Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
Job desired that his words be recorded on parchment and preserved in book form. Or better yet, his testimony should be carved in stone, with hot lead poured into the letters. This would ensure his story is “engraved in the rock forever.” Job didn’t realize it, but God answered his prayer! His story has been read and studied throughout history, and Job has served as a master teacher for all who love and follow God.
In our study of Job, we have encountered harsh criticism from Job’s friends, Eliphaz and Bildad. Today, we meet Zophar, who essentially reiterates the other two friends’ sentiments.
Writing about the greatness of God, the prophet Isaiah asked, “Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? (Isa. 40:13-14) The answer to these rhetorical questions is, “No one!” No man or woman can understand the mind of God and all the ways he works in our lives and the world.
Job lost his family, wealth, and health, leaving him to grapple with questions about God. The foundation of his life has collapsed. He is in emotional pain from losing his family. He endures physical suffering due to his deteriorating health. It’s hard for him to breathe (9:18), and he has no appetite (3:24). He is covered in painful, ulcerous sores (2:7). Additionally, he faces spiritual turmoil. What is God doing? Can I trust him? Is he enough?
Many people believe that life’s challenges are always the result of sin. They hold a “cause and effect” view of God: sin leads to punishment, while obedience results in blessings. However, our study reveals that Job was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” God was not punishing Job for sin; instead, he was permitting Satan to test Job’s integrity.