Continuing in our studies in Sunday School yesterday morning we read through chapters 5,6, and 7. Job's friend Eliphaz is now on the scene offering his opinion of why Job is suffering. In chapter 3 Job curses the day he was born. We must remember the man of God Job is, he curses the day, he does not curse God.
"In all this Job did not sin or charge God with any wrong."
Job 1:22
"In all this Job did not sin with his lips."
Job 2:10
Eliphaz is convinced that Job has sinned to warrant this type of suffering. Eliphaz is not much of an encourager as Job continues to suffer from many losses including his family, wealth and health.
"He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the almighty."
Job 6:14
Class discussion focused on how what we say or don't say those who are suffering. We also discussed that although Job continues to say his life has no hope in chapter 7, he does acknowledge God in verses 17
"What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him,..."
When trials and suffering come into our lives what is our response? There really is only two choices. To curse God as Job's wife said he should do, or trust that God knows what He is doing regarding our life. Job is acknowledging God he just wants his life to be over at this point so he is no longer tempted to deny God.
"We have this in common with Job--God doesn't explain why he permits evil and suffering to fall upon us. He wants us to trust him. In one sense, Job is every man(or woman)."
Randy Alcorn
If God Is Good
Onto chapter 8
1 comment:
To fall trustingly into the arms of God is so hard in the midst of loss and suffering. But really, once we've given our lives totally and irrevocably to our Savior there truly is no other choice...
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