Job – Lessons To Be Learned

Job what an interesting life this man had. For the next several blogs we will look at Job and what exactly we can learn from him. But before we delve in too far, we need to take a look at the setting of this book and the man.

It is unknown who actually pinned the book of Job. The events of Job’s life possibly occurred during the “Patriarchal” period, placing it between Noah and Moses. There is a mention of a flood in Job 22:16. Some scholars place Job as a contemporary with Abraham.

Job is the first of five books commonly known as The Books of Poetry. These books include:

• Job- How to suffer
• Psalms- How to Pray
• Proverbs- How to act
• Ecclesiastes- How to enjoy
• Song of Solomon – How to love

Many read Job with the eyes of, “Why did God allow so much suffering to one person?” He indeed suffered tremendously. While we can read this and think, “How could Job (we) withstand so much and still praise God?” You see, God has a way of weaving these threads in and out of our lives. Sometimes these threads of experience can bring great pain and loss, while others, bring unspeakable joy. The truth is we never fully understand the depths of joy until experience pain and loss. There comes such an appreciate for that Joy that only He can provide until we experience the pain that can seemingly take our breath away. With that in mind, let’s look at Job not as Why but a How? How are we to deal with suffering? The heart of Job shows us that there may be times of confusion, questions and yes complaints. But Job still humbly submits himself to God, every trusting that God will take him through. In James 5:11, Job is referenced, “You have heard of the perseverance of Job.” (Oh Lord there’s that word again – Perseverance).

But through all the opportunities to persevere shines the absolute perfection and glory of God. In these threads of experience comes this incredible picture of patience. (oh great another one of those words). In the Greek the word Patience (hupomone) is described as the trait of who is able to abide under the weight of trials. From ” Job’s Patience”, we can learn to hold onto God even under great trials that we do not understand.

The book of Job will even show us the way to Jesus Christ. We will see how Job was a type of Christ. There is much to be learned in our journey with Job, some of it will make us cringe, scratch question or cry, all the while leading us to a place of great rejoicing and a heart of thanksgiving.

So guys and gals put your seat up and put your trays away! We could be in for a bumpy ride. Once we arrive at our destination, there will be great rejoicing for it’s truly a “ButGod” moment.

Lord, we ask that you show us whatever it is we need to learn from Job. So often in our life we have felt like we have lost it all. We have wondered how do we ever come back from such suffering. But you God ever loving, ever present, ever faithful restores back to us more than we can ever think, ask or imagine. It is you that we seek. It is you that we trust. Guide us into your perfect light! We ask this with an expected heart. In Jesus’ Name!