By Gabe Hall

Audio of “Job” (54 min) — Note that around the halfway point some of the audio gets clipped. Sorry!

Introduction

  • Perhaps the earliest book of the Bible
  • Part of the Old Testament section of books called “the writings” (Ketuvim) – Specifically placed with Psalms and Proverbs in the poetic writings known as the “Sifrei Emet” (“Documents of truth”)
  • The setting is in the land of Edom

Summary

Setting the stage:

  • the Suffering servant and the Adversarial agent (1-2);
  • Misery loves company – Depression, Dialogs and Defense (3-31);
  • Says you Elihu – a voice of reason (32-37);
  • The Lord Answers (38-41);
  • Restoration (42)

The Problem of Pain

  • “We despaired even to live.” – Paul (2 Corinthians 1:8, 9)
  • “Who sinned, this man or his parents?” – the disciples (John 9:1)
  • “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” – David (Psalm 121:1)
  • “God overdid it.” – Morrie Schwartz (Tuesdays with Morrie)
  • “Why do bad things happen to good people?” – the world

Is there a Purpose?

  • “The past was written for our instruction…” (Romans 15:4)
  • “Consider it pure joy…” (James 1:2-4)
  • “Unless you repent…” (Luke 13:5)
  • “My help comes from the Lord…” (Psalm 121:2)
  • “No one is good but God alone.” (Mark 10:18)
  • “A man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” (Isaiah 53:3)

Unexpected Answer

  • “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.” (Psalm 145:3)
  • “This light affliction…” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
  • “Fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1-7)
  • “God demonstrates His love for us…” (Romans 5:8)

Job’s Restoration

  • Began with a deeper understanding of God, followed by repentance. (Acts 3:19, 20)
  • Job prayed for his friends, who had acted like enemies. (Romans 12:12; Matthew 5:44)
  • Double blessing from God (with the exception of his children). (Isaiah 61:7; 2 Samuel 12:23)
  • Job’s example of perseverance in the faith. (James 5:11; Hebrews 10:36; 11:13)
  • God glorified. (1 Peter 4:10-13)

“Who’s This Man” (Song by Joseph O’Brien)

Ran inside the master's house
With these heavy words to shout
Mighty winds had struck
His children all had died
Fellow servants on my left
They had also told of death
The master tears his robe
Quickly shaves his head
He falls and says
"Blessed be the name of God
You can give and You can take away
Take away
Naked I came from the womb
Naked I'll return to dust one day
To dust one day"
Who's this man praising God when all was gone?
For I would have cursed the One who did me wrong
Sores and boils follow next
I would tend to his distress
Now his wife draws near
And mocks my master's faith
But he remains
Blessed be the name of God
You can give and You can take away
Take away
Naked I came from the womb
Naked I'll return to dust one day
To dust one day
Who's this man praising God when all was gone?
For I would have cursed the One who did me wrong
And every day I thought he'd finally give up
But he did not sin, he did not curse the Father that he loved
How could he hold onto the sovereignty of God?
If it were I to be the victim surely I would doubt God's love
I would doubt God's love
Blessed be the name of God
You can give and You can take away
Take away
Blessed be the name of God
You can give and You can take away
Take away
Naked I came from the womb
Naked I'll return to dust one day
To dust one day
Who's this man praising God when all was gone?
For I would have cursed the One who did me wrong
Who's this man praising God when all was gone?
For I would have cursed the One who did me wrong