Greetings everyone,
I am a new member of Christian Chat and look forward to the fellowship and sharing ideas within this community.
I've always wanted to do a deep dive into the Book of Job and finally made the commitment to tackle this complicated yet fascinating piece within the Old Testament "wisdom literature" books.
Some of the initial research I've read from Christian scholars suggest that Job in part helps to describe the relationship we have with our Creator and His awesome creation. As much as we would like to have firm answers to tough questions like "why is suffering a part of our lives," Job shows us that we are in a fluid and dynamic relationship with God, and the answers to life's challenging questions aren't always cut and dried.
I'll start with the first chapter of Job and highlight a few insights that stand out to me. I'm looking forward to reading your ideas as well!
This book adds a new twist to the old covenant idea that a righteous life is guaranteed to yield positive results immediately and indefinitely during this short mortal existence we have. Job "...was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1; NKJ version unless otherwise noted). Despite this, Job's world was destroyed by Satan, and the interaction between Satan and God in the beginning of this text shows how much our adversary hates humanity. It's also encouraging, though, that Satan can only do what God allows him to do (note 1:12 and 2:6). The devil's power over us is contained and limited by God.
After having his possessions and property destroyed and stolen along with having his children killed by a "great wind" (1:19), I am amazed at the initial faith and devotion Job illustrates when he says, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (1:21).
Job refused to curse God as Satan hoped he would, but as the story unfolds, Job has some serious complaints about his suffering. I can relate. I know that trials build character and strengthen our relationship with God, but I hate going through them and my attitude is usually not grateful while I'm in pain. I certainly haven't progressed to the "rejoice in our sufferings" ideal expressed by Jesus and his apostles in the early church.
Merry Christmas and enjoy the remainder of this holiday season!
Dave
I am a new member of Christian Chat and look forward to the fellowship and sharing ideas within this community.
I've always wanted to do a deep dive into the Book of Job and finally made the commitment to tackle this complicated yet fascinating piece within the Old Testament "wisdom literature" books.
Some of the initial research I've read from Christian scholars suggest that Job in part helps to describe the relationship we have with our Creator and His awesome creation. As much as we would like to have firm answers to tough questions like "why is suffering a part of our lives," Job shows us that we are in a fluid and dynamic relationship with God, and the answers to life's challenging questions aren't always cut and dried.
I'll start with the first chapter of Job and highlight a few insights that stand out to me. I'm looking forward to reading your ideas as well!
This book adds a new twist to the old covenant idea that a righteous life is guaranteed to yield positive results immediately and indefinitely during this short mortal existence we have. Job "...was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1; NKJ version unless otherwise noted). Despite this, Job's world was destroyed by Satan, and the interaction between Satan and God in the beginning of this text shows how much our adversary hates humanity. It's also encouraging, though, that Satan can only do what God allows him to do (note 1:12 and 2:6). The devil's power over us is contained and limited by God.
After having his possessions and property destroyed and stolen along with having his children killed by a "great wind" (1:19), I am amazed at the initial faith and devotion Job illustrates when he says, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (1:21).
Job refused to curse God as Satan hoped he would, but as the story unfolds, Job has some serious complaints about his suffering. I can relate. I know that trials build character and strengthen our relationship with God, but I hate going through them and my attitude is usually not grateful while I'm in pain. I certainly haven't progressed to the "rejoice in our sufferings" ideal expressed by Jesus and his apostles in the early church.
Merry Christmas and enjoy the remainder of this holiday season!
Dave