As I get older the book of Job comes to me more and more to me. It's
not a fun thing to read. It's actually scary as the father of four
children to read that, especially since I've had a vasectomy. So it would be a
real miracle to need to produce more children!
But as I get older I think about Job being dedicated to God. Job was
a member of God's kingdom living in a fallen world, living in another
kingdom. So Satan had to
ask permission to do anything to Job. Even though Job lived in the
fallen world that God had created but a world that had turned away from God,
Job was still a member of God's kingdom.
When I listen to it and I read it I see that God is proud of his
people that live in this other kingdom. He takes pride in us and our
dedication to him. He brags about us!
God also gives permission for things to happen to us. That's not the
same as us being tempted or damaged by God, it's God saying I will
allow others to do something to one of mine. Kind of scary to think
about because we don't think that that should never happen but it does.
I see sadness and anger in Job. He worked hard and was dedicated to
what he did and it hurt to have his family killed and his property
destroyed. But he did not sin. He put on sackcloth, sat in ashes, and
questioned why things were happening.
I see those questions. Why, God? It's okay to ask those questions.
I learned that even your wife will question your dedication to certain
things. Job's wife told him to curse God and die. But Job did not do
that.
I see Job's friends come and sit with him. Commiserate with him.
Question his dedication to such a losing proposition. And Job hung on
and stuck with his dedication to God. With questions, but stuck with
it.
I see God answering questions. So often we don't think God ever
answers us but he does. Not always in the way that we want, not
always with the answer that we want to hear. If I'm asking why did my
children die and his answer to me is who are you to question me the
creator of the universe? I'm gonna be shocked and speechless.
I also see Job make it through all of that and coming out on the other
side better. Not the same, but better. Still dedicated to God.
It almost would make a great sitcom but it would be sad and scary.
That's what I've learned from Job. I think I'll listen to it again
and see what else I can get.
