A Look into the Book of Job: - “WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER” PT 1
Some people here are dying . Some of us know people who have recently died. Lets discuss suffering. Here they are:
Hundreds of us have suffered or are suffering and are looking for light in our darkness.
* Suffering is coming. For sure. Basic discipleship means tribulations.
Persecution, disease, war, disability, disaster, freak accident, assault — all are alike in this: Satan aims to destroy our faith, but YAHWEH our Elohim aims to strengthen it.
Natural disasters put theodicy in the news: tsunami, hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, avalanches.
YAHWEH Elohim (God) is rejected by many because of the suffering in the world.
There are Born Again Believers who openly question the sovereignty of Elohim over all suffering.
Elohim’s wise, good, just, absolute sovereignty is pastorally precious beyond measure. Being able to say, “Satan meant it for evil, but Elohim...” gives hope and strength. Nothing is wasted. Nothing surprises YAHWEH Elohim.
Suffering is appointed as one way the Gospel is spread.
The supreme value and glory and admirableness of Messiah is shown most clearly when Followers of Messiah treasure the Messiah more than they treasure what they’re losing — health, wealth, family, or life.
Job is the main book in the Bible dealing with suffering. It can help us in all these ways.
Job’s Character and Blessing
Verse 1 introduces us to the man Job and his character. He was “blameless and upright, one who feared YAHWEH, and turned away from evil.” If suffering is intended as a punishment for evil, Job is not a likely candidate. He turns away from evil because he fears YAHWEH Elohim. He pursues right and avoids evil. His reputation is blameless. His reverence for the Redeemer governs all he does.
Verses 2–3 describe the way YAHWEH had blessed him in his righteousness. He had seven sons and three daughters and huge numbers of sheep and camels and oxen and servants. He was the greatest of all the people of the east.
Verses 4–5 describe a specific instance of Job’s fear of YAHWEH and uprightness toward his children. Every time that his sons and daughters gathered for a feast, Job would get up early the next morning and offer burnt offerings for each one just in case any of them had sinned or cursed Elohim (God) in their heart. In other words he was extremely jealous for the honor of YAHWEH’S Name, that it not be profaned, and he was extremely vigilant for the sake of his children, not wanting any of them to come to ruin. He was a good man.
NEXT. . . Job’s Calamity
