He carefully avoided acts of transgression against God's laws. We should learn from Job's experience to maintain patient respect and trust in God even in the midst of our sufferings (James 5:10-11 James 5:10-11 [10] Take, my brothers, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? As the Creator of the universe, God really does know best. American King James Version×) that he was finding fault with God rather than looking for lessons to learn from his trials. American King James Version×; Job 41:4-10 Job 41:4-10 [4] Will he make a covenant with you? Catholic Church. Job repented not just for what he had said, but for what he was (Job 42:5-6). United Church of God is a 501(c)3 organization. . At times we, like Job, don’t know why God allows certain situations to happen. Satan responds by accusing Job of only serving God because of the blessings he had received (Job 1:9-11). The famous “voice out of the whirlwind” largely questions Job in return, challenging Job’s understanding of how things ought to be. . He carefully avoided acts of transgression against God's laws. [6] Why I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Job's character was not that weak. Upon hearing Satan’s theory, God granted him power over Job and the trials began to flow. [10] None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Ouch! He loves to spend time with family and friends doing various things like watching movies, playing chess, playing board games and going out. Was it correction? God boasted of Job's righteous behavior to Satan. or his head with fish spears? In those times we must remember that “the secret things belong to the LORD our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29). © 1995–2020 All correspondence and questions should be sent to info@ucg.org. Job explores the difficult question of God's relationship to human suffering and invites us to trust God's wisdom and character. Will he speak softly to you?" [11] But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face. you have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. God decided to test Job's character to see how his commitment to Him would bear up under adversity. This often happens to people in the midst of inexplicable calamity. God later verified this also. God is watching over Job, even though he doesn’t realize it. He’s right. “Why do the wicked survive, grow old, become mighty in power?” (Job 21:7). monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. It would make no sense for God to create us and not provide for our needs. Casting himself prostrate on the ground, the grief-stricken father responded with the following words: Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall go back again. At one point he cursed the day he was born—which questioned God’s providence (Job 3:3). They presented Job with many reasons they believed he had brought this ordeal on himself. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. “Remember that my life is like the wind; I shall not see happiness again.” (Job 7:7). No matter how severe a trial is, we should never assume God isn't listening or doesn't care. All rights reserved. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. He behaved blamelessly. He closed his mind to the possibility that he could learn something valuable from his suffering. Implying that these misfortunes were a punishment for some past wrongdoing, she urged her husband to “curse God and die”! Sometimes life isn’t fair. We need always to remember some excellent advice from King David: "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!" Pray for the grace to resist. [16] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and has burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell you. When Job was at his lowest point, what did he really need? The book of Job is the story of a normal human being who is beset by misfortune and suffering. (Job 42:12). or bore his jaw through with a thorn? He is also a news junkie and is constantly reading and sharing news connected with Bible prophecy. The report includes several references to the practice, and footnotes instances of McCarrick regularly offering gifts of money to individual Vatican officials, but does not disclose their names or offices. Illustration to the Book of Job, William Blake Job’s speeches often call on God to answer, and beginning in chapter 38 God does so. “Your hands have formed me and fashioned me; will you then turn and destroy me?” (Job 10:8). [9] I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. American King James Version×). They were certain they were right. Think you this to be right, that you said, My righteousness is more than God's? American King James Version×). [17] While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell on the camels, and have carried them away, yes, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell you. “Oh, that I were as in the months past! As Job’s going through all this, three of his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, come to “mourn with him, and to comfort him” (Job 2:11). He enjoys studying biblical topics and discussing the Bible with his friends. (Job 35:2 Job 35:2Think you this to be right, that you said, My righteousness is more than God's?American King James Version×). Finally, one of Job's younger friends, Elihu, spoke up. As in the days when God watched over me.” (Job 29:2). Job's three friends, however, were certain that God was punishing Job for some secret sin, something Job could hide from everyone but God. Don’t get too attached to material possessions or favorable circumstances. He will not desert you! American King James Version×). “Where were you when I founded the earth?