The book of Esther, which we have just finished reading, was dealing with a physical (and spiritual) attack on the people of God. In some ways we are looking at a similar thing here in the book of Job, only we are dealing with one person and one family, and the spiritual dimension is more apparent to us as readers.

The book of Job marks the beginning of the section in the Bible commonly referred to as the ‘Wisdom Books’ (the next 5 books). As we go through life as human beings we will experience mostly ordinary things, but also some pretty extraordinary stuff, be it absolutely amazing or truly traumatic. The Bible has something to say for every season in our lives. It shows that God is interested in every detail of our human lives and is present in the joys and the sorrows or the routine of everyday experiences, offering wisdom on how to navigate successfully through life (Psalm 37:23-24).

The book of Job addresses the human experience of extreme suffering. When people suffer, they will inevitably ask why. From the beginning of history, which is more or less Job’s time, who seems to have lived during the time of the patriarchs like Abraham around 2000 BC, to our time there have always been cases of extreme suffering due to circumstances beyond our control. Job helps believers wrestle with their thoughts and feelings before God.

A few insights from the first chapter:

God knows the whole picture, even if we don’t.

(Job never knew about the ‘prologue’, the heavenly court scene)

We have an enemy who will not shrink back from anything to alienate us from God and God from us, but he’s not allowed to do whatever he wants; God is still very much in control!

Job’s example of constantly holding on to God and worshipping Him encourages us to do the same.

Satan lost his challenge: Job would not give up on God. We know from our historical vantage point that God is victorious over the evil Accuser through Jesus Christ!

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Question:  

Do you find yourself in a Job-like situation or do you know someone who is?

Prayer/Action:

Intercede for yourself or the people you know who find themselves in dire circumstances. Even now in 2023, there are believers in God around the world who are experiencing the loss of everything due to armed conflict, natural catastrophes or targeted persecution – why not include them in your prayers, too? (You can find out more through organisations like Open Doors, Release International, Barnabas, etc.)