a man fully devoted to God and he was very prosperous. Within a short period of time Job lost everything that was dear to him. He lost his wealth, his possessions, his children, and his health. God was glorified by what Job experienced because Job remained faithful to the Lord during life’s most discouraging circumstances. Reading the book of Job helps us to accept and understand the tragedies of life.
Job highlights the sovereignty of God and rejects the so called “health, wealth, and success” gospel that is popular with many people today. Make no mistake about it, the “prosperity gospel” is a false gospel. The truth is, we live in a sin cursed world that is filled with pain, sorrow, sickness, and death. Christians are not immune from the trials and tribulations of life.
What happens to faith when the bottom falls out in life? Many people connect God’s goodness with blessings. When trials come and blessings are removed, faith is tested. Job teaches us that faithfulness is not measured by wealth and physical wellbeing, but by integrity and reverence for God.
Job’s trouble came because God asked Satan if he had noticed Job’s life of faithfulness and integrity. When Satan falsely accused Job, God allowed him to do anything to Job he wished but not touch his body. Then, in chapter two, after another conversation between God and Satan, God allowed Satan to inflict Job’s health. The point is, God is the one who brought Job up in the conversation in the first place. What happened to Job happened because he was a good man. Nothing makes sense in this story if you don’t understand that.
Job 1:20-22 is a powerful witness and testimony. Look at what Job did when he got word about losing everything that was dear to him: Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
Worship is not about what we receive from God, but about who He is. True worship can rise from the ashes of grief and despair.
What was Job’s response when he lost his health? His wife suggested that he should “curse God and die.” Look at Job’s response: “But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10)
Many people criticize Job’s wife for her negative words to her husband. I see the humanity in her response. She too had lost everything. She had lost all of her children and grandchildren. She is speaking from a place of deep shock and anguish. She is responding like anyone might respond if they were standing in her shoes. It takes time for most people to work through the stages of grief and despair. We do not all respond the same way. I’m sure that God worked in her life to help her get to a better place.
Job’s friends came to sit with him. We always appreciate friends who are near when we face the tragedies and sorrows of life. Job’s friends wept with him and stayed with him for seven days and seven nights without speaking a word. Sometimes there are no words. Sometimes all we can offer is the ministry of presence.
Job teaches us to cling to God even when everything goes wrong. Eventually, Job got answers from God, but in the meantime, he just continued to acknowledge God and glorify His name.