A Timeless Reminder
By Bev Sullivan – Christian Community Church

The sun shines brightly.  A falcon circles overhead.  The buds of spring appear on the trees.  A full moon lights the night.  All is right with the world.

Consider God’s man Job.  He is the pride of heaven.  He remains faithful.   But, according to Satan he remains faithful because God has protected him, his family, his health and wealth. As Satan the accuser sees it, the Lord of heaven has resorted to bribery.  God has bought the loyalty of a man who remains faithful to his Creator.

Let’s take a closer look at this timeless case study for people who are trying to make sense of their own troubles, and of the God of heaven who is allowing them to suffer.

In response to the accusations, God allows the accuser to test Job’s motives with several heavy personal losses.  He lost his children, servants, livestock, health and home. His wife tells him, “Curse God and die.” His friends come to grieve with him then they begin to find fault with Jobs character.  This drives Job beyond grief.  Each of them insisting that he has “reaped what he has sown.” Actually, the friends are theologically correct in much of what they have to say.  They know God does not punish good and reward evil.  But when they try to defend God against Job’s troubles they unwittingly become witnesses for the prosecution.  They argue that their friend must be suffering in proportion to a sin he is hiding.

Has God forgotten him?  Jobs response to this question is surprising.  Instead of saying, “my God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” He says in effect, “My God, my God why won’t you leave me alone?”  Further stating, “What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment?”  Why make me your target?  Am I a burden to you?”

When God finally speaks, He doesn’t tell Job why He let him suffer.  Neither does he blame Satan for what happened.  The Lord in heaven doesn’t even thank the three friends for trying to defend the honor of the Almighty.  Instead he begins to question Job.  “Where were you when I created the world.  Can you understand how I did it?  Can you do what I have done?”  Then God goes on to say, “What about the ever changing wind, and the clouds that gather water and then release them on command?”  The Sovereign God presents a compelling series of physical exhibits.  The implication is clear, “If I am powerful and wise enough to create the night sky, the rushing waters, the beauty of the mountains, can you trust Me in the trouble I have allowed into your life?”

The witness of the natural world to the immeasurable wisdom and power of God is enough to bring Job to his knees and his senses.

When we have similar tendencies to ask God, “Why?” during times of trials in our lives, we need to remember the God of the Universe is in control.  Trust Him!  Job 19: 25-27 says, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth.  And even after my body has decayed,  I will see Him.  Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!