My thoughts on a man named Job...

Hi again. I told you I would be writing more often!! I am currently in the office thinking about my sessions for tonight. I think I have them pretty much figured out, so I thought I would put some of my thoughts down here on the trusty blog.

Ok, well for the past few weeks, I have been reading Job. The oldest book in the Bible, yet one I have never read. I've heard the argument that Job isn't a true story, but more of an allegory of life. Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me whether or not the Job from the Bible existed because I've seen his story played out in so many people's lives.

The story is about a man named Job (you probably had that much figured out already, didn't you??). Job was extremely wealthy, had thousands of livestock, a beautiful wife, great kids... not to mention an honorable reputation. In the opening verse, it says, "he was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil."His life seemed relatively perfect, until one day Satan came before the Lord. God was boasting in Job, "Have you noticed my servant, Job? He is the finest man in all the earth—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil." (Job 1:8) How great is that?!?! How great is it that God, our creator, would boast in His creation. Would be so proud of the work we do and the lives we lead that he would openly show us off. That's just awesome. Anyway....of course, the enemy comes back and says, Yeah, Job fears You, but not without good reason! You have always had his back." (that's Tempa paraphrasing there!) So, God allows the enemy test him. His children are killed, livestock and crop ruined... everything that Job was given was taken way, instantly. See... even though the whole thing could just be a story.... something about it is relatable, personal.

So Job's wife tempts him to curse God, but he won't. He stands firm on the Rock to the woman he loves. Later, his friends come and sit with him for a week, In total silence. Ha! Let me just say.... I wouldn't be the greatest fried to Job at this time. Silence for a week?!?! Man A Livin'! :) Job finally speaks up and says that he wishes that he never was born. And then, his friends start crapping on him. Saying how the wicked never prosper, and how the righteous are looked after by God... how his children must have sinned against the Lord, and that's why they died...etc. Basically they said what I'm sure any one of us would have said in that situation. "Suck it up, Job.... Everything happens for a reason!" Well, Job stands his ground again and says that he and his children were blameless before the Lord, that God must have been testing him in some twisted Almighty Game. (again, a Tempa paraphrase!)

Well, after God Himself challenges Job, He says to one of Job's friends, "I am very angry with you and with your two friends, for you have not been right in what you said about me, as my servant Job was." OK... that blows my mind!!! The book gets more and more confusing with each page I turn. So does our Eternal Father challenge us with crappy situations?? Do horrible things happen just because God wants to know how much we trust in Him?? I guess that makes sense, but at first thought, it seems kinda malicious, doesn't it? I mean, The Lord doesn't mean it in a malicious way, Im sure....

Anyway... know this is an incredibly condensed version of 42 chapters worth of a story that I have yet to even finish, but I encourage you to read Job sometime. You would think that reading about a good man's misfortune would be disheartening, but it's really making me more aware of life as a whole. It's definitely making me think twice about giving people the easy answer to the "Why do good things happen to bad people" question. Anyway, It's a true learning experience... the kind where you'll find yourself reading some pages twice just to retake in the information!

There were a few verses that stood out as AMAZING life lessons. I will share them with you.

"I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!"(Job 1:21)

"At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One."(Job 6:10)

"You will have courage because you will have hope..." (Job 11:18)

"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body will I see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" (Job 19:25-27)


Ok, those are my entirely too long thoughts on a man named Job!! Have a great day!

Blessings,
Tempa