Welcome and Introduction
Welcome friends, to another edition of Blogging Through the Bible. As we make our way through the book of Job, if you missed previous posts, you may catch them here, with:
Stacey @ Words From the Wheel
Angela @ No Longer Lukewarm
Tatiana @ Purposeful Motherhood.
The Reality of the Story of Job
Have you heard the expression, "the patience of job?" People use that expression (in Christian circles) to reference to endurance in faith, and keeping calm. Now Job did not benefit from the days of Oprah interviews, or interesting and informative blogs on the internet, or go-to You-tube or google. He lived in more primitive times, but he had a relationship with God and he had firm faith.
I don't blame him or judge him, but ( I would say understandably) Job really did not keep his calm. There was no, "Was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved before..." coming off of his lips.
In chapter 9 and 10, I see/hear comments that fit into a few different categories: MISERY and DEPRESSION, RESPECT and FAITH, HUMILITY.
Misery and Depression
He doesn't beat around the bush about saying how he feels, at this point:
Job 9
17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.
Job 10
18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.
My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
Respect and Faith
Though he is at the lowest low of his life, Job still reveres God's position as God. He hangs on to his faith and honors God.
Job 9
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?
5 Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.
6 Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.
Job 10
7 Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.
8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.
Humility
Job may be whiny (again I say, understandably) but he is not sassy or defiant. He has things in perspective, with God, as God, and himself...as himself, mere human. I even think I detect FEAR. He does not shake his fist at God for allowing the tragedy he has endured (loosing everything, and physical misery and illness.)
Job 9
2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?
Job 10
9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?
10 Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese?
In Closing
Two chapters full of hurting, honesty, and humble faith, is what I see in Job chapters 9 and 10. Did you have the thought, that any of the above quotes could have gone in any (or multiple) of the above categories that I brought up? I did, but further-more I noticed that Job was mistaken in his lingo. Job uses language indicative that he thinks that God himself has done these tragedies to him. In reality, from scripture, we see rather that God gave "permission" to Satan, and Satan instigated the attacks.
Earlier in the book, Job is described as "perfect," which I would take as tongue in cheek but also I would pull consolation from that. Job is a good man in God's eyes, never-mind his mistakes in understanding or lingo.
What stands out to you in these chapters?
Does reading these chapters bring other questions to your mind? If so, what?
Dear Lord, I have not experienced the losses of Job, and yet, in my valley, my prodigal age, my attitude was worse. I pray Lord, that you would build me stronger and wiser in the time that I have left on earth, so that I may endure, and even be an encouragement to others. Thank you for preparing Heaven for those who are Yours. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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